Avis - Have you ever refused an upgrade?

Hi,

I've seen the thread "List your Upgrades"and I was wondering if you're always happy with your upgrades? Last year I'd booked a sub compact car in FL for four days. When I'm at the airport to pick it up I get a Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan instead. I was about to freak out. I've never driven anything that large before. I'm European and used to small cars. I own a Renault Clio and thinks its luxury to drive a VW Golf instead of Peugeot 206. I protested wildly but they said that it was the smallest car they had in stock since it was Nascar and everything was already rented. I was not happy but thought I could endure it since it was only for four days. However, my question is. What if the same thing would happen when I'm going on a road trip for 15 days? It will end up being a lot more expensive since the gas cost will be higher. Is there anything I can do in advance not to get an upgrade?

Thanks

Yup, I've turned down upgrades for a few reasons:
-Fuel cost (almost always, "upgrades" are in size, but not always in luxury)
-Location: If I'm going around big cities and/or Europe, I don't want a large/wide car. I'd rather something smaller to scoot around in

Regarding "how do I prevent getting stuffed with a Caravan or other large car?" There are a few techniques:
-Arrive early in a day, before the lot is picked of good stuff
-Don't arrive Tues/Weds/Thurs when most business travelers have arrived and the lots are bare
-Don't get into town where there's a big weekend event after Friday morning (like you observed with NASCAR)

Your only real options once you're there, though, are slim (walking to another agency, etc). A few tricks that you can try:
-Book cars at 3 agencies without cancellation penalties. Go to the cheapest one you've got booked and see what they have. If they can't give you anything decent, walk over to Option B/C.
-Call the morning of/day before and say you need something small/etc and hope they keep something for you
-Talk to the manager and tell them you booked small for a reason and the difference in gas for X days/miles will by $y and you either: a) want $y off of your final bill, or b) The size you reserved. This won't always work, but it has in some situations.

I usually refuse the really cool sports cars. To me, it is just not practical - fuel efficiency, luggage space, too flashy/attract crimes.

A couple of years ago, I arrived at BOS (Logan) and had a reservation for a C (intermediate). Avis tried to give me a Ford Explorer (Class W, Standard SUV). Went to the Preferred counter and got a Nissan Altima (E).

Didn't want the fuel mileage penalty.

Ford Mustang convertible in the snow, no thanks for that upgrade, but how about trying again in the summer?

Any time I tried to use the "one class upgrade" code from full-size to premium, I always seem to end up in a Grand Marquis. And I always, ALWAYS decline.

Once at DEN, reserved full-size, was given a full-size GMC SUV (Suburban?). Went back to Preferred kiosk to find out they were all out of 'anything with a trunk', but was able to talk my way down to a Ford Flex Limited.

The first few times I flew into LAX & SFO, they tried to stick me with convertibles; those are just as quickly refused as the Grand Marquis.

It will end up being a lot more expensive since the gas cost will be higher.Gas??? I thought you said you were european...? ;)

I've definitely thought of doing so, but I'm usually in too much of a hurry when I get to the airport to bother stopping and dealing with the counter. Avis has apparently decided that I like SUVs quite a bit and that I want the same one over and over. I ended up with a dozen Santa Fes last year and 3 straight. Escapes in the last 2 weeks. I almost had a heart attack on Monday when I saw a 528i in my spot, but, alas, it didn't have my name on it, and my Escape was parked next door.

On one occasion I was issued a Grand Marquis and immediately informed the Preferred staff that the upgrade was appreciated however impractically large and in jeopardy of damage from simply trying to exit their garage. They offered a Ford Focus which I also declined having become aware of a minor performance defect with the 2012 model largely unknown to the general public. They patiently went above and beyond eventually making a VW CC available-which has since become my vehicle of choice. To make a long story short, before driving away the Avis rep asked if there were any additional preferences I would like added to the "Miscellaneous Comments" field on my record. Since those notes were added there has not been a single instance where the vehicle preferences noted in my record were not honored to the slightest detail. If you are picking up at a location for the first time, call that branch directly and request to have the notes added. They will probably say they can't offer any guarantee for specifics, but in my experience they honestly do try to provide exactly or near as possible to what you would like.

