Hertz Vehicle Upgrades and Experiences for Elites Master Thread and Guide
#16
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,737
NYC HLE
PC
Booked: Intermediate
Received: 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan GT (R) with 4800 miles and working Sirius/XM.
Not what I'd call exciting (red stitching on the seats doth not a Grand Tourer make), but certainly spacious.
PC
Booked: Intermediate
Received: 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan GT (R) with 4800 miles and working Sirius/XM.
Not what I'd call exciting (red stitching on the seats doth not a Grand Tourer make), but certainly spacious.
Last edited by cestmoi123; Mar 13, 2019 at 4:20 pm Reason: added satellite radio info
#17
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,226
NYC HLE (403 Lafayette)
Reserved: C
Received: 2019 L4 Dodge Durango GT. NY plates, with 2,300 miles on the odometer and working Sirius/XM.
Reserved: C
Received: 2019 L4 Dodge Durango GT. NY plates, with 2,300 miles on the odometer and working Sirius/XM.
#18
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Albany, GA Airport (ABY) - SCAR Reservation:
Usually small airports are my favorites to rent from. I showed up on time for my reservation and the lone agent who handles Hertz, Budget and Thrifty was overwhelmed. No contracts were printed for those of us coming off the one of two flights that day. She fumbled around for a while and asked me if I wanted prepaid fuel or coverage (something I hate). I was finally given the keys to a dirty 300S which also smelled bad and had a Low Washer Fluid Warning Light on. On the plus side it had 4,400 miles and XM.
Usually small airports are my favorites to rent from. I showed up on time for my reservation and the lone agent who handles Hertz, Budget and Thrifty was overwhelmed. No contracts were printed for those of us coming off the one of two flights that day. She fumbled around for a while and asked me if I wanted prepaid fuel or coverage (something I hate). I was finally given the keys to a dirty 300S which also smelled bad and had a Low Washer Fluid Warning Light on. On the plus side it had 4,400 miles and XM.
#19
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
PMI (Palma de Mallorca Airport)
Status PC
Reserved: IDMR
Received BMW X1 (PDAR)
Didn't enquire about something else as the car suited me perfectly, but I saw a fair number of Renault and Seat cars for smaller models. SUVs and MPVs were either X-trails, Qashquais, a couple of Atecas (new Seat SUV IIRC) and a couple of C-max and S-max
Status PC
Reserved: IDMR
Received BMW X1 (PDAR)
Didn't enquire about something else as the car suited me perfectly, but I saw a fair number of Renault and Seat cars for smaller models. SUVs and MPVs were either X-trails, Qashquais, a couple of Atecas (new Seat SUV IIRC) and a couple of C-max and S-max
Last edited by ng1265; Mar 18, 2019 at 3:46 am
#20
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
PMI airport:
Didn't get carfirmation so headed straight to the counter on arrival, where the rep told me to go directly to the car rental return area, since the Gold counter was being refurbished that week.
No issues whatsoever, had reserved a 1-series and got upgraded to a BMW X1 with 23k miles on the clock
A few dings and scratches, but that's probably to be expected at that time of year (still haven't received all 2019 vehicles yet) and on an island.
All in all, a painless process for renting, and at 19€ per day taxes included, can't complain much!
Didn't get carfirmation so headed straight to the counter on arrival, where the rep told me to go directly to the car rental return area, since the Gold counter was being refurbished that week.
No issues whatsoever, had reserved a 1-series and got upgraded to a BMW X1 with 23k miles on the clock
A few dings and scratches, but that's probably to be expected at that time of year (still haven't received all 2019 vehicles yet) and on an island.
All in all, a painless process for renting, and at 19€ per day taxes included, can't complain much!
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,332
I went to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in October, 13 months after the category five hurricanes in September 2017. Hertz at Puerto Rico wasn't great but their cars didn't have damage. Hertz at St. Thomas on the other hand had piece of crap cars. Some were missing mirrors. They claimed it was because of the hurricane. I called B.S. because 13 months is more than enough time to replace a rental fleet. Of course, no manager was ever available. Finally after calling every day for several days I finally got a manager to call me back. He deducted about half my rental car for the car damage.
