Cars at YYJ
May 5, 2013 | 6:59 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
I've been long overdue to make a post about this location, as I have rented from here extensively for the last four years.
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
- YYJ - In Terminal, Emerald Counter location (no aisle)
- Downtown - Across from the Convention Centre, they do pick-ups at area hotels during the peak hours of the day
- Midtown - Douglas and Burnside area, this is essentially a franchise within a franchise type of arrangement with an owner-op. Mostly does dealership/body shop rentals but still open for retail.
- Colwood - Similar to Midtown, located across from the Casino on the Colwood Crawl
- Sidney - Close to the airport, does pick-ups from the ferry terminal and marinas which is handy. Limited selection as it's the smallest location of the five.
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
Jun 20, 2013 | 11:10 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SEA
Programs: Hertz PC,National EE,Hilton Diamond,Marriott Titanium, AS Gold 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 153
I've been long overdue to make a post about this location, as I have rented from here extensively for the last four years.
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
- YYJ - In Terminal, Emerald Counter location (no aisle)
- Downtown - Across from the Convention Centre, they do pick-ups at area hotels during the peak hours of the day
- Midtown - Douglas and Burnside area, this is essentially a franchise within a franchise type of arrangement with an owner-op. Mostly does dealership/body shop rentals but still open for retail.
- Colwood - Similar to Midtown, located across from the Casino on the Colwood Crawl
- Sidney - Close to the airport, does pick-ups from the ferry terminal and marinas which is handy. Limited selection as it's the smallest location of the five.
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
Thanks
Jun 22, 2013 | 5:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,684
I've been long overdue to make a post about this location, as I have rented from here extensively for the last four years.
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
National has five locations in Victoria, all of which are owned by the same franchise that runs all the Vancouver Island locations (except for Campbell River which is an independent).
- YYJ - In Terminal, Emerald Counter location (no aisle)
- Downtown - Across from the Convention Centre, they do pick-ups at area hotels during the peak hours of the day
- Midtown - Douglas and Burnside area, this is essentially a franchise within a franchise type of arrangement with an owner-op. Mostly does dealership/body shop rentals but still open for retail.
- Colwood - Similar to Midtown, located across from the Casino on the Colwood Crawl
- Sidney - Close to the airport, does pick-ups from the ferry terminal and marinas which is handy. Limited selection as it's the smallest location of the five.
Fleet
This is based on my primary experiences with the airport and downtown. The other locations share the same fleet but some of the dealership-catering locations with have select Ford/GM products to meet customer demand. Usually these don't go to retail unless they have nothing else (I've asked before). Mileage does vary. Most of the Mazdas and Subarus are on buyback with local dealers so often they get turned back before 15,000 km. Some of the more under-utilized vehicles like vans and convertibles can stray up to and above the 40k mark. Generally the cars are well kept though.
Economy/Compact - Mazda2 (90%+), also Ford Fiesta
Intermediate - Mazda3, sedan and hatch, mostly base models but some Skyactiv models too, including some with moonroof and leather, also Subaru Impreza and a few Chevy Cruze
Fullsize - Mazda6 (only ever seen them with leather and moonroof) and Subaru Legacy (seen a handful of 3.6R models but never gotten one), as they don't have a Standard class the Mazda5 (SXAR) will sometimes go out as a Full, which I have no issue with as they are darned handy
Minivan - Grand Caravans with Stow n' Go
Intermediate SUV - Subaru Forester or Outback, a few Nissan Rogue on occasion
Standard SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Fullsize SUV - Jeep Commander
Convertible - Ford Mustang V6, some Mitsu Eclipse Spyders still in the fleet (4-cyl with the Rockford Fosgate sound system, just rented one this weekend)
They also have a full line of pickup trucks, cargo and moving vans, and 15-passengers at all locations. generally speaking the trucks don't go out of downtown or the airport as they don't have the space, so your closest alternates are Midtown and Sidney respectively which both seem to have a good selection. Was nice to get a 16' box truck two weekends ago to help my dad empty a storage locker and get a rental credit for it! ^
General Consensus: A decently honest franchise that aims to please. They will usually upgrade an EC member one class; some managers will get to know what you like and let you go even further within reason (i.e. I often get a Forester or Outback on an ICAR rate). Marching in and waving your Elite card around like it's a Platinum Amex doesn't garner any sway here, as in keeping with the town Victoria is a very people-focused city and it's all about recognizing names and faces. Their fleet may not be the most diverse in town but I've found the customer service to be great and I like having in-town National locations which seem to be becoming a rarity these days.