**NOTE: You must speak with an Avis rep at an Avis location in order to have these notes added to your record. It is not available via customer portals (Avis First, Preferred, or otherwise). And the call center/general telephone number reps didn't know what I was referring to when I asked to add more particulars.

**Edit: Additional Tip: If the vehicles they list as available don't meet your needs when declining your pre-assigned option, ask the rep if they would have a moment to ask if additional vehicles might be ready but not yet added to the READY LINE (specific term used internally by Avis employees) including a specific model if that's what you want. There normally are more cars ready than what the READY LINE has listed because the staffer who checks the car and enters it as available in the system might not have had a moment to do so. Furthermore, Avis and Budget brands operate as separate entities but are in fact one company with access to both vehicle fleets. Although I've never rented through Budget and thus am only certain of a Budget to Avis transfer.

I've definitely thought of doing so, but I'm usually in too much of a hurry when I get to the airport to bother stopping and dealing with the counter. Avis has apparently decided that I like SUVs quite a bit and that I want the same one over and over. I ended up with a dozen Santa Fes last year and 3 straight. Escapes in the last 2 weeks. I almost had a heart attack on Monday when I saw a 528i in my spot, but, alas, it didn't have my name on it, and my Escape was parked next door.

I also get a lot of SUV's, just got a Jeep compass last week in Nashville. I have taken a few Grand Marquis but after complaining about them it is now in my notes to not give them to me anymore, and I haven't gotten one since. And finally, I did get a 328i a few weeks ago in Cincinnatti, it was SWEET! Never drove a BMW before and figure I will probably never drive one again.

I have refused two upgrades (that I can remember) and both times it was because the car was impractically large (and I like SUVs) for the situation I needed it for.

Both times the agent gladly horse traded with me for something else, one time I was given a CTS (Atlanta, GA.) instead of the Chevy Tahoe and the other time I was given an Audi A4 (South Africa) instead of a Toyota SUV.

Dan

I refused a Lincoln Town Car several times in Miami. Just not the right car for that location, or anywhere for that matter. I would feel like a limo driver.

Ford Mustang convertible in the snow, no thanks for that upgrade, but how about trying again in the summer?

Ding. Same here.

But they did then offer an upgrade to a small SUV which I took.

Thank you all. I got some great tips. Can I ask why you don't like Grand Marquis? Just curious.

Thank you all. I got some great tips. Can I ask why you don't like Grand Marquis? Just curious.

OMC! Old Man Car

On one occasion I was issued a Grand Marquis and immediately informed the Preferred staff that the upgrade was appreciated however impractically large and in jeopardy of damage from simply trying to exit their garage. They offered a Ford Focus which I also declined having become aware of a minor performance defect with the 2012 model largely unknown to the general public. They patiently went above and beyond eventually making a VW CC available-which has since become my vehicle of choice. To make a long story short, before driving away the Avis rep asked if there were any additional preferences I would like added to the "Miscellaneous Comments" field on my record. Since those notes were added there has not been a single instance where the vehicle preferences noted in my record were not honored to the slightest detail. If you are picking up at a location for the first time, call that branch directly and request to have the notes added. They will probably say they can't offer any guarantee for specifics, but in my experience they honestly do try to provide exactly or near as possible to what you would like.

**NOTE: You must speak with an Avis rep at an Avis location in order to have these notes added to your record. It is not available via customer portals (Avis First, Preferred, or otherwise). And the call center/general telephone number reps didn't know what I was referring to when I asked to add more particulars.

**Edit: Additional Tip: If the vehicles they list as available don't meet your needs when declining your pre-assigned option, ask the rep if they would have a moment to ask if additional vehicles might be ready but not yet added to the READY LINE (specific term used internally by Avis employees) including a specific model if that's what you want. There normally are more cars ready than what the READY LINE has listed because the staffer who checks the car and enters it as available in the system might not have had a moment to do so. Furthermore, Avis and Budget brands operate as separate entities but are in fact one company with access to both vehicle fleets. Although I've never rented through Budget and thus am only certain of a Budget to Avis transfer.
If you don't mind my asking, what 'minor performance defect' on the '12 Focus are you referring to? I know there's been some concern about the dry-clutch PowerShift gearbox in the Fiesta, but the affected vehicles have received a programming change which was supposed to fix the issue.

