Avis - YVR: Should I take Full/Premium/Luxury?

Hello - I'm a rental car novice with a lot of questions and worries :-)

I'm going to Vancouver this august and I need a car for 8 days there (Rocky Mountains road trip). It seems that I can find the best rates at AVIS, but I don't have that much experience in renting cars.

I want a nice, big comfortable V6 RWD car (I live in Denmark where you have to earn $250,000 to buy a $40,000 car, so we're only used to small cars over here).

Specifically, I'd love to get a Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 or Cadillac CTS/DTS, as I think these cars are cool - but the fleet lists on this forum confuses me.

On orbitz.com, the Dodge Charger is listed as a Full Size car at AVIS (avis.ca doesn't list the Charger). But I guess that i might as well get a Chevy Impala, or Malibu/Ford Taurus/Nissan altima (which have smaller I4 engines.)

The Premium example car is the Chrysler 300, which would be fine for me, and i can easily pay the extra money, but then I could also risk getting a Buick Lacrosse or Volkswagen Passat CC, which have small I4 engines on the entry levels.

Even if I book a Luxury, i might get a Lincoln MKZ with a smaller I4 engine...
And I might also get the HUGE Lincoln Town Car, which seems like a nightmare to handle at small parking lots, and it has an awfully low gas mileage (it seems like several of the luxury cars are quite thirsty)...


What to do? Will it be possible for me, to pick any available car model, at the rental desk, from within the selected class, or will they just assign me a random one?

And what if I book a Luxury car, but there's only the Lincoln Town Car available - could I then ask for one of the available premium cars instead? And would it be possible to get a refund on the rate differerence?

Hopefully, someone could answer my questions. Thank you very much in advance ;-)

Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 or Cadillac CTS/DTS

Chevy Impala, or Malibu/Ford Taurus/Nissan altima (which have smaller I4 engines.)

Chrysler 300...but then I could also risk getting a Buick Lacrosse or Volkswagen Passat CC, which have small I4 engines on the entry levels.

Lincoln MKZ with a smaller I4 engine...



Really, it's much easier to get a large, gasoline-consuming car than you think. ;)

The current Chevrolet Impala is a large car with 3.6L 24-valve engine but front wheel drive.

A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has recently become available on the Ford Taurus but most models will be a 3.5L V-6. Taurus is also a large sedan based on passenger room and trunk capacity.

There are some 4-cylinder hybrid Lincoln MKZs but most will have a 3.5L V-6. This is yet another front wheel drive car; midsize, not large.

Buick LaCrosse is another possible 4-cylinder hybrid but most will have a 3.6L V-6.

The Cadillac DTS has been out of production for some time but you may find a few in the fleet. This is a large FWD V-8.

There are midsize Chevrolet Malibus with a 3.5L V-6 but most will be a 2.4L I-4. Same is true of the Nissan Altimas, although 2.5L with CVT.

A reservation for Premium should strike a balance to keep you out of Malibu/Altima while keeping rental costs more affordable than luxury.

A reservation for Premium should strike a balance to keep you out of Malibu/Altima while keeping rental costs more affordable than luxury.

I agree that Premium is the sweet spot. It also allows for the possibility of an upgrade to Luxury.

Thanks for the quick replies!

Well, maybe I worry too much.

But is is possible, at the rental location desk, to ask "I booked a premium, what cars do you have available right now?" And then pick the model that i prefer?

AND, let's say that i book a Luxury for instance, and the only available cars in the class are the bulky Town Car/Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria ones which I don't like... Could I then ask for the available cars in the premium class for instance, and pick one of these cars? Like a voluntary downgrade?

But is is possible, at the rental location desk, to ask "I booked a premium, what cars do you have available right now?" And then pick the model that i prefer?


If I care about the car I rent I will walk the lot to see what cars they have before appearing at the counter.

If I care about the car I rent I will walk the lot to see what cars they have before appearing at the counter.

OK?

So you just walk through the parking lot and take note of the locations of the cars in the class you have rented - and then go to the counter and ask for the red Mustang at G16 for instance?

Is it normal/acceptable behavior to do that? I would fear that they would regard me as an annoying/demanding customer that wants to interfere with their work... But as I said, I am a novice when it comes to rental cars.

OK?

So you just walk through the parking lot and take note of the locations of the cars in the class you have rented - and then go to the counter and ask for the red Mustang at G16 for instance?

