I attempted to finally utilize some of the benefits of Amex Centurion and utilize the President's Club benefit with Avis. I have not used them in several years and decided to use them at Fort Myers Airport last week to see if things have improved. First off, I booked a premium car in anticipation of being upgraded to a Cadillac or other luxury car. When I arrived, I found a Ford Taurus in the spot with an explanation that they were oversold and could not provide not only the car I booked but no upgrade which appeared to be a guaranteed benefit of the Centurion program. I mentioned it and the CS agent looked totally clueless. They did not have other cars explaining the fleet has been slow in coming. I was forced to take this Taurus which had multiple scars, what appeared to be bald tires, a dirty interior and yes 23,000 miles on the odometer.

My experience turned from bad to worse on Turkey day when the vehicle broke down and I contacted roadside asisistance for help. The car literally broke down with it having a burning smell from the engine and a check engine soon light. The central roadside attempted to get the city and the never picked up. To make a long story short, Avis literally left me stranded at my hotel and couild not arrange for a new car to be brought. First, it was the tow company was busy on police cars, then they had no cars, then the manager would personally bring it on his way home as they had no drivers and finally said there were only two people working on Thanksgiving and I should take a cab to the airport. Sadly, there are little cabs working on Thanksgiving day in Fort Myers. I was literally stuck until the next day when the Hertz in the hotel opened up and I was able to get a car.

To make matters worse, I don't think Avis has even picked up the car yet as according to Customer Service (they are horrible too), the contract shows open!

Please people: it is not worth the few dollars savings STAY AWAY FROM AVIS