They offered a Ford Focus which I also declined having become aware of a minor performance defect with the 2012 model largely unknown to the general public.

If you don't mind my asking, what 'minor performance defect' on the '12 Focus are you referring to? I know there's been some concern about the dry-clutch PowerShift gearbox in the Fiesta, but the affected vehicles have received a programming change which was supposed to fix the issue.


Agreed...you can't leave us hanging!

The issue I had with the 2012 Ford Focus occurred while driving on 395 in the DC area. Whenever the car reached or exceeded 60mph it began to jerk, shake and became near impossible to steer. It felt like the car was having a seizure. After decelerating to 50mph (in a 55mph zone mind you), it slowly calmed to a maneuverable state. This happened twice within an hour and I immediately took it back to Avis to swap for a vehicle I felt more confident wouldn't kill me. When describing the problem to the gentleman in the returns line, I didn't even get past the end of my first sentence before he described exactly what I went through without any input from me. He said that I was not the first person to immediately come back with the 2012 Ford Focus with this exact issue.

This is one of several significant issues which frankly lead me to think of this car as a death trap. The link below to Auto Recalls for Consumers lists other instances during which other drivers were in a situation similar to what I experience. If you haven't had any problems with them, I hope you never will. But I will never drive one again.

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/ford/focus/power_train/problem.aspx

As for the Grand Marquis, I live in and rent vehicles for use in the DC Metro area which involves a lot of parallel parking. I already have a difficult time driving a car the size of an aircraft carrier on city streets and would never be able to find parking for it without lucking into an open space large enough or spending ridiculous amounts of money to valet or garage park it everywhere I go; not to mention the glutenous fuel consumption. It might be the vehicle of choice for some people, but for me it's completely impractical and wasteful to bother with.

More than once have I been upgraded to a Town Car. They'll usually offer something else along those lines with a Cadillac CTS or Lincoln MKZ as the most common. In the winter I've generally managed to ask for an AWD SUV.

This weeks upgrade at MCO was from a Ford Fusion to a Hyundai Sonata. Talked them into getting me a Hyundai Genesis.

More than once have I been upgraded to a Town Car. They'll usually offer something else along those lines with a Cadillac CTS or Lincoln MKZ as the most common. In the winter I've generally managed to ask for an AWD SUV.

This weeks upgrade at MCO was from a Ford Fusion to a Hyundai Sonata. Talked them into getting me a Hyundai Genesis.
From what I hear, the new ('12) Sonata is actually a very nice car - but kudos on grabbing the Genesis.

I turn down the sports cars and the SUVs. I don't like driving the SUVs any more and the sports cars are uncomfortable for me. Happens a bunch

Not turned down as such, but certainly negotiated my way sideways. For instance, turning up for a full-size:

"Want an SUV for the same price?"

"Actually, no thanks, with the luggage and all..."

"How about a Grand Marquis?"

"Ummmm..."

"Chrysler 300?"

"Done!"

For the OP's question, though, of what happens if you show up for a fifteen-day road trip and they don't have anything except a minivan: your best bet is to ask nicely if you can exchange it for something else at the next Avis location along your route.

Can I ask why you don't like Grand Marquis? Just curious.

Grandma key.

For the OP's question, though, of what happens if you show up for a fifteen-day road trip and they don't have anything except a minivan: your best bet is to ask nicely if you can exchange it for something else at the next Avis location along your route.

You actually dont need to ask. Just simply stop by any AVIS station and tell them you need to swap cars. They may ask for a reason, and simply state you "arent comfortable in this car" or any kind of normal excuse. They'll swap your car out without issue. I've done it many times, when i thought I liked a car, but 100 miles into a trip, really hated it.

I wish they would have an option in the reservation requests to decline the (IMHO)downgrade to larger cars. It seems when I'm renting for only myself, I get a large car/SUV/Mini-van, but when I'm off to visit my 400lb brother and his 300lb wife, I always get what I pay for :eek:

My personal vehicle is a Toyota Corolla and I'm not comfortable driving anything much larger than that. They seem to think the Chrysler 300 is my favorite car, yet I hate the thing. At SFO I rolled my eyes when she said I had the 300. I told her I want the smallest thing she had and she asked why was I a Presidential/First/Plutonium if I didn't like large cars ?
I want the "walk to my spot & drive off" that Avis offers ... just let me decide if I want the upgrade or not.

