Many years ago, when my now 32yo son was around age 10 or 11 --- and before I did much travelling or car renting --- and before I became Preferred and more recently achieved Chairmans Club membership --- I rented a mid-sized AVIS at MCO (Orlando FL). On the way to "Dizzy" World, my son and I realized the A/C was not working (in July in Florida!!) I called AVIS from my cell phone, explained the problem. The rep asked what hotel would be staying at in Lake Buena Vista --- and then instructed us to drive to the AVIS desk at the adjoining hotel for a replacement car. They gave us a Cadillac --- with no extra charges.

I don't have any AVIS horror stories because they've always been nice to me. But, heck, I'm just a sweet and loveable guy.