The last time I rented in ATL, I got a Cobalt. No power windows or locks. I felt like I was driving a go-cart. I have yet to ask for upgrades when I don't get them. I'm usually too tired/annoyed to deal with it.

My last two trips in, I've been staying at the Airport Marriott, returning to the airport in the morning to get to MARTA and taking it to my destination. It has eased so much pain. I'm only in for one night though, so it's not a long term stay. Good luck.

I think I've that car this week. :mad: This reminds me of having AVIS update my profile with a 'no Taurus' flag. Last week CLE got me a shiny HHR.

A Cobalt would definitely trigger my "I'm 6'4" and can't fit in that car" argument. I have found that expressing displeasure with a less-than-desirable vehicle will net me something more to my liking.

I wouldn't have complained about the Taurus if I'd known I would be given a Grandma Rquis this week.

Oh, that old boat. Next Monday will be my last flying into CLE for a while and I hope they come up with something decent.

By the way... I checked the meter and it says 12,589 miles. I bet that's your ugly Taurus I got. *hehehe* Anyhow, I will have them update my profile to block out Ford Taurus for the future.

Preferred Select vs Hertz Gold Presidents Club
 

I am forced to rent Avis by my company's travel program. Always used to rent Hertz before.

I used to get all kinds of upgrades at Hertz - Lincolns, Volvos, Mustangs, Jaguars + certificates for free days as well as points that I could use for extended free rentals on vacations.

Avis Preferred Select gets you nothing. I rent 50 times a year and keep getting high mileage cars, Taurus and those damn ugly PT Cruisers.
Rarely even get a WSJ.
They keep coming up with promotions that you may or may not get (IPOD downloads, free rental days, free weekends, etc.

As far as worst airport rental service, I would have to say BWI has the worst employees for both Hertz and Avis. Bad attitudes, dirty car windows, and slow service.

I agree with the varies by city.

Add ORD to the usually very good on upgrades and WSJ.

And 25+ minutes from airplane gate to rental counter, even if you don't check luggage.

I'm back in CLE and guess what I've got. Taurus ... but only 300 miles. They had me in an Impala originally, and the brakes squeaked and one tire was low. So I went back and asked for something else. I was offered a Sonata or Taurus. They hate me here. It's mutual. I know no agency is perfect, but I now have a choice. My next CLE rental is an Enterprise.

They must like me there. I've been flying into CLE the four last weeks. Okay, one week I got your old Taurus, but two out of four weeks, I've gotten a cool Ford Mustang Convertible. I've always gotten it when it was nice sunny convertible weather. One time the blue one and one time the white one. The other week I got the HHR.

Unfortunately I'm done with CLE for now...

BWI is bad, but SMF is worse. Frequently no one around to check in cars. Longs lines at the preferred desk. Old cars. They ignore Chairman's members there. 'Upgrades' are usually to a Chrysler. Ask for an available Cadillac? "You've already been upgraded." Ask for a smaller car? "The car you've been assigned isn't that big!" :mad:

The Grand (Grandma :p ) Marquis handles like a sofa on wheels but I love it on the freeway. Why? A dark colored Grand Marquis and me in a white dress shirt, tie and sunglasses. People get the hell out of your way! They think you're an undercover cop. ^

There are circumstances when I'm ok with the GrandMa-rquis: good luggage space, room in the backseat for 2 longlegged teens. However, Bay area freeways at "rush hour" with no passengers and then into the city on Friday night, I'd rather have a comfortable mid-size. I do appreciate the XM available in some of the other possible upgrades, but in certain cities (TYS, CLE, SFO & AUS in particular) I have favorite FM stations and it doesn't matter.

I'm not a cop, nor do I play one on the Interstates. :D

It's been the reverse for me. I've rented at each station over a dozen times this year. Only once this year was I upgraded in IND and only once was i not upgraded in ATL. In fact, ATL has UG'd me from intermediate to luxury twice.

Get Your Benefits!!!!!
 

PS gives you a one car class upgrade. It's part of the BENEFITS. If Avis hires a dippy-do at the counter that can't figure that out, you need to use your own IQ and go back to the counter to get your upgrade.

If that doesn't work, call Avis CS after the rental and ask for some $25-off coupons.

I ALWAYS get a PS upgrade... and if the car has too much mileage or is too small I simply go back to the counter, PUT ON A HAPPY FACE, and then ask them for a change.

Works every time. I value my PS status.

CF