I was Avis First since the inception of that program. This year, I got a status match to National Executive, and am liking it. Too often, I found that my name wasn't on the board, the Preferred desk was closed, and I ended up in a giant line behind lots of casual renters and walk-ups. With National, you don't have that problem.

I will say, however, that YMMV based on your primary rental locations. Some stations (both National and Avis) are better run than others. I also haven't rented with Avis since they started the new select & go program, so that may have also helped matters.