As a weekend renter, the rates for larger models are usually only 50 cents or one dollar increments for each size up. Yet I always book the Economy. It's not to save 50 cents folks, it's truly what I want.

I've never done the cross fleet thing with Avis/Budget, but once Dollar offered me a small car at Thrifty without me specifically asking.

I often wonder if I'd enjoy National better with their "pick any car this section" method. And are they ok if I picked from a lower section.

It wasn't a voluntary downgrade, but the thread has reminded me of it.

I once showed up at a neighbourhood branch of Europcar / National in the south-west of England. I had booked an Economy with guaranteed upgrade and was offered this (http://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2008-picanto/1024x768/wallpaper_08.htm). When I questioned it, the gruff woman behind the counter said it was already an upgrade.

From a bicycle, presumably. :D

funny.... I was just thinking that next sunday, while at JFK, I will get stuck with a SUV..and trying to come up with ways to say that I have no interest in driving it around NYC (and trying to parking it :rolleyes: )

From what I hear, the new ('12) Sonata is actually a very nice car - but kudos on grabbing the Genesis.

The current (and last generation) Sonatas have been very nice. Infact, I actually perfer to get them over most of the other cars, but just at PWM. I can get to where I need to go and back, plus some running around, on a tank of gas.

A midsized family car at MCO is just asking for a snot covered, drool filled experience.

Thank you all. I got some great tips. Can I ask why you don't like Grand Marquis? Just curious.



OMC! Old Man Car

Or, as one of my college friends put it, a "Republican Ride".

The most annoying car assignment are those idiotic microvan things like the Kia Soul. No trunk, horrible blind spots, and look like a cardboard box rolling down the road.

If you found the Kia Soul to be an...adventure, just hop on into the Nissan Cube. There would be no finer example of truth in advertising. The Nissan Cube is exactly that. The interior felt quite cavernous, however the cube doesn't handle corners all that gracefully (big shocker) and the reflections from every source of light are brilliantly reflected into the driver's view by the driver's side and front passenger windows. I'm psychologically sound but it felt what I imagine a schizophrenic visions are like.

Curious to know if the agent at the counter must VERBALLY inform the renter about the upgrade.

I rented A and got D.
The agent didnt inform me of this at the counter ("your car is at C2")

I dont recall signing anything that would say that I would agree to upgrade
( I may have missed it) based on my reservation request.

Not venting...just seeking general information.

Curious to know if the agent at the counter must VERBALLY inform the renter about the upgrade.

I rented A and got D.
The agent didnt inform me of this at the counter ("your car is at C2")

I dont recall signing anything that would say that I would agree to upgrade
( I may have missed it) based on my reservation request.

Not venting...just seeking general information.

Two comments:
1. It's all about what's written (contract, terms & conditions, etc) as that's the only proof later. Verbally, I don't think they "must" inform you of anything.
2. Avis.com lists the following:
(Avis.com -> Customer Service -> FAQs -> USA -> Rental Locations & Vehicles -> Can I reserve a specific make/model of car?)

Examples of Avis vehicle fleets by country may be viewed through the Car Guide found in the Cars & Services section of our Avis.com website. Please know, the make/models shown on our Avis.com website are examples only. Avis is unable to guarantee a specific make/model. All car groups and models may not be available at all Avis locations.

If you definitely want to reserve a specific make/model, check out our Cool Car collection.


I'm sure there's wording somewhere else, too, but I can't find it anywhere.

I finally had time to go back to the counter for once and refuse an upgrade. I was in IND earlier this week and reserved an intermediate and was "upgraded" to a Chrysler 300, which is quite possibly the world's worst car in every sense of the word. The agent was, for some reason, surprised that I didn't want the 300, but immediately put me into a Pathfinder, which wouldn't have been my first choice, but definitely beat walking.

Travelling with my gf, I always refuse upgrade. Most of my travel involve road-trip and I certainly do not want to end up with a gas guzzler.

