I've mentioned this on a couple of other threads this year, but it's time to start a dedicated thread. National's yield management is a bit wacky this year, at least with the base Emerald Club rate. More and more, I keep on finding myself trading out to specialty vehicles elsewhere for less money, primarily but not always using the Costco codes. Some of these are even in the National family.

Recent examples of where keeping it in the family was still cheaper while still getting a car which I would happily take off the ES.
- 1-day weekday rental at TUS. Was $25 cheaper via Costco to rent Premium from Alamo than ES. Got upgraded to a LCAR (ATS).
- Upcoming 2-day weekday rental at PHX. ES $182, Alamo Standard SUV via Costco $146.

As much as I like the ES, I like it because about 85% of the time I get either a standard SUV, a crossover such as an Equinox, or a nicer premium sedan. If I can do just as well at the time of reservation, with essentially last year's ES fleet... why bother?