Hi Guys,

I will be having my first renting with Hertz in SMF in the coming weeks for 6 days and am generally looking for possibly a mustang convertible. I am a USAA and Hertz Gold member so I wont be too much concerning about the young driver surcharge. However, I have noticed that the mustang convertible is listed under the Convertible STAR class, there is also a separate "reserve this exact model" Mustang Convertible RTAR class. As the price difference is pretty significant, I am just wondering if it is true Hertz USA do tend to have more mustang convertible in the STAR class? OR is it worth paying 2 times more to rent the exact model?

Also as it is my first time renting with Hertz, I am just wondering if I am able to just pick whichever car is available in my reserved class at the counter if I do prefer other cars in the same category?


Thanks a lot,
Frank

As far as I know, if there is a Mustang Convertible available, they will generally give it to you on a regular convertible rental, but if not yo might get a 200 Convertible, a Mitsubishi convertible, etc... It seems like they are getting more and more 200 Convertible on my observations...

Also, you can't pick any car in your class - An agent needs to assign the car to you... It is different from Alamo/National/others that just have rows of a particular class car and you choose.

Thanks for the fast reply.

Then will it be possible if I negotiate a different car in the same category at the counter? or do an upgrade with paying the extra If I do prefer something else in the upper category?

Also do you have any experience with the luxury class? Any advice on that please?

Thanks

When you go to the counter, politely ask for a Mustang Convertible (If that is the car of your choice) If there is one available, they will generally give it to you. Note that because there is one on the lot doesn't mean that it is available... There could be someone coming in later who paid extra to reserve the particular model, or that car could already be assigned through GC Carfirmation/Gold board. If there is nothing that you like in that class, you can request to pay for an upgrade into a higher class (whether that is a Prestige or Adrenaline collection, or another class) Again, if they have some cars available, they will offer it to you at a $x/day upgrade fee.. You can generally negotiate this, but it is all up to the agent...

I believe that the most common luxury cars Hertz carries now are Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300 (A 300 is usually a PCAR at other agencies last time I checked). Most PCARs are base model Maximas and Hyundai Genesis in stock. These are the most common for their respected class, but there are obviously other options that aren't as common in their fleet... Personally, I don't think that the premium to rent a PCAR or Luxury are worth it, and usually do an ICAR reservation, and use GC to get an F6 (usually available at the location I go to), although it might be good to reserve a SCAR with PC #159530 (which is a USAA PC I believe) which is a double upgrade coupon based on availability and trying to get a PCAR cheaper that way, although it is not guaranteed.

Ultimately, your experience will depend on the inventory levels when you go into the location, the agent you encounter, and luck ^