Avis - Confused traveller has question...

Hello!
I have a Costco discount for Alamo and Avis for when I fly into Green Bay, Wi. this fall.
I actually haven't rented a car for quite awhile! The online booking is new to me. I'm used to talking to humans! ;)

Anyway, I noticed that Avis (at least in Green Bay) is quite a bit more expensive than Alamo, even for the same car. (Like a Pontiac 6?) I'm trying to get more information as to why I should pay more? I don't mind paying more if it's worth it... are the cars in better shape or newer at Avis?
Is the service better? If I get stuck somewhere, does Avis rescue stranded drivers quicker?

In looking for reviews etc. it seems there are a lot of horror stories! Yikes! I was starting to wish we were just driving our own car all the way to Wisconson (from California!)
Oh well, I'm hoping things will work out, but I'd sure appreciate a little clarity on why I should pay more for Avis!
Thanks so much!!

I had great service with Avis on my last rental, but the horror stories are out there. I like them cause at least where I rent they seem to carry a lot of variety in their fleet, unlike National which as of late seems to be all Korean cars. However, in this market, nearly every company is cutting staff and failing to give the existing staff any incentive to try harder (pun intended) and keeping cars longer. Therefore it's best to shop on price imho.

Whats the price difference?

Some of the frequent flyer bonuses (especially the 5000 Delta miles for 4 days) can make a higher rate worth it.

But yes, otherwise, shop on price. A car is a car is a car.

Thanks for the replies...

The price difference is over $130.00 for Avis.

The coupon seems to claim about the same 40 dollars off for the week roughly.

I must confess that I found this forum as I was looking for information... I don't have a frequent flyer program going at this time. I'd love to though, as it would mean we'd be travelling more! :)

Another thing is that on the Avis web site it does show way more variety on cars! I'd almost be tempted to go with the Outback they show since we'll be travelling country roads, but the "or similar" thing makes me wary.

On another thread, I read (in a nutshell) that your luck often depends on the mood of the rep and whether or not "he likes you"! I'm all for catching more flies with honey, but still... yikes! LOL!

The price difference is over $130.00 for Avis.

I don't have a frequent flyer program going at this time.
Take the cheaper rate.

Another thing is that on the Avis web site it does show way more variety on cars! I'd almost be tempted to go with the Outback they show since we'll be travelling country roads, but the "or similar" thing makes me wary.

Its not the friendly agent, nor is it the luck of the irish... Its merely the car availability on what you get.

Look at the sticky in this forum which describes what cars come in what classes, and you'll know what cars you might get.

You can always ask for a different car, and if its in your class and available, agents will give it to you. I've never had an issue asking, and them searching through inventory. I've also walked the lot and found a car I liked, and asked if it was available.

And of course, this has nothing to do with AVIS... This holds true for every rental company... So as indufan mentions above, "take the cheaper rate"

Thanks for the advise! It really helps a lot! I'll go the cheaper and then see what I can get when I get there! :)

Will probably go with Alamo since they're the cheapest, but they only show 4 "classes" of cars on their web site. They don't show any SUVs, just the economy to full size?

Also, they charge 10 bucks a day for me to drive as well as my husband. Why???? We already have insurance on both of us. Is this just a "got ya"? Like only one person is expected to do all the driving? Avis does not charge for a spouse to drive, and they would have unlimited miles if we were to book with them at the time and place we're going, but they still come out more expensive than Alamo. But now not by much with the 2nd driver charge.
Arggg.