Is it normal/acceptable behavior to do that? I would fear that they would regard me as an annoying/demanding customer that wants to interfere with their work... But as I said, I am a novice when it comes to rental cars.

Aw sir... You are way too polite... Good for you. Be nice, gentle and smile. North Americans are generally friendly people. They will try selling you an upgrade but you can always bargain. In the end they are there to make you happy as long as you are not being a jerk to them.

I have had full size/ premium reservations and have gotten upgraded to MKS, Cadillac, BMW and Mercedes at multiple places. Sometimes even free. All the very best man and enjoy your trip. I will be doing the same trip from Spokane-Vancouver-Whistler-Jasper-Lake Louise-Banff-Waterton-Whitefish-Spokane next month. excited. :)

OK?

So you just walk through the parking lot and take note of the locations of the cars in the class you have rented - and then go to the counter and ask for the red Mustang at G16 for instance?

Is it normal/acceptable behavior to do that?

If I have a reserved the car class in which the Mustang is rented, sure. 'What kind of cars do you have today? How about that red Mustang in G16?' That's pretty much how I would phrase it. If you're asking for an upgrade - you like that bulky black Cadillac Escalade but have a midsize reserved - prepare to pay - maybe even more than you would have had you reserved class Luxury SUV.

If I have a reserved the car class in which the Mustang is rented, sure. 'What kind of cars do you have today? How about that red Mustang in G16?' That's pretty much how I would phrase it. If you're asking for an upgrade - you like that bulky black Cadillac Escalade but have a midsize reserved - prepare to pay - maybe even more than you would have had you reserved class Luxury SUV.

Cool! I think I should print the fleet list from this forum and have it with me, so I know which cars I can ask for, after taking a look at the lot...

Cool! I think I should print the fleet list from this forum and have it with me, so I know which cars I can ask for, after taking a look at the lot...

That's unnecessary and most of the list will probably be irrelevant. Not every location has every car. Walk the lot and talk to the counter. They're going to be happy to place you in the car you'd prefer. They are there to make sure you leave as a happy and satisfied customer.

At LAX they know I like mustangs and will generally put me in one. Last time I was there I needed a sedan and jokingly said how about the Genesis they just finished drying off in the chairman lot, haha? The lady kept typing and a few seconds later I was handed the keys to the car with a smile!

That's unnecessary and most of the list will probably be irrelevant. Not every location has every car. Walk the lot and talk to the counter. They're going to be happy to place you in the car you'd prefer. They are there to make sure you leave as a happy and satisfied customer.


I'd just have the list with me, to have an idea of which cars that might be in the Premium category, so I don't have to waste time asking for cars of another class...

I'm from a country (Denmark) where most people that serves customers are generally just impolite and unhelpful - so I forgot that the service is so much better in america :)


Have any if you tried the Nissan Maxima? The CVR transmission sounds interesting - maybe I should ask for that one, if it's in the lot...

A Maxima is certainly powerful, and sized to be more maneuverable in traffic than a Chrysler 300. I would probably go for a Hyundai Genesis first, then a well-equipped Chrysler 300, a Maxima, then the Dodge Charger. The implementation of the CVT on V-6 Nissans is rather poor, frankly; hit the gas and it just sound like a big kitchen mixer.

A Maxima is certainly powerful, and sized to be more maneuverable in traffic than a Chrysler 300. I would probably go for a Hyundai Genesis first, then a well-equipped Chrysler 300, a Maxima, then the Dodge Charger. The implementation of the CVT on V-6 Nissans is rather poor, frankly; hit the gas and it just sound like a big kitchen mixer.

OK... I've never really seen Hyundai (or Nissan) as a premium car brand. In Denmark they are only known for making small and affordable (and boring) cars - all the "rich" people drives a german (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) or american car, not an asian car... But it shouldn't surprise me if the american cars are behind the asian ones, when it comes to technology...

About the Maxima and CVT, well I've seen some youtube videos, and it's got a rather high RPM throughout the acceleration, but I read that it's because the transmission computer is always trying to keep the engine running in the most efficient RPM range, by constantly adjusting the gear ratio to the speed and acceleration... I just thought it could be a funny car to try as it has at special transmission, normally only seen on scooters and other small vehicles.