Economy and compact are fine with me. I appreciate cruise control when I have it though.

Once in YVR, I accepted an upgrade from Budget from a compact car to a Ford Flex. Hopefully, it was just a 2-day rental and I was staying in town. I rented another one three days later to drive to Jasper and Banff and hopefully got a compact!

Minos

I finally had time to go back to the counter for once and refuse an upgrade. I was in IND earlier this week and reserved an intermediate and was "upgraded" to a Chrysler 300, which is quite possibly the world's worst car in every sense of the word. The agent was, for some reason, surprised that I didn't want the 300, but immediately put me into a Pathfinder, which wouldn't have been my first choice, but definitely beat walking.

If it was the new 300, I think you may have done yourself a disservice. I had a negative view toward this car as well until I drove it 800+ miles and was thoroughly impressed.

I finally had time to go back to the counter for once and refuse an upgrade. I was in IND earlier this week and reserved an intermediate and was "upgraded" to a Chrysler 300, which is quite possibly the world's worst car in every sense of the word. The agent was, for some reason, surprised that I didn't want the 300, but immediately put me into a Pathfinder, which wouldn't have been my first choice, but definitely beat walking.

To each his own I guess, i was upgraded to a 300 in January and was very happy with it.

To each his own I guess, i was upgraded to a 300 in January and was very happy with it.

If two Penn Staters agree on it, you know it has to be a good car!

If two Penn Staters agree on it, you know it has to be a good car!

Yes Sir!

Can't help but notice we still haven't gotten the answer re: the '12 Ford Focus and it's 'fatal flaw'...

Can't help but notice we still haven't gotten the answer re: the '12 Ford Focus and it's 'fatal flaw'...

If I'm not mistaken, post #18 from this thread details my experience with the 2012 Ford Focus as well as a link to other user complaints and recalls for this particular model. There really isn't more detail that I think I could add to this that would be enlightening for drivers about the potential safety hazards. If you have something more specific in mind or an aspect you'd like further explained to support the validity of this cautionary note I invite you to feel free to ask me. But in the absence of your specific question, I'm not sure it would be possible to adequately respond to your....

I have never refused an upgrade. On one occasion a BMW was there instead of a Lincoln. On another upgrade the Mid Size Nissan had some major work to be done and the manager came out to apologize to my Father. So I said to the Manager can you please take us to your best available car. He gave us the keys to a Jaguar(:

Once in Houston they were giving us a Honda Accord with not enough room in the back seat and we were promised a Premium Car with the Upgrade so after some time they gave us a Grand Marquis. Mind you the lady at the Rental Car counter was being rude with us. Our reservation was confirmed for a Premium Car. The Honda Accord was listed as a Full Size Car. When I stood my ground this lady threatened to call the police. I told her your company is not honoring our confirmed Premium Car and politely told her that by calling the police your not helping the situation.

When this lady's manager came out he was so apologetic and could not believe the rental car counter lady felt threatened enough to call the police. Not once did I even raise my voice. The manager gave us 4 free days and told us in front of the agent that we are getting 4 free days and a consequence for the agent(:

In Europe instead of the Renault we got a BMW sedan.

When an upgrade is offered we take it(:

I often refuse upgrades. I reserve the car size that I want. I don't take pleasure from having a large gas guzzler, and I think SUVs are close to evil, in addition to not having a trunk to hide your valuables. Sometimes I'm willing to go up a size if we have a lot of stuff on vacation.

I got "no SUVs" put in my profile and that helps. Agents never give me a hard time about turning down an upgrade.

I often refuse upgrades. I reserve the car size that I want. I don't take pleasure from having a large gas guzzler, and I think SUVs are close to evil, in addition to not having a trunk to hide your valuables. Sometimes I'm willing to go up a size if we have a lot of stuff on vacation.

I got "no SUVs" put in my profile and that helps. Agents never give me a hard time about turning down an upgrade.

If you manage to get a 2013 Ford Escape the gas mileage is surprisingly good. I had a new AWD one a few weeks back, the average for the week was 27 mpg. There are still plenty of the "old school" SUVs which struggle to get 20.

Thank you all. I got some great tips. Can I ask why you don't like Grand Marquis? Just curious.

