I had always wondered why I didn't rent with Thrifty more often. Now I remembered why.

Had a confirmed reservation last saturday at Austin. Lined up for over 15 mins while the single agent checked in a non-Blue Chip customer. When it came to my turn, I still had to fill in a CDW form, advise my insurance agent in California, checked my creditcard, asked for my contact number and hotel I am staying at in Austin, was not offered an upgrade, and finally given my contract. The walk from the counter to get the car felt like miles away. When I got there, the agent had forgotten to enclose my key in the contract envelope. I had to trek back to the counter only to find out that another agent had picked up the keys to delievr to me. Agent did not apologise nor offer an upgrade. Trekked back to the car - it stank of piss for some reason. But decided to take it instead of the 'upgrade' offered because the other car did not come with a CD player.

Thanks Thrifty. I now remember why I don't use Blue Chip more often.

I rented for the first time from Thrifty in SAN. The bus picked me up from the terminal after about a 10 minute wait. The staff were very friendly and helped me with my bags.

But I was a little surprised that I still had to sign the rental form, initial that I did not want the various extra damage waivers and liability caps, present my credit card, etc.

I had elected a "Geo Metro or similar" and I got a Clownmobile -- a flaming red Suzuki something-or-other that I could probably lift out of the way in a traffic jam. The car was so tiny and tinny, but it was exactly what I had bargained for (Avis would always upgrade me) I guess.

The return process was fairly painless, but it wasn't really cheap. Less than Avis, though, so it was worthwhile.

I'll keep Thrifty as my back-up car rental company but they aren't going to make it for prime time for me.