So you'd rate the Chrysler 300 much higher than the Charger? I thought it was basically the exact same car, with a different body styling and interior?

From your first post:

I want a nice, big comfortable V6 RWD car...

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis (comparing V-6 engines) is the most powerful of the cars discussed in this thread. It has a directed-injected engine and 8-speed automatic (new features not found on the 2012 model).

The Maxima is down a size class in total passenger and cargo volume according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (which measures such things to compare like cars for fuel economy). It's also front-wheel-drive. I've driven thousands of miles in Maximas, Muranos and other Nissan vehicles with CVT. CVT is the low point - not the high point.

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger share a platform and engines - the same way a VW Golf and Audi TT share a platform and engines. ;) The 300 sells at a much higher price point and is generally the better equipped car.

Enjoy your rental and your journey.

From your first post:

I want a nice, big comfortable V6 RWD car...

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis (comparing V-6 engines) is the most powerful of the cars discussed in this thread. It has a directed-injected engine and 8-speed automatic (new features not found on the 2012 model).

The Maxima is down a size class in total passenger and cargo volume according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (which measures such things to compare like cars for fuel economy). It's also front-wheel-drive. I've driven thousands of miles in Maximas, Muranos and other Nissan vehicles with CVT. CVT is the low point - not the high point.

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger share a platform and engines - the same way a VW Golf and Audi TT share a platform and engines. ;) The 300 sells at a much higher price point and is generally the better equipped car.

Enjoy your rental and your journey.

I think you mean the 2012 Genesis has those features and not the 2011. ;)

How much luggage do you have? How many passengers are you traveling with? The G37X is a great car, but compared to the Genesis, interior room and trunk space are tight.

My personal preferences are, with most favored first:

2012 Infiniti M37X (can fit at most 4 adults, not much luggage room though)
2013 Lincoln MKS (4 adults, plenty of luggage room)
2012 Infiniti G37X (if you don't have much luggage or many passengers)
2012 Hyundai Genesis (take this over G37X if you have more luggage and passengers)
2013 Ford Taurus Limited (4 adults, plenty of luggage room, not as many goodies as MKS though)
2012 Buick Lacrosse (if you can find a loaded one, but trunk is tiny)
2012 Cadillac CTS
2012 Chrysler 300/2012 Nissan Maxima (tied for me, I don't mind CVT that much; 300 has a lot of trunk space)
2012 Dodge Charger

We're just me and my girlfriend, and have one suitcase and one smaller bag each...
Actually we could make everything fit into the trunk of a Mustang Convertible last year so the space is not a concern.

We're going to drive for many hours each day so we'd appreciate a comfortable cabin and nice seats, plenty of leg space etc. AND we'd like a powerful engine...
And because we are in (north) america, an american car would be the obvious choice :-)

And it would also be cool if it was looking cool ;) (I think at least Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger qualifies here - Crown Victoria doesn't :( - but i must admit that the Genesis and Maxima also looks pretty cool, but not as iconic as the Charger and 300)

We're just me and my girlfriend, and have one suitcase and one smaller bag each...
Actually we could make everything fit into the trunk of a Mustang Convertible last year so the space is not a concern.

We're going to drive for many hours each day so we'd appreciate a comfortable cabin and nice seats, plenty of leg space etc. AND we'd like a powerful engine...
And because we are in (north) america, an american car would be the obvious choice :-)

And it would also be cool if it was looking cool ;) (I think at least Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger qualifies here - Crown Victoria doesn't :( - but i must admit that the Genesis and Maxima also looks pretty cool, but not as iconic as the Charger and 300)

The 300 and Charger look cool and have lot's of interior room, but they don't handle that well- better adapted to highway driving, not canyon carving.

For sportier fun drives, you can't go wrong with the G37X or the 2012 Hyundai Genesis (make sure it has curved LED accent lights- definitive evidence of improved 2012 Genesis).

Been noticing tons of Hyundai hate/uncertainty on the forums...
My friend drives the brand new Genesis R Spec and it will destroy any German/Asian/American car in that price range. Bring me a car that has better specs and more well equipped than the new Genesis R Spec. :D

It drives like a dream too.. I was in Korea in November and people need to definitely keep their eyes out on the new cars that will hit the market for Hyundai and Kia... Genesis, Equus and Optima is only the beginning of Korean vehicle manufacturing dominance. The price range/specs/equipment these vehicles come with compared to any bmw/mercedes/lexus is ridiculous. Some people just can't get past the brand... I find that sad.

