Thanks for your replys and certainly to be aware of up-selling, ptownca.

I realise that coming from Europe (and small under-motorised cars!) our little visit in California makes a good opportunity for something comepletely different;-) So, in order to make the most of it, I have a few additional questions.

Our arrival in SFO is thursday afternoon the 9th of april (i.e. before easter) . Perhaps not the best time car-wise, but I guess there will be a lot more people arriving the following day(s).

1) Just to be sure, I head for the Gold desk at the Hertz area. Thanks to "Gold Canopy", they will have prepared the documents for a certain car, but nonetheless there is a possibility to change that, that beeing free or a paid upgrade. ( I'm asking since I've seen a few threads indicating, that the parking space is where the negotiation is happening)

2) As mentioned I've booked IFAR. Considering the likely possibilities, should I go for a Ford Escape if possible? What about the different Jeep opportunities that may be available, are any of them good? (I'm not visiting the US to drive european or asian brands!)

3) What would be a realistic free upgrade from IFAR? Though I studied this Hertz forum and the fleet list thread, I don't fully understand how the hierarchy of classes work, and certainly not when involving SUVs. (Though I booked IFAR, SUV is not a "must")