2018: List your upgrades
#91
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,025
Status: Preferred
Branch: RDU Airport
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Ford F-150
Received: Toyota Avalon
This was a one-way rental to TYS which may be why they tried to foist the F-150 on to me. When I first went to an agent to swap out the car I was offered my choice of SUVs. But I had a long drive and wanted a sedan. The Avalon was fine minus the 31,000 miles on the clock.
Branch: RDU Airport
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Ford F-150
Received: Toyota Avalon
This was a one-way rental to TYS which may be why they tried to foist the F-150 on to me. When I first went to an agent to swap out the car I was offered my choice of SUVs. But I had a long drive and wanted a sedan. The Avalon was fine minus the 31,000 miles on the clock.
#92
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York suburbs
Posts: 4,206
I wonder if the evacuations in the RDU area might have something to do with that. It sounds like a lot of one-ways might be going across the mountains to TN.
#93
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 13
Previous 2 rentals this month.
Status: PP
Location: LAX
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Ford EcoSport
Received: Ford EcoSport
Status: PP
Location: LAX
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Ford Mustang
Received: Mustang
Status: PP
Location: LAX
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Ford EcoSport
Received: Ford EcoSport
Status: PP
Location: LAX
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Ford Mustang
Received: Mustang
#94
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,025
Absolutely! But the schmuck just wouldn't listen to me. I already had a Yukon XL and just wanted to swap to the Ford equivalent. He just kept saying "no SUVs" and getting angry at me for repeating my point/question that I wanted a similar swap.
#95
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 142
Status: PP
Location: IAH
Booked: intermediate
Assigned: Ford Edge
Received: Lincoln mkx
I kept refreshing my avis change selection screen then it randomly showed a Lincoln mkx and I changed immediately. Turns out it's 2017 with 35k miles which is a eternity in car rental terms. I was gonna ask if I could swap out to a newer model with less miles but saw the lot was kinda empty with tons of vehicles returned waiting to be processed so didntn try my luck.
Location: IAH
Booked: intermediate
Assigned: Ford Edge
Received: Lincoln mkx
I kept refreshing my avis change selection screen then it randomly showed a Lincoln mkx and I changed immediately. Turns out it's 2017 with 35k miles which is a eternity in car rental terms. I was gonna ask if I could swap out to a newer model with less miles but saw the lot was kinda empty with tons of vehicles returned waiting to be processed so didntn try my luck.
#96
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Sept 21, 2018
Booked Intermediate (C Class) from BOS - assigned Mitsubishi Lancer, Intermediate
Booked Full Size (E Class) from WC7 - Upgraded to Chrysler 300, Luxury (H Class)
Booked Intermediate (C Class) from BOS - assigned Mitsubishi Lancer, Intermediate
Booked Full Size (E Class) from WC7 - Upgraded to Chrysler 300, Luxury (H Class)
#97
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SJO - MAN - LAX
Programs: MileagePlus Gold, Avis PP, National EE, Lifemiles Silver, ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 532
Status: Preferred
Location: LAS
Booked: Full Size
Assigned: Dodge Grand Caravan via the App. In person was offered a Mitsubishi Outlander
Received: 2x Mustang ended with Charger R/T
Went down to the Preferred office and told the guy it was just me and my wife and 1 small bag, so no need for an Outlander or Caravan, got a Mustang (everyone was getting a mustang). The said assigned Mustang had 21k miles and a side swipe on the right which was pretty well hidden under the lines of the car. Came back and was offered a Camaro or a Mustang, took a mustang. Had a MASSIVE stone chip bang in the middle of the windshield but was already tagged and I forced the attendant to note it while I recorded. For a 8000 mile car, the brakes were in terrible shape and lots of vibration. Came back the next day since I was driving to Tonopah and wanted something not so vibrating and a grumpy old lady offered a Sentra. She must have seen my face and said "guess you don't want a Sentra". Told me to take a walk and choose something and come back. Lots of SUV's and Mini Vans, lots of convertibles. Ended with a Charger SRT with 3000 miles which was basic but very fun to drive.
