Just tried a manager special for the first time at LAX. I got an email the morning of saying to look at the gold board for my assignment. Arrived, name not on board. Asked attendant and showed email on phone, and I was told to just pick something from Gold aisle. Took a look through PC, but the selection was the same and unexciting (CX3, Altima, Malibu, etc.). The lot had many Teslas, Mustangs, luxury Germans, etc, but they were all reserved. Then a low mileage hybrid was deposited back at Gold aisle, so I pounced on it. At the check-out, clerk radioed manager to ask if PC would be allowed to pick E6 category when A6 reserved without upcharge, got OK, and sent me on my way.

I was unsure about trying manager special to save about $50, but I would do it again now.