I've had similar problems with the service at Hertz in LaGuardia -- enough so that I complained (just a bit on their standard Gold Form). I was surprised to get a reply -- a standard we'll tell the manager (with cc; to the manager's name so maybe they did). To their credit the two times afterwards I had no problems (of course I know there's no relation but hey..)

That convertible rate is something to envy. I'm going to LAX in a few weeks and decided to get a convertible from Hertz myself for a day, figure it's a good place to drive with the top down. I believe I get a contract rate of a little under $50. Not terrible, but obviously not great.

THanks for the informative trip report.