I don't usually rent with Avis, but with Hertz if they assign me a SUV or something I don't really want, I just ask the gold booth agent (I'm not sure what the Avis equivalent is) and usually they can get me something more along the lines of what I'm looking for. On Saturday at SLC I booked a midsize car and although I was assigned a Sentra (two weeks ago I was assigned an Acadia @:-)) I asked for and received a 2013 Malibu.

Does Avis have profiles for its frequent renters? I asked the agent on Saturday to put a note in my profile stating "no Nissans"; I've asked for similar favors in the past (e.g. "no Corollas") and it has made a difference (haven't been offered a Corolla since October). To do that you have to ask an agent in person or call in; there's no way to do it yourself.

-J.