Hertz - Five Star Upgrades when reserving make/model

Does anyone have any experience on reduced chance of a 5* upgrade if reserving a specific make/model (ie. reserving a Mazda 6 instead of a Classic, Corolla or Similar)?

Will the gold booth resist an upgrade if the reservation is specific to make/model?

Does anyone have any experience on reduced chance of a 5* upgrade if reserving a specific make/model (ie. reserving a Mazda 6 instead of a Classic, Corolla or Similar)?

Will the gold booth resist an upgrade if the reservation is specific to make/model?

No personal experience here, but I would say they stick to the specific request. I can imagine people getting annoyed if a change were made, even an upgrade.

BTW, my 5-star upgrade percentage is about 5%, so I've pretty much given up on the program.

i would bet you could ask for and get an upgrade after you arrive. I doubt they will upgrade you ahead of time since it is a specific reservation unless they are out of the model.

A couple of weeks ago, I reserved a midsize Mazda6 in PHX (during spring training weekend). However, when I got to my stall, there was a Taurus that had dings on every door panel as well as a long dent on top of the trunklid.

Not only was this my umpteenth Taurus (I appreciate the "upgrade", but I'm really getting tired of them), but the dents/dings made me go back to the Gold desk and ask for a downgrade to any midsize. The kind agent didn't have any midsize cars, but gave me keys to an '06 Avalon.

If you have a specific car in your profile, they will generally try to give it to you, and will sometimes get upset when you ask for something else (even 5*). I've had a little better experience, maybe 25% upgrades.

Easiest way to get what you want is to call the desk at your final destination within a few hours of your arrival, and tell them what you want. Before that, they don't always know if they'll have one back.

Except Tauruses, they always have Tauruses. :rolleyes:

If they have one you want (or a second or third choice) on the lot within a few hours of your rental time, I've found they'll generally give it to you.

So, it may be worth your while to look up the local number at your destination ahead of time.