Review of AVIS RENT A CAR - HEAD OFFICE

We recently hired a vehicle in East London to travel to Cape Town over five days. The first car an Audi was dirty inside and had wires hanging from the console. The M Benz replacement, at times a harrowing drive; turned out the rear shock absorbers were broken. They had rented a non roadworthy vehicle to us.
Discussion with the Manager at the East London office resulted in being told it's up to previous renters to notify them of any damage to the vehicle i.e.: the broken shock absorbers!!
When did customers become mechanics? What about the duty of care of a hire car company to provide safe vehicles?

We were given a BMW for the remainder of the hire contract and agreed on a form of compensation. However on returning the vehicle to CapeTown Airport in the same condition we had received it, we were advised that an assessment of some damage to the rear bumper upon return was holding up the crediting to the cardholder!
After sending photos of the Condition Report of the BMW clearly showing the damage prior to our period with the car, all of a sudden the damage report was voided.
We are still waiting for the agreed compensation to be credited.. Their slogan of people first and vehicles second may need to be readdressed. Contract No: ******** FYI