2019 List Your Upgrades
Jul 17, 19, 2:42 pm
#31
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Preferred Plus rentals:
- DAL (Dallas Love Field)
- Class Booked - Standard SUV 7 Passenger
- Car/Class Assigned - Jeep Wrangler 4-door
- Car/Class Received - Volvo XC60 (Luxury class)
- LAX
- Class Booked - Premium Sedan
- Car/Class Assigned - Ford Fusion Limited
- Car/Class Received - Dodge Charger R/T
- BUR (Burbank)
- Class Booked - Standard Sedan
- Car/Class Assigned - Toyota Highlander
- Car/Class Received - Ford Mustang Coupe - brand new Ecoboost with 200 miles
- OTP (Bucharest, Romania)
- Class Booked - Group K (manual Golf or similar)
- Car/Class Assigned/Received - Group C - Volkswagen Tiguan diesel manual
- DXB (Dubai)
- Class Booked - Group J - Standard Sedan (Infiniti Q50 or similar)
- Car/Class Assigned/Received - Jaguar F-Pace - Group I
Jul 18, 19, 8:01 am
#33
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: US Platinum, United 1k, HHonors Diamond, Avis CC, Priority Club Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 7,994
They tried to pass off a Wrangler as a 7-pax? Unless you asked to downgrade to the XC60, I'd be asking for a partial refund as you cannot haul nearly as many people/much stuff in an XC60 as a 7-pax!
Jul 20, 19, 6:17 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 387
MCO
Preferred Plus
Booked: Full
Assigned: Altima
Received: GMC Terrain
At first, the app allowed me to swap into a GMC Acadia at no extra cost. 15 minutes later, it autoassigned me to a Terrain.
When I got to the garage, the assigned space for the Acadia was empty, so I guess someone beat me to the punch right before I selected it.
No complaints on the Terrain aside from the silly push button transmission. Fit 4 suitcases with ease.
Preferred Plus
Booked: Full
Assigned: Altima
Received: GMC Terrain
At first, the app allowed me to swap into a GMC Acadia at no extra cost. 15 minutes later, it autoassigned me to a Terrain.
When I got to the garage, the assigned space for the Acadia was empty, so I guess someone beat me to the punch right before I selected it.
No complaints on the Terrain aside from the silly push button transmission. Fit 4 suitcases with ease.
Jul 21, 19, 3:38 am
#35
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,553
MCO
Preferred Plus
Booked: Full
Assigned: Altima
Received: GMC Terrain
At first, the app allowed me to swap into a GMC Acadia at no extra cost. 15 minutes later, it autoassigned me to a Terrain.
When I got to the garage, the assigned space for the Acadia was empty, so I guess someone beat me to the punch right before I selected it.
No complaints on the Terrain aside from the silly push button transmission. Fit 4 suitcases with ease.
Preferred Plus
Booked: Full
Assigned: Altima
Received: GMC Terrain
At first, the app allowed me to swap into a GMC Acadia at no extra cost. 15 minutes later, it autoassigned me to a Terrain.
When I got to the garage, the assigned space for the Acadia was empty, so I guess someone beat me to the punch right before I selected it.
No complaints on the Terrain aside from the silly push button transmission. Fit 4 suitcases with ease.
Jul 21, 19, 2:31 pm
#36
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: LHR
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 32
PC
LGW
Booked: F - Standard Manual (Peugeot 3008 or similar)
Assigned: H - Skoda Octavia Station Wagon
Received: Same
Nothing else available to select in the app, only the pre-assigned Skoda wagon. Paperwork had hand written notes mentioning 2-category upgrade for PC. Technically I guess it was but having had a Peugeot 3008 on a previous rental I personally thought it had a higher spec interior than the Skoda which was fairly basic but did have CarPlay.
PC
London Westfield (W5W)
Booked: B - Economy Manual (Ford Fiesta or Similar)
Assigned: Choice in app of Citroen C3 Aircross (Group E) or VW Golf (Group P) so chose the C3 to try it out.
Received: Group B VW Polo
Waited almost 30 mins for the only agent to serve the group in front. Eventually I interrupted to say I just needed the keys and everything was done on the app, only to be told that car wasnt available and I would have to take the Polo, without even checking the reservation details so it seemed like this car was going out to someone no matter what. Good condition with only 1300 miles, fairly basic interior but still had CarPlay.
PC
JFK
Booked: Group E Full Size Ford Fusion or Similar
Assigned: NA
Received: Group F Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Screen with assignments for Preferred wasnt working so had to queue and wait at counter. Car had Massachusetts plates and had dead basic interior with a USB connector that was only good for power and audio. Not a car Id choose again. Hired it on the $9.99 weekend airport-downtown one-way deal so probably a vehicle they were keen to offload onto another location.
LGW
Booked: F - Standard Manual (Peugeot 3008 or similar)
Assigned: H - Skoda Octavia Station Wagon
Received: Same
Nothing else available to select in the app, only the pre-assigned Skoda wagon. Paperwork had hand written notes mentioning 2-category upgrade for PC. Technically I guess it was but having had a Peugeot 3008 on a previous rental I personally thought it had a higher spec interior than the Skoda which was fairly basic but did have CarPlay.
