Hertz - Hertz in Italy

Looking for experience with Hertz in Italy.

After some business in Venice, my wife and I are spending a few days in Como and then dropping off at MXP before flying home. I've been able to get a reservation from Avis for about 193 Euros for a Compact (VW Golf). Through Auto Europe, I can get a pre-paid Hertz rate for around the same price.

Is Hertz Gold and 5* worth anything? If I thought I could have a decent shot at an upgrade, that might outweigh the downsides of the pre-paid rental. If, however, I stand a chance of getting the same car from Hertz and Avis I'd probably go in that direction.

Any advice?

Depending on where you go in Italy, it sometime pays NOT to get an upgraded car. The first time my wife and I went we were upgraded through Hertz and the car was VERY tight inside some of the city walls within Umbria.

There are stations in Italy that do not have a single automatic car. If you can shift the manual stick you are perfectly fine. I had a reservation in Florence for a tiny car automatic from Hertz and at the end of the day had to accept relatively large wagon manual.

I would certainly accept insurances. Italians have a habit to park on sound and unintentionally scratch cars. Some good CC might help but one needs to be careful anyway.