How do make sure do get not a SUV car class
 

I have an upcoming reservation in SFO for an Standard SUV
(modell example is Chevy Equinox - in europe they use the old 2013 list at AVIS Homepage)

I dont know all SUV Models, and for me ist really hard to make a difference which SUV Car ist standard size and which is intermediate size ?

Off course , I would like to get the biggest an nicest, I gan get
(4 People and 3 large Suitcases)

Will they try to give me an intermediate if the Standard is not avaible ?

Is the class of the car on the conract, and on the window of the car ?
What code should i look for ?

How do I make sure the dont downgrade the inexperienced european tourist :)

What do you think is the best Standard SUV what should I look for ?

Why didn't you look in here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/avis-...ars-class.html right at the top of the first page of the forum?

As noted above, review the fleet list at the top of the forum. It has most vehicles listed in their correct class.


They *should* upgrade you if they don't have anything available. However, your category is very wide (ford edge -> ford explorer) so you might have leeway even within your category.


Not listed on the cars. You'll need to do your homework and know what is what before showing up, or taking the word of the employee (which isn't always right).


Ask! If they try to give you an Escape or smaller SUV, tell them you reserved Standard and want "vehicle X that's in space Y" (walk the lot before you go to the counter, if possible). Also, if you don't have a coupon tied to your reservation, try to find one online for a free upgrade. Doesn't guarantee you'll get one, but helps the chances.


All depends on your taste. If you need the space, the Explorer is probably the best bet. However, their trim varies widely so look for a Limited, if possible!

If you can fit in a Grand Cherokee, they have all been equipped well and I love them!

Santa Fe & 4Runner are good vehicles but Avis seems to stock lower-end ones. Also, the Explorer has more interior space (in my opinion) so I'd steer away from these 2.

Murano is small & I haven't seen one at Avis in over a year.

Venza is ok but nothing great (think Camry Wagon) and space is small inside.

Edge & Terrain are both smaller, so I'd avoid them. Edge drives well but I dislike the Terrain.

FJ Cruiser is horrendous IMO. Drives like a heavy truck with poor visibility and space. They have been discontinued, so they have been in short supply at Avis.

If it were me, I'd try to get upgraded into (my favorite first):
-2015 Tahoe/Suburban. A stretch on a "standard" reservation, but it never hurts to ask!
-Traverse/Acadia/Enclave. They are all the same platform, just different GM brands. Enclave is great in my opinion. They are plush, plenty of room and drive well.
-A minivan. They are large inside for adults and baggage and have come a long way in the past 10 years.

Thank you fot the lot of information

Hmm so I am afraid the give me a car like an edge and they would say...
"this car is standard" . Is there really no sippcode on the car or in the papers ? The listfrom flyertalk is unofficial , is there not an official List from avis ?

At many locations, Avis is now "paperless", meaning there is no paperwork in the car, you only get it at the exit booth.

So, no, unless you decide to take the car (by which time it's too late to change it, because 3 people are in line behind you), you don't have paperwork to tell you what class you really got.

As noted, not until you receive the car/paperwork. And if they give you an Edge, that's what you reserved so they'd be correct if they claim "this car is standard."

Here's what Avis gives out, hence our lists here.
https://www.avis.com/car-rental/cont...navId=T4M01S00

Why don't you sign up for preferred and use the select and go service? Last time I booked a full size (SUV is another 50% more than full size and we can live with one since our car back home is a Saab 93), I used Select and Go and I was able to choose from several SUVs (LAX):

Ford Edge
Traverse
Another 3 that I can't remember the model/make

We are 2 adults and 3 kids and we picked the Edge (it's easier to fit things in since we can put all the kids at the back row).

The Traverse is great for 4 people - you can fold up the seat at the back hence more space for stuff.