I assume you meant the Saturn Outlook (doubtful that Avis had a Mitsu Outlander)? If so, it's basically the same as the Buick Enclave, which is one of my favorite rides!

Upgrades were sporadic with First. They usually came when I knew the location well, and they knew me. Nothing too great and nothing to get overly excited about.

Geez, I've been upgraded so many times I've lost count.

Most frequently I get either a Camaro or Cadillac CTS, although this time I got a Mustang.

This past trip:

10/28/09
PHX
Avis First
Reserved: Premium
Received: Originally got a reg Camaro but the dashboard said it had low tire pressure, so I went and told the desk attendant (who happened to be the manager) and he said that the tire pressure is fine - it's the sensors that are off. Anyway, ended up with a Camaro SS.

10/30/09
PHX
Avis First
Reserved: Intermediate SUV
Received: Some kind of large Saturn SUV - I was skeptical at first, but found it to be quite nice, except for the stench of stale cigarettes.

11/1/09
PHX
Avis First
Reserved: Premium
Received: They wanted to give me a Lincoln town car (no way Jose - I'm no where near old enough to drive one of those), so asked if they had anything 'sportier.' They offered a Camaro but asked to get a Mustang instead, as I had never had one of those before. I like it fine, I guess. On my way out to the Mustang, I saw the Pontiac Solstice - I thought to myself that it might be nice to try - next time.

If you've made it this far through this post, you might be asking yourself 'Why did he get three different cars in a week?" Well, because I needed an SUV in the middle of my trip and since they're for some reason quite expensive here in PHX, I only got it for one day (actually two, but that was because I forgot to take it back after the first day).

By the way, I use the Delta MUAA133 code when I can, and it seems that when I do, they're usually more stingy with upgrades.

Anyone else found this to be the case?

Pretty much stuck with Altima, Galant and Corolla with the MUAA133. Same location (MDT) for 6 months+, renting every week. They know me pretty well, too.

I have not found that to be the case. Both times, in the last 2 months, off of a Full size reservation I have gotten Premium cars.

I've found the staff at MDT to be WONDERFUL! Everyone from the city manager (Mr. Miller), to the rental agents (Joan, and another gentleman that works nights & I'm drawing a blank on his name) to the usual return guy (Joe). Have you tried taking some cookies or something in... they'll forever be appreciative!

I always go around noon, and the 3 ladies are definitely very nice. Not sure if my misfortune has to do with that their lot is full at that time, and they try to limit my intermediate upgrade to standard or at most full. They did give me an Avalon for a weekend though.

I don't recall having received an upgrade anywhere on the West Coast since "achieving" First some six months ago. Always either an Intermiediate or Full size res and the best car I've had was a Sonata. My co-worker back east recently had an Int. res and got a Camaro though. Lucky him....

Location: MCO
Status: President's Club
Reserved: Mid-size
Given: Mercury Grand Marquis (premium)
Requested and Received: Toyota Camry

Our standard upgrade request at MCO is a convertible, which we've been granted the last 6 or 7 rentals. Last time, my husband enjoyed a VW Beetle convertible so I requested this again in advance.

Upon arrival, was really disappointed that a Grand Marquis was assigned to us, so I asked about the Beetle. She said they were phased out and no longer available. So I asked for any convertible (we've enjoyed the Sebring in the past), but she said they had none available.

She said all she had was either the Grand Marquis, a Chevy Malibu or a mini-van. So I held onto the Grand Marquis keys while waiting for my husband to arrive with the luggage.

Suddenly I thought about asking about a Toyota Prius, since it's a car we'd like to try someday, and re-approached the counter. She said she didn't have any Prius available, which was surprising to her as she said they normally have many (but were quite low on cars at the moment), but could give us a Toyota Camry (fairly new with 1500 miles on it, but just an LE version, so not terribly well-equiped).

We took the Camry over the Grand Marquis. Not sure what class the Camry is in (assume full size?), or why she didn't offer it when she told me my only options were the Grand Marquis, a Malibu or a mini-van. But we're happy with the Camry, nice comfortable ride.

Susan

Yup, the Camry is full size. It might not have been available 3 mins earlier, or she overlooked it or was being lazy, who knows. I love MCO (and other locations where the preferred desk is out by all of the cars) because I usually peruse the lot for a minute or two to find what I want before approaching the counter and requesting it. I used to do the same when I was First and it usually worked then too. I've even taken cars off of the return line ("it'll save you from cleaning the car twice... as long as it isn't disguesting inside, I don't care if it's vacuumed or washed").

I always request midsize with a comment of no HHR or PT Cruiser, but SAT tried to give me the PT Cruiser anyway.

Location: SAT
Status: Preferred
Reserved: Mid-size
Given: Saturn Vue

In June, the PHX preferred counter scrambled to find a car they could rent for a 7 day rental. This was a great upgrade!

Location: PHX
Status: Preferred
Reserved: Mid-size
Given: Nissan 350Z Convertible

Location: TLV
Status: President Club
Reserved: Small Manual (Group B)
Given: Jaguar X type

Location: MCO
Status: AVIS First
Reserved: Standard (Class D)
Given: Choice of anything on the lot, except Caddy & Camaro... took a Ford Explorer with 3700 miles and Sirius. Orlando had slim pickens on Monday.

Location: CH1 (downtown Chicago)
Status: Preferred
Reserved: Compact
Given: Chevy Malibu

No big deal since I only drove 80 miles, but still: ^

I haven't been listing all mine here, but always rent int. In CLT last week I got a dodge journey small suv, it sucked eggs, it was a rather new vehicle but the transmission was slipping from drive to neutral when it was downshifting at stop signs and parking lots, and the engine would rev up like crazy during that.
Very dangerous. I reported it to them when I returned.

I just got a Chevy Equinox, I actually like it, much better pep than the journey but about the same size, better vision for me out of the equinox as well, it and was only having 3 miles on the meter New car toxic fumes that I love so much were nice.

both the Journey and the Equinox can do a better uturn than the Saturn Aura i have had a few times.