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,332
I called the Hertz franchise branch at CMH (Columbus, Ohio) after a disappointing stay. Between the car with around 25,000 miles on it and an oil change light that stayed on for the whole rental I felt like I received a piece-of-crap car, especially when there were better cars on the lot and they refused a complimentary upgrade. The manager called me back today, about 4 days after I called, and gave me a coupon for $25 off any future Hertz rental at any location, be it corporate-operated or franchisee.
#23
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,672
Albany, GA Airport (ABY) - SCAR Reservation:
Usually small airports are my favorites to rent from. I showed up on time for my reservation and the lone agent who handles Hertz, Budget and Thrifty was overwhelmed. No contracts were printed for those of us coming off the one of two flights that day. She fumbled around for a while and asked me if I wanted prepaid fuel or coverage (something I hate). I was finally given the keys to a dirty 300S which also smelled bad and had a Low Washer Fluid Warning Light on. On the plus side it had 4,400 miles and XM.
Usually small airports are my favorites to rent from. I showed up on time for my reservation and the lone agent who handles Hertz, Budget and Thrifty was overwhelmed. No contracts were printed for those of us coming off the one of two flights that day. She fumbled around for a while and asked me if I wanted prepaid fuel or coverage (something I hate). I was finally given the keys to a dirty 300S which also smelled bad and had a Low Washer Fluid Warning Light on. On the plus side it had 4,400 miles and XM.
#24
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,672
First time President's Circle member renting at SJC. Booked an intermediate car, was told to take anything from the President's Circle area. Huge selection of cars, including two Cadillac XTSs (which I took one). Was indeed billed my intermediate class rate for a G4 luxury car. Is this a typical experience? If so, these are fantastic upgrade options with President's Circle, will definitely keep renting from Hertz (at SJC, at least).
I love the Chargers. People think you're a cop and they move out of the passing lane when you pull up on them. I hate left lane squatters.
#25
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,737
Yes, common (depending on location). I just had a Caddy XTS at SLC two weeks ago, a 300 Sport at PHX before that and a Charger GT last week in Texas.
I love the Chargers. People think you're a cop and they move out of the passing lane when you pull up on them. I hate left lane squatters.
I love the Chargers. People think you're a cop and they move out of the passing lane when you pull up on them. I hate left lane squatters.
#26
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,552
I booked a fullsize at AZO last week. The lot didn't have anything remotely exciting. I did see a newer-impala - asked the agent if he could assign me that and told me no, since it's premium. I know it is, but I have yet to see what makes impalas "premium." I also thought he might throw me a bone as a presidents circle member. Ended up with a malibu with 26k miles on it. Very boring.
#27
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,226
Harborside Jersey City HLE
Reserved: I
Received: P4 2018 Cadillac CTS 2.0T Premium (leather seats, panoramic sunroof, working Sirius/XM) with 29,000 miles on the odometer and Massachusetts plates. I drove it up to Vermont and back, racking up about 700 miles and getting close to 30 mpg on mostly highway driving.
Reserved: I
Received: P4 2018 Cadillac CTS 2.0T Premium (leather seats, panoramic sunroof, working Sirius/XM) with 29,000 miles on the odometer and Massachusetts plates. I drove it up to Vermont and back, racking up about 700 miles and getting close to 30 mpg on mostly highway driving.
#28
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz PC, GE + Pre✓, Amazon Super Special Prime
Posts: 1,009
Are the Durango's in the L4 class all GT models?
Have a Z4 reserved for DTW over Memorial Day weekend. Got a great rate, and wanted something spacious and not an base model for 4 adults doing alot of highway cruising over 5 days - figured the Infinity SUV would fit the bill. However, I would happily take the "downgrade" to a Durango GT if its a fun drive - I do like me a Hemi!
#29
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,226
The GT trim for the Durango is just up from the base SXT, so while it does have ApplePlay, it has the 3.6 liter V-6. It was fine for the day I had it for just driving around town and running local errands.
#30
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 160
HIO (Hillsboro Airport)
Status Gold
Reserved: Full Size
Received Toyota Highlander (K6) brand new with 40miles
Dont like SUVs but since they were out of other cars - kept it. Very boat like on curves and overall would avoid in favor of sedan everytime
Status Gold
Reserved: Full Size
Received Toyota Highlander (K6) brand new with 40miles
Dont like SUVs but since they were out of other cars - kept it. Very boat like on curves and overall would avoid in favor of sedan everytime