Picked up recently from Avis CDG (T2) at the outbuilding with car park directly in front. Thought I’d share my experience here if it’s helpful for anyone.

There is a Preferred line, technically, but it is a single server queue and was stuck with a guy demanding a specific vehicle. I was helped immediately in the normal queue. Staff was very friendly.

I had reserved an “intermediate SUV.” My car and contract had been preassigned. A very beat up Ford Puma with scratches and dents and cloth seats was waiting for me — a bit of a stretch to call this an “intermediate SUV” but I always lower my standards when it comes to size in Europe. The car was as basic as it comes, and definitely not an upgrade of any kind. “This is the maximum upgrade category anyway,” explained the woman, but she promised to see what she could do.

She returned about 10 minutes later saying she found me a better car. She pulled out a Renault Megane sedan … asked if I’d prefer this, showing me the inside, etc. It wasn’t an SUV, but it was pretty new and decently spacious. Sure. “Ok, €50 upgrade.” Per day?! “Yes.” She must have seen the look of incredulity on my face. “50% off ok?” she offered. Uh, no. I’m not taking a downgrade from an SUV and paying for the privilege.

She made a few calls and finally turned up a MG EHS hybrid SUV about an hour of waiting later. It only has 1,500 kms on the odometer but was also pretty beat up on the outside with nasty gashes and dents. By this point we were ready to go — fine. Presidents Club status is obviously worthless here.

While we were waiting for the second car I walked through the Europcar, Sixt and Hertz parking lots. By and large, they had much nicer vehicles than Avis. Avis, for example, had no luxury brands — just MG, Renault, Nissan, VW (only a Golf) and Toyota (only a Corolla wagon). The other agencies had plenty of Mercedes, BMWs, Volvos, Teslas, and a mix of more standard brands that looked far less scratched and dented up than Avis. I’ll definitely favor one of the other agencies next time.