Our Story

Born from a Simple Idea
Sun Valley Rent A Car was born from a simple but powerful idea: travelers in Costa Rica deserve honest, hassle-free car rentals backed by exceptional customer service.

We saw too many visitors frustrated by hidden fees, poor communication, and unreliable vehicles — and we knew we could do better. That’s why we created Sun Valley: to offer a transparent, people-first rental experience where what you were quoted is what you pay.


Our Story Begins with Andrew (“Andy”) Hersey

The story of Sun Valley begins with Andy Hersey — a lifelong car enthusiast, born in Boston and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. Andy was known not just for his love of cars but for his signature style, Elvis Presley fandom, and deep passion for craftsmanship.

In Florida, Andy built a name for himself through Andy’s Custom Auto Works, his successful paint and body repair shop specializing in custom jobs, insurance work, Corvettes, and vintage cars. His work was known for its quality, precision, and care — values that would later shape Sun Valley Rent A Car.

In 1984, Andy sold his business and made the bold move to Santa Ana, Costa Rica, where he started a new chapter — and another thriving auto body business: Andy’s Taller de Carrocería Para Autos. His integrity, skill, and friendliness earned him deep respect and lasting relationships within the community.

What started informally — loaning vehicles to friends and family visiting Costa Rica — gradually turned into something more. Andy realized that the country needed a better kind of rental experience: one rooted in trust, value, and personalized service.


Where We Are Today

Over the last 5 years, Sun Valley Rent A Car has grown tremendously from a local operation into a trusted provider for travelers from around the world. We’ve expanded our fleet of modern 4×4 SUVs, established a dedicated office just 1 km from the SJO Airport, and built a reputation for going the extra mile.

But some things will never change:

✅ No hidden fees
✅ Transparent pricing and policies
✅ Free extras like second drivers, child seats, coolers, and delivery to the airport or your hotel
✅ Warm, personalized service from a family-run team

We’re not just handing over keys — we’re helping you start your Costa Rica adventure with peace of mind, reliability, and care.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sun Valley family!

Honoring Andy’s legacy

In 1989, Andy welcomed his son Aaron in Costa Rica. Growing up in and around the family business, Aaron learned everything about cars, customer service, and business ethics directly from his dad. Together, they worked side by side for many years, focused on delivering excellent service and earning the loyalty of their customers.

Today, Aaron Hersey proudly operates Sun Valley Rent A Car, carrying forward his father’s legacy with the same core values: honesty, transparency, and a genuine commitment to service — honoring Andy’s lifelong dedication to excellence and integrity.
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