if you can avoid the dreaded Malibu, PS status is OK, but often I end up with old ratty "full-size" cars that look like they were rented by the "Jackass" movie crew. for the past few months every initial car has been a freakin Malibu, and every time I gripe my way into a Century, which is nothing special but at least those all have cassette decks which let me listen to my iPod with an adapter.

in Greensboro a few months ago they tried to give me a Malibu with over 30K miles on it, that wouldn't start, and the door went "screeeeeeeeeeeek" when I opened it then it sagged like it was going to fall off. the bored Mall-Chyk at the counter rolled her eyes and made a huge deal out of my dissatisfaction with lots of sighs and such. ugh.

it certainly varies by location: at MCI there's nearly always a large Buick waiting for me, running, AC on if necessary, WSJ on the seat (if I had a bird it'd be useful for something but I'd rather have the NYT). but that's about the only location where the PS status recognition is consistent for me. elsewhere it's almost always a trip to the office to get a better car.