Hertz - Gas prices affecting inventory?

I decided to pick up a car this weekend after noticing premium class vehicles for $50 a weekend day at LGA on Hertz's last minute offers page (compared to $95 a day for a mid-size without a discount). I didn't particularly want a class G, mainly because I didn't want to try and park something that big on a Manhattan street, but I hoped for an upgrade.

Unfortunately I had a Grand Marquis in my slot. When I went in to try and downgrade I was told they had no small cars - everybody wanted them because of their higher fuel efficiency.

I managed to bargain my way into a G35, but was surprised at the lack of inventory. Is this happening anywhere else?

I haven't been getting overly large cars, but that's probably because I have the largest vehicles "blocked" in my profile.

Also, my company has one of the largest contracts with Hertz, and as a result, a $2.20/gallon corporate refueling rate - I don't think Hertz would want to upgrade me to a Crown Victoria or Expedition, only to get it back with an empty tank. :p :D

I haven't had any issues.

I guess it's because I am an early bird. Usually, I get my size choice that has been sitting there overnight.

I really should get Hertz Gold.

I would not be surprised if more and more people are renting smaller cars, using the "reserve by model" option where available. As a PC, I seem to be getting more Kia's then Crown Vics, but the Amanti has almost as bad mileage, so I usually toss them $10 and get the Town Car so I can at least be comfortable. :)

I know if a Taurus is in my slot, I always go back for the Camry, since I'd rather have the I4 then V6 and unless it is the DOHC V6, the I4 makes the same hp. :rolleyes:

I know with National Car rental in Las Vegas last weekend the only cars left were SUVs in the Emerald Aisle (their program similar to Gold). In theory that's a big upgrade from the intermediate, but as stated, gas prices I'm sure were the major consideration for that being left. In my case, I do enjoy the extra room even if at the extra expense.

I'm finally getting those Navigator upgrades from premium reservations that I couldn't get for love nor money last winter. :rolleyes:

Unless you REALLY drive a lot, the upgrades to bigger cars are worth it. It amazes me how people don't flinch to spend a fortune on all sorts of things, but when it comes to paying an extra $1 a gallon for gasoline, its the end of the world. If you drive for an entire tank of gas, you're looking at an extra $20 max compared to what you used to pay. Big deal. In most cases, gas isn't actually $1 more a gallon and tanks aren't even that big.

I have rented some larger cars that get better mileage than certain small cars. Some examples are below:

Ford CV/Merc GM is a big car. (class G). I can get 26-27 highway mpg at 70 mph. The base V6 Taurus/Sable is smaller & gets only 22 highway mpg at 70 mph. The CV/GM is more comfortable. :)

I rented a Kia Optima (smaller mid size) and I got 28 highway mpg. The Chevy Impala is a full size, gets over 30 mpg highway & has decent acceleration. I get low/mid 30's with the Toyota Camry.

Kia Amenti is a H class car. I got terrible mileage for the size. 22 highway & 20 overall. I will almost always ask for another car if I get one of these in my stall. :td:

Bottom line: I am looking for comfort without excessive fuel consumption. I like it if there are certain cars in my stall. (Impala, Malibu LS, Century, Camry, etc). If there is a Lincoln, Audi, Jag, etc in my stall, I will splurge for one of those! ^