BTW I drive a pretty nice German car ;)

Definitely sounds like the Genesis is worth a try... I can see that it's mentioned in the Luxury class but I booked a Premium...

But - as far as you guys told - I could just take a walk around the parking lot and see if I can find any Genesis - and then go to the counter and ask for it, and hope that they'd give me that car?

I picked up a car at YVR on Friday. I didn't see any Genesis, though they have lots of Sonatas. They also have a lot of 300's (not sure which level) and some BMW 3 series.

Ron.

Do you guys have any tips about spotting the right cars?

I.e., if the Genesis or G37X is not available, I prefer the Chrysler 300 with 8-speed instead of 5, and the newest edition possible (may 2013 appear in the fleet in end-august?) - and I'd prefer the "Limited" edition over the standard edition etc.

It'd be nice with a few pointers that could help me to spot the best equipped car, of a specific brand/model.

Do you guys have any tips about spotting the right cars?

I.e., if the Genesis or G37X is not available, I prefer the Chrysler 300 with 8-speed instead of 5, and the newest edition possible (may 2013 appear in the fleet in end-august?) - and I'd prefer the "Limited" edition over the standard edition etc.

It'd be nice with a few pointers that could help me to spot the best equipped car, of a specific brand/model.

The 300 Limited has slightly larger wheels (uses chrome clad wheels) than the base 300 (uses painted aluminum wheels). The Limited also adds dual stainless exhausts. Take a quick look at the console area to check whether it has the 8-speed E-shifter.

I doubt the 2013 300s will have any changes.

OK... I've never really seen Hyundai (or Nissan) as a premium car brand. In Denmark they are only known for making small and affordable (and boring) cars - all the "rich" people drives a german (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) or american car, not an asian car... But it shouldn't surprise me if the american cars are behind the asian ones, when it comes to technology...

I strongly recommend reading a test drive (http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2012/01/Test_Drive_2012_Hyundai_Genesis/) or two (http://www.businessinsider.com/test-drive-the-hyundai-genesis-is-koreas-answer-to-bmw-2012-2#) or three (http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/genesis/).

Of all the options you listed, the Genesis would be my first choice.

A Maxima is certainly powerful, and sized to be more maneuverable in traffic than a Chrysler 300. I would probably go for a Hyundai Genesis first, then a well-equipped Chrysler 300, a Maxima, then the Dodge Charger. The implementation of the CVT on V-6 Nissans is rather poor, frankly; hit the gas and it just sound like a big kitchen mixer.

Just to clarify, are we saying that a Genesis is a Premium rather than Luxury? That sounds like a pretty good deal from what I've head about that car.

I've got a Premium reservation at LAX tomorrow morning, just trying to figure out what to request if I don't like what they've assigned to me. I'm weirdly temped to see if I can get a Buick, purely because I've never driven a Buick before.

Just in case anyone needs closure on my dull not-quite-anecdote, turned out there weren't any Geneses anyway. Assigned a Chrysler 300, swapped it for a Buick Lacrosse and crossed an extremely dull item off my bucket list.

Not a fan of the Lacrosse at all. Apart from the weird floatiness that one can only expect in a huge front-drive American sedan, the main problem was the air conditioner seems to have been ripped out of the GM parts bin and originally destined for something much smaller. It wasn't even particularly hot by LA summer standards and I had to drive with the windows down to keep myself coolish.

Also noticed an astonishing number of honest-to-god Crown Vics still haunting the lot at LAX. Like watching a herd of wooly mammoths casually strolling down the street.

Anyway, on the topic of the thread, I'm really not sure that there are too many worthwhile cars in the Premium bucket nowadays. In future I'm inclined to get a Cam-fus-ibu and save some hydrocarbons.

I actually really like the new Chrysler 300 (would never buy one but it makes a very nice rental) and had one for a month a while back from National. Though I seem to be in the minority here.

That said, Avis seems to have a ton of 2013 Taurus Limiteds in their fleet as Premium which are very nice. They are better equipped than the 300 with HD radio, BLIS (Blind Spot Indicator with Cross Traffic Alert), rear sonar sensors, ventilated seats [in addition to heated], and a better sound system (also one I had also had a sun roof).