PC
London Westfield (W5W)
Booked: B - Economy Manual (Ford Fiesta or Similar)
Assigned: Choice in app of Citroen C3 Aircross (Group E) or VW Golf (Group P) so chose the C3 to try it out.
Received: Group B VW Polo
Waited almost 30 mins for the only agent to serve the group in front. Eventually I interrupted to say I just needed the keys and everything was done on the app, only to be told that car wasnt available and I would have to take the Polo, without even checking the reservation details so it seemed like this car was going out to someone no matter what. Good condition with only 1300 miles, fairly basic interior but still had CarPlay.
PC
JFK
Booked: Group E Full Size Ford Fusion or Similar
Assigned: NA
Received: Group F Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Screen with assignments for Preferred wasnt working so had to queue and wait at counter. Car had Massachusetts plates and had dead basic interior with a USB connector that was only good for power and audio. Not a car Id choose again. Hired it on the $9.99 weekend airport-downtown one-way deal so probably a vehicle they were keen to offload onto another location.
Last edited by Macwaz; Jul 21, 19 at 5:14 pm
Jul 21, 19, 5:09 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 387
Its not even a knob, but a series of 4 buttons on the dash. The D and R ones are set up like power window switches. I always felt like I was going to push the wrong one and end up crashing into something.
Jul 22, 19, 12:23 am
#38
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,553
Even dumber. But nothing matches the ridiculous buttons Acura has been using.
Jul 22, 19, 10:22 pm
#40
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: US Platinum, United 1k, HHonors Diamond, Avis CC, Priority Club Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 7,994
My 2 cents on the transmission shifters, for what it's worth:
1. The Terrain setup takes up way too much vital real estate. That space is easily accessible to both the driver and passenger, so it could be put to much better use for that size.
2. If I had the 300/Expedition/Fusion/other round dial as my everyday driver, I'm sure I'd get use to it. However, using it in rentals, I've shifted from R->P WAY too often and probably decreased the life of the transmission in the process. When in a tight spot, you often have to go R->D->R a few times to get out safely. If I'm rushing to get out (if someone is waiting for me), I've often said in my mind "Ok, next move is go left" and turn the dial left and into park, while still rolling a bit. When going to D, it's an easy shift. When going to P, it's an abrupt/embarrassing stop!
3. We have the Honda/Acura buttons referenced above and I love them. It's not easy to hit the wrong gear without looking at it and is unique.
4. The Continental buttons are fine, but border on being too far from the driver to easily reach. In the MKZ, it was always a stretch to reach the buttons on the dash when seated comfortably in the car.
5. I'll take a column-mounted shifter (the old-school ones that you can now only find on pickups and full size SUVs) anyday. They take up less real estate, allow for a 3rd seat in the front center, and are just nostalgic.
1. The Terrain setup takes up way too much vital real estate. That space is easily accessible to both the driver and passenger, so it could be put to much better use for that size.
2. If I had the 300/Expedition/Fusion/other round dial as my everyday driver, I'm sure I'd get use to it. However, using it in rentals, I've shifted from R->P WAY too often and probably decreased the life of the transmission in the process. When in a tight spot, you often have to go R->D->R a few times to get out safely. If I'm rushing to get out (if someone is waiting for me), I've often said in my mind "Ok, next move is go left" and turn the dial left and into park, while still rolling a bit. When going to D, it's an easy shift. When going to P, it's an abrupt/embarrassing stop!
3. We have the Honda/Acura buttons referenced above and I love them. It's not easy to hit the wrong gear without looking at it and is unique.
4. The Continental buttons are fine, but border on being too far from the driver to easily reach. In the MKZ, it was always a stretch to reach the buttons on the dash when seated comfortably in the car.
5. I'll take a column-mounted shifter (the old-school ones that you can now only find on pickups and full size SUVs) anyday. They take up less real estate, allow for a 3rd seat in the front center, and are just nostalgic.
Jul 23, 19, 3:34 am
#41
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,553
My 2 cents on the transmission shifters, for what it's worth:
1. The Terrain setup takes up way too much vital real estate. That space is easily accessible to both the driver and passenger, so it could be put to much better use for that size.
2. If I had the 300/Expedition/Fusion/other round dial as my everyday driver, I'm sure I'd get use to it. However, using it in rentals, I've shifted from R->P WAY too often and probably decreased the life of the transmission in the process. When in a tight spot, you often have to go R->D->R a few times to get out safely. If I'm rushing to get out (if someone is waiting for me), I've often said in my mind "Ok, next move is go left" and turn the dial left and into park, while still rolling a bit. When going to D, it's an easy shift. When going to P, it's an abrupt/embarrassing stop!
3. We have the Honda/Acura buttons referenced above and I love them. It's not easy to hit the wrong gear without looking at it and is unique.