Happy renting...and if any of you happen out this way you know who to PM for a pint!
I wish National here would get some of the nicer cars. Hopefully they refresh the premium/luxury fleet. Apparently they buy these cars at auction 2nd hand.
As Tuneman said. Great customer service, especially when they know you.
Aug 14, 2017 | 12:17 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Skymiles GM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National EE, Hertz 5*
Posts: 390
Time to add in my datapoints.
Received a Subaru Outback (SFAR) for my ICAR reservation which was generally great because it was a higher trim level filled with electronic gadgetry (eg. Eyesight, blind spot detection, cargo mat, Blue accent lighting).
Also spotted
Subaru forester
Fiat 500L
Hyundai santa fe
Mazda CX-5
Hyundai accent
Kia Soul
Hyundai Elantra
Dodge Grand Caravan
VW Golf
Chrysler Town + Country
Received a Subaru Outback (SFAR) for my ICAR reservation which was generally great because it was a higher trim level filled with electronic gadgetry (eg. Eyesight, blind spot detection, cargo mat, Blue accent lighting).
Also spotted
Subaru forester
Fiat 500L
Hyundai santa fe
Mazda CX-5
Hyundai accent
Kia Soul
Hyundai Elantra
Dodge Grand Caravan
VW Golf
Chrysler Town + Country
Last edited by SoroSuub1; Jan 8, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Jun 9, 2021 | 6:39 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: YEG, Alberta
Programs: National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 27
Well I see it's been a few years since anyone has posted here but figured I'd ask.
Flying into Vic in a couple weeks and got a Full-Size res with National, anyone able to advise what the pickings have been like lately? I'd prefer to rent from a UC location but that's in a different health region and I'd prefer not to pay for the ferry.
Flying into Vic in a couple weeks and got a Full-Size res with National, anyone able to advise what the pickings have been like lately? I'd prefer to rent from a UC location but that's in a different health region and I'd prefer not to pay for the ferry.
Feb 28, 2024 | 1:42 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: YQR
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Sixt Platinum, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 35
It might be resurrecting an old thread but thought it could be of value to somebody:
Rented from the YYJ Airport location (franchised location)
They had very few options that day - 710am, Saturday morning.
Booked Full Size (this location has emerald counter, but no aisle access) - there's a row in the rental car lot for National vehicles but they are assigned from the agent inside the terminal.
Offered an Equinox, inquired about anything smaller like a sedan but the only other unspoken for vehicle on the lot was two Rav4's. I took one (a 2024 Rav4, <3000km).
Other vehicles in the row that day included an Elantra, Tuscon, and several Rav4 and Equinox. About 12 vehicles in total at the time I was there.
Rented from the YYJ Airport location (franchised location)
They had very few options that day - 710am, Saturday morning.
Booked Full Size (this location has emerald counter, but no aisle access) - there's a row in the rental car lot for National vehicles but they are assigned from the agent inside the terminal.
Offered an Equinox, inquired about anything smaller like a sedan but the only other unspoken for vehicle on the lot was two Rav4's. I took one (a 2024 Rav4, <3000km).
Other vehicles in the row that day included an Elantra, Tuscon, and several Rav4 and Equinox. About 12 vehicles in total at the time I was there.