Car inventory on App vs AVIS computers
Feb 6, 2019, 2:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Car inventory on App vs AVIS computers
I had a reservation for an intermediate one-way out of ORD. Upon landing, the app offered me a car with 20K mi on it. I used the option to choose another car and was offered a full-size (2019 Camry with 500mi) and took it. I liked the car (specifically the adaptive cruise control).
I returned exactly two weeks later for another rental. (same intermediate one-way out of ORD). Upon landing, the app offered me a car with 30K mi on it. All the other options it gave me were 20K+ or SUVs. I went to the counter and asked if they could give me a newer car and that I'd be willing to go up to full size. The lady says they are "sold out". I asked about all the cars parked in the lot and she said they are reserved or premium. She looked in the computer and all the ones she had to offer, had more mileage than what I had.
I started walking out to my original car assignment. I checked the app one more time and this time every option it gave me was a 2019 car with low mileage. I chose a 2019 corolla with 1000mi and was on my way. The car was dirty on the outside (salt stains, snow on top).
Did I just get lucky and a bunch of people who had new cars happened to return right after the agent looked? Does the app have access to more inventory than the agent? Do I get more options as I get closer in time or location?
I returned exactly two weeks later for another rental. (same intermediate one-way out of ORD). Upon landing, the app offered me a car with 30K mi on it. All the other options it gave me were 20K+ or SUVs. I went to the counter and asked if they could give me a newer car and that I'd be willing to go up to full size. The lady says they are "sold out". I asked about all the cars parked in the lot and she said they are reserved or premium. She looked in the computer and all the ones she had to offer, had more mileage than what I had.
I started walking out to my original car assignment. I checked the app one more time and this time every option it gave me was a 2019 car with low mileage. I chose a 2019 corolla with 1000mi and was on my way. The car was dirty on the outside (salt stains, snow on top).
Did I just get lucky and a bunch of people who had new cars happened to return right after the agent looked? Does the app have access to more inventory than the agent? Do I get more options as I get closer in time or location?
Last edited by eng3; Feb 6, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Feb 6, 2019, 5:12 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Mar 4, 2019, 7:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: AC & HH
Posts: 72
I always wonder what the app offers and if it's targeted for certain individuals.
I rented a full-size car a few weeks ago and was offered a Kia Sorento with 35,000km or a Kia Sorento with 34,000km... needless to say I wasn't impressed. I asked to be downgraded to a sedan, denied, then offered 3 upgrades to a base Durango for $60/day (highway robbery), or $20/day for a 300 or Jeep Cherokee.
I also drive my rentals 1,000+ miles per rental which makes me wonder if I'm given the end of life units on the lot.
I rented a full-size car a few weeks ago and was offered a Kia Sorento with 35,000km or a Kia Sorento with 34,000km... needless to say I wasn't impressed. I asked to be downgraded to a sedan, denied, then offered 3 upgrades to a base Durango for $60/day (highway robbery), or $20/day for a 300 or Jeep Cherokee.
I also drive my rentals 1,000+ miles per rental which makes me wonder if I'm given the end of life units on the lot.