4. The Continental buttons are fine, but border on being too far from the driver to easily reach. In the MKZ, it was always a stretch to reach the buttons on the dash when seated comfortably in the car.
5. I'll take a column-mounted shifter (the old-school ones that you can now only find on pickups and full size SUVs) anyday. They take up less real estate, allow for a 3rd seat in the front center, and are just nostalgic.
1. The Terrain setup takes up way too much vital real estate. That space is easily accessible to both the driver and passenger, so it could be put to much better use for that size.
2. If I had the 300/Expedition/Fusion/other round dial as my everyday driver, I'm sure I'd get use to it. However, using it in rentals, I've shifted from R->P WAY too often and probably decreased the life of the transmission in the process. When in a tight spot, you often have to go R->D->R a few times to get out safely. If I'm rushing to get out (if someone is waiting for me), I've often said in my mind "Ok, next move is go left" and turn the dial left and into park, while still rolling a bit. When going to D, it's an easy shift. When going to P, it's an abrupt/embarrassing stop!
3. We have the Honda/Acura buttons referenced above and I love them. It's not easy to hit the wrong gear without looking at it and is unique.
4. The Continental buttons are fine, but border on being too far from the driver to easily reach. In the MKZ, it was always a stretch to reach the buttons on the dash when seated comfortably in the car.
5. I'll take a column-mounted shifter (the old-school ones that you can now only find on pickups and full size SUVs) anyday. They take up less real estate, allow for a 3rd seat in the front center, and are just nostalgic.
The only cars that still have a column-mounted shifter that I know of are the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade family. I think it's terribly dated but those cars are dated in general.
Jul 23, 19, 9:54 am
#43
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: US Platinum, United 1k, HHonors Diamond, Avis CC, Priority Club Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 7,994
As Brian Cooley of CNET says, shifting a car should just be muscle memory. Any time you have to stop and look down to find your gear you're in trouble.
The only cars that still have a column-mounted shifter that I know of are the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade family. I think it's terribly dated but those cars are dated in general.
The only cars that still have a column-mounted shifter that I know of are the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade family. I think it's terribly dated but those cars are dated in general.
While I agree, it's unfortunately difficult to find in the U.S. (and virtually impossible on rental cars). From an article I saw yesterday, even the new Vette will be lacking a manual option!
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...ft/1775405001/
Jul 23, 19, 9:55 pm
#44
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL/TLV/SDF
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Ag, Marriott LT Ti, Hyatt Glob, Hilton/IHG Diamond, Avis PC, Busted-Knuckles Club.
Posts: 2,464
Same, which is why I had to do a factory order for my BMW as no dealer stocked 3ers with a stick, and the new G20 3er is auto-only so no more BMWs for me. The last manual rentals I had were in Romania, a really nice Ford Mondeo diesel, and a terrible Suzuki Alto in Israel; in the states, it was a Mazda something or other (GLC?) in the late 80s.
I just turned in a terrible GMC Terrain with the garbage shifter on the center stack. I hated it. Hey, 1959 Edsel just called and wants its push-buttons back! It's cheaper than a console shifter I guess but makes manual control infuriating. I like to put automatics in L1-2 for slow traffic to minimize braking and wear on my old ankle, but in that thing it was pointless and clumsy.
Anyway:
The C8 Corvette won't get a proper gearbox because the take rate for a manual would not be worth the development cost given the repositioning of the drivetrain. Face it, the people buying C8s are mostly gonna be old and creaky and uninterested in dealing with a clutch.
I just turned in a terrible GMC Terrain with the garbage shifter on the center stack. I hated it. Hey, 1959 Edsel just called and wants its push-buttons back! It's cheaper than a console shifter I guess but makes manual control infuriating. I like to put automatics in L1-2 for slow traffic to minimize braking and wear on my old ankle, but in that thing it was pointless and clumsy.
Anyway:
- Your Avis status: Preferred Plus
- Location: DFW
- Class Booked: Intermediate
- Car/Class Assigned: n/a; original car was assigned to someone else due to 4+hour late arrival
- Car/Class Received: Nissan Pathfinder
- Any Other Comments: Inexcusably, the Preferred desk was closed meaning we had to wait about an hour in line to get a car. It's supposed to be open 24hrs.
The C8 Corvette won't get a proper gearbox because the take rate for a manual would not be worth the development cost given the repositioning of the drivetrain. Face it, the people buying C8s are mostly gonna be old and creaky and uninterested in dealing with a clutch.
Last edited by born sleepy; Jul 23, 19 at 10:12 pm
Sep 20, 19, 10:39 pm
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Choice Gold, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 15,887
PC
SLC
Intermediate
Assigned a 2019 Camry with 12k miles
Agent switched me into a 2019 Impala LT with 9900 miles. I was happy to take it.
-J.
SLC
Intermediate
Assigned a 2019 Camry with 12k miles
Agent switched me into a 2019 Impala LT with 9900 miles. I was happy to take it.
-J.
Last edited by GW McLintock; Sep 21, 19 at 2:14 am