Location: LAS
Booked: Full Size
Assigned: Dodge Grand Caravan via the App. In person was offered a Mitsubishi Outlander
Received: 2x Mustang ended with Charger R/T
Went down to the Preferred office and told the guy it was just me and my wife and 1 small bag, so no need for an Outlander or Caravan, got a Mustang (everyone was getting a mustang). The said assigned Mustang had 21k miles and a side swipe on the right which was pretty well hidden under the lines of the car. Came back and was offered a Camaro or a Mustang, took a mustang. Had a MASSIVE stone chip bang in the middle of the windshield but was already tagged and I forced the attendant to note it while I recorded. For a 8000 mile car, the brakes were in terrible shape and lots of vibration. Came back the next day since I was driving to Tonopah and wanted something not so vibrating and a grumpy old lady offered a Sentra. She must have seen my face and said "guess you don't want a Sentra". Told me to take a walk and choose something and come back. Lots of SUV's and Mini Vans, lots of convertibles. Ended with a Charger SRT with 3000 miles which was basic but very fun to drive.
#98
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Programs: Avis PP, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 21
Status: Preferred Plus
Location: YYC
Booked: Standard SUV
Assigned: Given a choice of a Dodge Durango GT, Hyundai Santa Fe XL or Jeep Wrangler
Requested and received: Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Initially were told to wait for one to be cleaned but they managed to find a key to one lying on the counter)
Location: YYC
Booked: Standard SUV
Assigned: Given a choice of a Dodge Durango GT, Hyundai Santa Fe XL or Jeep Wrangler
Requested and received: Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (Initially were told to wait for one to be cleaned but they managed to find a key to one lying on the counter)
#99
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: Avis - PP, Bonvoy - Plat, BA - Bro, Hilton - Dia, Miles&More - FTL, Skywards - Sil, Sixt - Plat
Posts: 258
I need to rent a car in Frankfurt from a Friday to a Monday next week; my choices are either Frankfurt Ost which is about a 10 minute walk from my house, or get the train to the airport to rent from FRA.
Am looking at hiring group F (E-class or similar). The price is similar in both branches, but was wondering if I had a better chance of a PC upgrade (and a better upgrade because of the 2 upgrade groups at a weekend from airport/train station location "if available" perk ) by collecting the car from the airport rather than the local branch?
Am looking at hiring group F (E-class or similar). The price is similar in both branches, but was wondering if I had a better chance of a PC upgrade (and a better upgrade because of the 2 upgrade groups at a weekend from airport/train station location "if available" perk ) by collecting the car from the airport rather than the local branch?
#100
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Sixt Platinum, HHons Diamond
Posts: 927
I need to rent a car in Frankfurt from a Friday to a Monday next week; my choices are either Frankfurt Ost which is about a 10 minute walk from my house, or get the train to the airport to rent from FRA.
Am looking at hiring group F (E-class or similar). The price is similar in both branches, but was wondering if I had a better chance of a PC upgrade (and a better upgrade because of the 2 upgrade groups at a weekend from airport/train station location "if available" perk ) by collecting the car from the airport rather than the local branch?
Am looking at hiring group F (E-class or similar). The price is similar in both branches, but was wondering if I had a better chance of a PC upgrade (and a better upgrade because of the 2 upgrade groups at a weekend from airport/train station location "if available" perk ) by collecting the car from the airport rather than the local branch?
#101
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SJO - MAN - LAX
Programs: MileagePlus Gold, Avis PP, National EE, Lifemiles Silver, ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 532
Normal rule of thumb would be you would have a much better chance at the airport location. However we are talking about Avis who seem to have a tiny amount of premium vehicles in Europe generally. In Germany you'd be much better off with Sixt if you are looking for premium vehicles.
#102
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: Avis - PP, Bonvoy - Plat, BA - Bro, Hilton - Dia, Miles&More - FTL, Skywards - Sil, Sixt - Plat
Posts: 258
Thanks both.
I was leaning towards Avis purely because they were 22€ cheaper
But I see what you mean, my local Sixt does appear to have a huge choice of cars on their website on the dates I wish to book.
I was leaning towards Avis purely because they were 22€ cheaper
But I see what you mean, my local Sixt does appear to have a huge choice of cars on their website on the dates I wish to book.
