How did i take the Taos? I assume you mean how did i LIKE it? It was fine. Simple and easy. I wouldn't go out of my way to rent one again, but if I am given the option of a brand new 2023 model or a 2020 model, im almost always going to take the newer one if I can. They offered and i jumped at taking it- i didnt ask for a price adjustment because they were giving me what I asked for (and im almost sure a midsize SUV in NYC is more expensive than a premium).

As for the Premium trick--booking it because there are so few Premium cars in many fleets, now that Tauruses and Impalas are getting aged out-- it can backfire. I find that National keeps newer cars on hand, so they dont shove you into an old Premium model they have laying around, but Avis has put me in 2018 Lincolns, Mercedes CLAs, etc., because they're "upgrading" you to a better brand but much crappier car. But when I'm renting in the city, its usually for no more than a day and worth that risk. I'd HATE to fly somewhere for a long drive-heavy trip and end up in a 2018 car with horrible tech and 40k miles on it.