AWD/4WD SUV from Avis
Sep 23, 2013, 2:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 13
AWD/4WD SUV from Avis
I plan to rent a car from Avis NY JFK in early Jan. I am trying to get a AWD/4WD for the possible snow. I have contacted Avis and been told the only way to get such a car is by going for the Elite SUV...
Does anyone have experiences with the Intermediate and Standard SUVs? Are any of then 4WD/AWD or is there any way to secure one?
Does anyone have experiences with the Intermediate and Standard SUVs? Are any of then 4WD/AWD or is there any way to secure one?
Sep 23, 2013, 8:09 am
#2
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Don't buy the "elite SUVs have AWD/4WD", it's a crappy upsell try and a lie by Avis. Some in each category will be 2WD/AWD/4WD but there's no way to be sure before you get there. Reserving something bigger won't guarantee anything but might give you more bargaining power when you show up.
Last edited by IAHtraveler; Sep 29, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Sep 25, 2013, 5:28 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 13
Don't buy the "elite SUVs have AWD/4WD", it's a crappy upsell try and a lie by Avis. Some in each category will be 2WD/AWD/4WD but there's no way to be sure before you get there. Reserving something bigger won't guarantee anything but might give you more bargaining power when you show up.
And even more confusing is that both standard SUV and intermediate are more expensive than the luxury class.
If it wasn't for winter I would go that that in a minute but I really do not want to end up with a RWD car in snow...
Last edited by IAHtraveler; Sep 29, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Sep 25, 2013, 1:23 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
Almost all non-SUV's are Front Wheel Drive... a few exceptions of course.
Chances of getting a RWD car in NYC is incredibly slim.
Sep 28, 2013, 4:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: 90210
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 121
Don't buy the "elite SUVs have AWD/4WD", it's a crappy upsell try and a lie by Avis. Some in each category will be 2WD/AWD/4WD but there's no way to be sure before you get there. Reserving something bigger won't guarantee anything but might give you more bargaining power when you show up.
Last edited by IAHtraveler; Sep 29, 2013 at 9:01 pm
Sep 30, 2013, 2:40 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: WAS-ish
Programs: UA 1K-MM + UC, Marriott Plat, National Exec
Posts: 1,341
The Intermediate SUV class is actually a pretty good bet, because it includes two Subarus (Outback and Forester) that only come in AWD. I've seen a lot of Outbacks in various Select-and-Go sections, and if you call ahead 24 hours and request a Subaru, you've got a pretty good shot.
Most of the other SUVs come in both 2WD and AWD configurations, so if you get an Escape, Compass, or whatever, you'll want to check the configuration. My experience is that it's usually obvious on the vehicle itself, but the agent in the booth will have no idea how your assigned vehicle is configured (it's in their system, but hidden way down deep).
Most of the other SUVs come in both 2WD and AWD configurations, so if you get an Escape, Compass, or whatever, you'll want to check the configuration. My experience is that it's usually obvious on the vehicle itself, but the agent in the booth will have no idea how your assigned vehicle is configured (it's in their system, but hidden way down deep).
Sep 30, 2013, 4:16 pm
#9
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Same experience here. One quick way to tell is to look at the keys if the agent has the keys but the cars are out in a lot. The model name will typically (but not always) be followed by a 4 if it's a 4x4/AWD.