Arrived @430PM on a Saturday (04-01-06) for a weekly "midsize" rental ($108 weekly rate, $117 all-in). No lines inside, but obviously they had been busy. Everyone was getting complimentary upgrades. I whizzed through Dollar Express and was met by an employee right outside the door who was stamping "COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE" on everyone's rental agreement as they departed. The Fullsize area was filled with huge boat-like sedans (no thanks, not in LA).

At Dollar LAX, you get to select your car and the midsize row was filled with fullsize and specialty cars. I chose a Jeep Liberty with 2000 miles. It got lousy mileage (less than 18 MPG) but it was nice.

Upon return one week later (also @4PM), the place was a madhouse. The main checkin line was filled with families (screaming bratty children everywhere!). A several minute delay outside waiting for a Return Agent had caused me to go over my one-week time (by 3 minutes), so I waited in the Return Line since I had 4 hours before my flight. The wait was about 8-10 minutes, but the agent quickly removed the additional hourly charge. The regular check-in line had barely moved during this time.

The Dollar Express line barely ever had a wait.

So, Rule #1 when renting from Dollar: JOIN DOLLAR EXPRESS. It will make your life soooo much easier. Rule #2 when renting from Dollar: NO GRACE PERIOD (one minute late, extra hour charge).

As for the LAX location, if you aren't a member of Dollar Express, you should expect delays. Selecting your own vehicle is a plus, too.