#103
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Programs: Avis PP, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 21
Status: Preferred Plus
Location: YOW
Booked: Standard SUV
Assigned: Jeep Wrangler
Received: Toyota Prius (Didn't want a Wrangler and they did not have any other standard SUVs available)
Location: YOW
Booked: Standard SUV
Assigned: Jeep Wrangler
Received: Toyota Prius (Didn't want a Wrangler and they did not have any other standard SUVs available)
#104
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Premium Sedan usually does me well...
LAX (3 occurrences)
Status: Preferred
Location: LAX
Booked: Premium Sedan x3
Assigned: Dodge Charger R/T | Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Premium | Mercedes GLC 350 4Matic
Received: Dodge Charger R/T | Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Premium | Mercedes GLC 350 4Matic
DFW
Status: Preferred
Location: DFW
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Lincoln MKT (smelled like smoke, requested change)
Received: Dodge Charger R/T
LAS (2 occurrences)
Status: Preferred
Location: LAS
Booked: Premium Sedan (x2)
Assigned: Cadillac XTS Ford Explorer
Received: Dodge Challenger R/T x2
DAL
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Standard SUV (2 occurrences)
Assigned: Kia Sorento | Nissan Rogue
Received: Mercedes GLS 450 | Ford Explorer Limited
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Full-Size SUV
Assigned: Ford Expedition (very worn, had a smell)
Received: Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with 2000 miles
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Full-Size SUV
Assigned: Ford Expedition (very worn, had a smell)
Received: Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with 2000 miles
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Lincoln MKT, changed to Volvo XC60 in app, changed to Challenger R/T at booth
Received: Dodge Challenger R/T
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Ford Taurus
Received: Dodge Charger R/T
Status: Preferred
Location: LAX
Booked: Premium Sedan x3
Assigned: Dodge Charger R/T | Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Premium | Mercedes GLC 350 4Matic
Received: Dodge Charger R/T | Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Premium | Mercedes GLC 350 4Matic
DFW
Status: Preferred
Location: DFW
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Lincoln MKT (smelled like smoke, requested change)
Received: Dodge Charger R/T
LAS (2 occurrences)
Status: Preferred
Location: LAS
Booked: Premium Sedan (x2)
Assigned: Cadillac XTS Ford Explorer
Received: Dodge Challenger R/T x2
DAL
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Standard SUV (2 occurrences)
Assigned: Kia Sorento | Nissan Rogue
Received: Mercedes GLS 450 | Ford Explorer Limited
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Full-Size SUV
Assigned: Ford Expedition (very worn, had a smell)
Received: Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with 2000 miles
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Full-Size SUV
Assigned: Ford Expedition (very worn, had a smell)
Received: Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with 2000 miles
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Lincoln MKT, changed to Volvo XC60 in app, changed to Challenger R/T at booth
Received: Dodge Challenger R/T
Status: Preferred
Location: DAL
Booked: Premium Sedan
Assigned: Ford Taurus
Received: Dodge Charger R/T
#105
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: Avis - PP, Bonvoy - Plat, BA - Bro, Hilton - Dia, Miles&More - FTL, Skywards - Sil, Sixt - Plat
Posts: 258
Wow, that is quite incredible. I find LHR and LCY can be really stingy about their upgrades.
Case in point, my last hire was "Golf or similar", and they wanted to charge me for an upgrade:-
"As a Presidents Club member would you like an upgrade to a Mercedes C200?"
"Yes please! Many thanks!"
"Certainly Sir, as a presidents club member we can offer you that for an additional payment of only 122 when returning the vehicle".
I declined as not going to pay 122 on top of what I had already pre-paid with, especially for just a 48 hour hire. I think they gave me a Ford Focus with the Sat Nav disabled instead.
Case in point, my last hire was "Golf or similar", and they wanted to charge me for an upgrade:-
"As a Presidents Club member would you like an upgrade to a Mercedes C200?"
"Yes please! Many thanks!"
"Certainly Sir, as a presidents club member we can offer you that for an additional payment of only 122 when returning the vehicle".
I declined as not going to pay 122 on top of what I had already pre-paid with, especially for just a 48 hour hire. I think they gave me a Ford Focus with the Sat Nav disabled instead.
Last edited by Mackle; Oct 25, 2018 at 5:57 pm