OMG, let me count the ways.


Huge, flabbly, slow.
Turning circle of the Queen Mary II.
Horrible fuel economy.
Squishy bench seat, column-shifter. How 1964!
Last updated in 1996 or something.
Old-lady radio with giant buttons and no CD/aux/iPod hookup.
A car for people who hate cars and hate driving**


I got more, just ask.

** also applies to Toyota Prius :D

Recently was in CLE, and they had only four cars left. They told me, "do you mind an upgrade to a Chevy Tahoe?"

Being as large as a living room, I declined it...after that was a Caravan, a red Nissan Versa, and a Prius. Never drove a Prius before, so I tried that out. I didn't want a red car with New York plates in Ohio, which has greater propensity to attract things that are usually black, white, and blue.

Er, um...Prius was different, but it fights with your car-expectations constantly. I was pleased to get 50 mph in mixed driving with the A/C on, which proves the EPA figures aren't a lie for once.

I don't know if I declined an upgrade so much as made a lateral move today. At SFO, was assigned a red Ford Mustang V6. I have a Fiesta at home, and I find the Mustang cramped by comparison. I decided to take advantage of the new "Select & Go" system; a few neat cars available in the upgrade aisle (including a Camaro, a Fiat 500, a Mini Cooper and, yes, a Prius), but the exchange aisle was less so - a selection of Chevy Impalas/Malibus, a Mitsu Galant, etc. Initially I was going to take a Ford Fusion (although it was only an SE), but then I noticed the shiny new (< 300mi) 2013 Escape SEL, and my curiosity got the better of me, even despite the recent bad press/recalls. (FWIW, I like the ride; the feel is more car-like than the old Escape.)

Yes, in Germany, I booked a BMW 3 series was offered a Mercedes C180 (One class higher), refused the upgrade since the Mercedes was Automatic transmission and IMO it takes the fun out of driving

I was cheeky to check if they would offer an Audi TT instead, unfortunately they had none of those :D

I tried to decline my beat up Prius "presidents upgrade" but was informed the only other car available on a full lot was an Impala.

Ford Mustang convertible in the snow, no thanks for that upgrade, but how about trying again in the summer?

LOL!! Same here, I even refused in the summer. Last time got BMW :)

No, I've never had occasion to refuse an upgrade. I did once nearly puke when I found that I was getting a Malibu for 3 weeks, but it turned out to be not that bad. That's the downside to renting from a non-airport location as a not-PC/CHM. As a PC, they'd bring me D cars from the airport, but not so much now that I'm not PC.

I don't really mind the Grand Marquis for long drives on the Interstate. They're reasonably comfortable cars, even if they do handle not-terribly-well on real roads. In the past, people would confuse them for Crown Vics and get out of your way, which was always nice.

At DCA yesterday, turned down beat-up Mazda 3. C'mon, please, I'm Avis First and reserved an intermediate. Was offered an Impala. NO. Grand Marquis. NO. Corolla. NO, SRSLY, NO. Ended up with a new-ish Camry. Not my favorite but it'll do.

Why are some locations so mulish about upgrades?

Everytime I'm offered one. I want the car that gives the best mileage, and say so right at the beginning everytime. Even within the Subcompact or Economy class, at every rental agency, when given a choice of car, it's an easy choice for me: Toyota, Hundai, Kia, Nissan etc. (unless a hybrid is offered).

At DCA yesterday, turned down beat-up Mazda 3.

For a small/compact car, it's probably my favorite. All the trimmings for AUX/phone charging, direct steering, just enough engine punch, actually responds quickly to up/down clutch-less shifting. I usually prefer a smaller car, there's times it comes in handy to have a small, maneuverable vehicle. I could see where these incremental traits aren't really useful, let alone of any use to others, though.

Not recommended for more than a single passenger, though...the rear seats are a squeeze.

Wouldn't mind a small (well-equipped) car but this 3 looked beat to hell and back. Still have the Camry but very tired of it. What a lousy drivetrain: bogogogoghghhghg*mash*RARRRRRRRHHHGHGHGHGH. Jeez, I just wanna scoot up a little and this thing downshifts like five gears and redlines.

Why can't I get a dadblanged stickshift anymore... grrr.