I arrived today in HSV to pick up my premium reservation. I did a quick scan of the row of cars for possible PCARs: Grand Marquis, Taurus SEL, LaCrosse, Taurus Limited, 300, 300. The lady in the booth (same one as I've mentioned above) offers me the choice of either a 300 or the Grand Marquis. I asked if it would be possible to get a Taurus or the LaCrosse. She looked at the keys and told me the LaCrosse is already under contract, but did give me a Taurus (the SEL, sadly not the Limited).

While I've been hoping to get a LaCrosse for quite a while, I'm perfectly fine with the Taurus. I am simply curious how a car still parked in the lot is "already under contract." I didn't ask then because I didn't want to be miscontsrued as confrontational over the issue.

Is "already under contract" when someone calls ahead to request a specific car? Would she be bluffing to hold the car for anyone else who would pay non-corporate-negotiated PCAR rates (and I'd be paying discounted FCAR due to exec status and my employer's rate)? Anyone have other ideas?