List your Free car upgrades here (Outside of Ultimate Choice)
Aug 11, 2015, 1:42 pm
#3781
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
The fact is, that what you want (manual to automatic upgrade), isn't actually a published benefit. You can't blame Hertz for not providing you something they didn't promise to provide you.
Last edited by Rut Dog; Aug 11, 2015 at 7:58 pm
Aug 11, 2015, 2:51 pm
#3782
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YTZ
Programs: Hertz & Avis PC; National EE; SPG & Hilton Gold; AC 35K (yawn)
Posts: 5,921
Generally I get a Merc or BMW or some size. Last time was a CLS shooting brake I had to refuse because it was too big!
This is when I was PC.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:43 pm
#3783
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
In most cases a one-car upgrade appears to be the color of paint, or maybe something esoteric I cannot seem to distinguish. In no case, EVER, have I actually been given the car shown on the reservation as representing the group or category I booked.
In some cases, I booked a Volvo XC60 or BMW X1 and was given a Hyunday. C'mon. Does Hertz think I rent a car in Germany to get a Korean piece of junk?
In Italy I booked a Fiat 500L (my wife wanted to try it), and there was no Fiat 500L to be found far and wide. Got an Alfa Romeo Guiletta or whatever it's called. Actually handles quite nicely in the curves.
That said, despite the marketing hype about upgrades one shouldn't have any expectations at all.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:46 pm
#3784
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
...and that: Germany, is where I am going to start and end my Europe trips again from now. I deviated a bit with this Italian trip and it confirmed what I suspected....Italy is just not fun to be a customer, be it hotels, restaurants or car rentals. Gas is hellishly expensive, and the tolls are outrageous if you drive alot. It's a fallen empire with "patina" and a huge attitude. Drivers are the rudest I have experienced. And I drive regularly in Bangkok, Germany, NYC and so on.
Aug 12, 2015, 3:10 am
#3785
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,201
The last car I booked in Germany was an intermediate. I was given a BMW X1 and had to take it from Berlin central station to the airport to swap it out because I needed something to take across the border into Poland.
I ended up with a Hyundai ix35 (a Tucson in the US, and I was 5*, not PC at the time) and I forget whether it was automatic or manual. For what it's worth, the Hyundai had a much nicer engine.
Having just driven an XC60 I'm really not sure I'd be disappointed to get a Santa Fe instead - while it's a great place to be, and a nice upgrade to what I booked, the engine and ride are quite unrefined and in those respects I think I actually preferred the Tucson... not had a Santa Fe as they're rare here but I still couldn't feel shortchanged unless the price was meant to be lower.
I would say that I end up with an automatic maybe 25% of the time when booking a manual in Europe.
I ended up with a Hyundai ix35 (a Tucson in the US, and I was 5*, not PC at the time) and I forget whether it was automatic or manual. For what it's worth, the Hyundai had a much nicer engine.
Having just driven an XC60 I'm really not sure I'd be disappointed to get a Santa Fe instead - while it's a great place to be, and a nice upgrade to what I booked, the engine and ride are quite unrefined and in those respects I think I actually preferred the Tucson... not had a Santa Fe as they're rare here but I still couldn't feel shortchanged unless the price was meant to be lower.
I would say that I end up with an automatic maybe 25% of the time when booking a manual in Europe.
Aug 21, 2015, 11:22 am
#3786
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
DUB
Luxury - BMW 520d or similar (I)
None
Yes - BMW 730d (Z1) ����
Luxury - BMW 520d or similar (I)
None
Yes - BMW 730d (Z1) ����
Last edited by UAPremExecflyer; Sep 7, 2015 at 9:11 am Reason: Corrected vehicle category to Z1 from Z6
Aug 22, 2015, 7:38 pm
#3787
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: 18,043
LGA
Reserved: G
Received: 2015 I BuickLaCross. Nice upgrade; Premium 2 trim (fully loaded) and 12,500 miles on the odometer.
Reserved: G
Received: 2015 I BuickLaCross. Nice upgrade; Premium 2 trim (fully loaded) and 12,500 miles on the odometer.
Aug 23, 2015, 2:29 pm
#3788
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 16,721
Aug 23, 2015, 3:41 pm
#3789
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: 18,043
It was the V-6; really nice setup.
At ORD today the "upgrade" for my F reservation was an F6 Altima. I tried using Carfirmation to change it, but was only offered Impala Classics. I took a 2015 Toyota Camry LE with 2,600 miles on the odometer from Gold Choice. There was an interesting-looking Chrysler 200 next to it with black rims and low-profile tires; I was tempted...
At ORD today the "upgrade" for my F reservation was an F6 Altima. I tried using Carfirmation to change it, but was only offered Impala Classics. I took a 2015 Toyota Camry LE with 2,600 miles on the odometer from Gold Choice. There was an interesting-looking Chrysler 200 next to it with black rims and low-profile tires; I was tempted...
Aug 23, 2015, 4:34 pm
#3790
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 16,721
It was the V-6; really nice setup.
At ORD today the "upgrade" for my F reservation was an F6 Altima. I tried using Carfirmation to change it, but was only offered Impala Classics. I took a 2015 Toyota Camry LE with 2,600 miles on the odometer from Gold Choice. There was an interesting-looking Chrysler 200 next to it with black rims and low-profile tires; I was tempted...
At ORD today the "upgrade" for my F reservation was an F6 Altima. I tried using Carfirmation to change it, but was only offered Impala Classics. I took a 2015 Toyota Camry LE with 2,600 miles on the odometer from Gold Choice. There was an interesting-looking Chrysler 200 next to it with black rims and low-profile tires; I was tempted...
I would have taken the 200... the new one is supposed to be fantastic.
-J.
Aug 24, 2015, 2:33 am
#3791
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bavaria, Germany
Posts: 168
Regensburg, Germany, Corporate Location
Reserved: Group M ("Opel Mokka Automatic Trasmission or similar")
Options: None
Upgrade: Yes, Group I ("Mercedes C-Class Automatic Transmission - GPS or similar")
Received: Jeep Cherokee Limited, Automatic Transmission, GPS, AWD, heated and cooled seats, etc., 12000km
Nice car, not quite sure which which motor, was a Diesel and sccording to the registration had 170hp
managed to get 6.5l/100km over a distance of 828km with decent highway driving (about 36mpg us)
Reserved: Group M ("Opel Mokka Automatic Trasmission or similar")
Options: None
Upgrade: Yes, Group I ("Mercedes C-Class Automatic Transmission - GPS or similar")
Received: Jeep Cherokee Limited, Automatic Transmission, GPS, AWD, heated and cooled seats, etc., 12000km
Nice car, not quite sure which which motor, was a Diesel and sccording to the registration had 170hp
managed to get 6.5l/100km over a distance of 828km with decent highway driving (about 36mpg us)
Last edited by at4behe1; Aug 24, 2015 at 2:34 am Reason: typo
Aug 24, 2015, 6:51 am
#3792
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
NYC HLE
PC
Reserved: Premium (G)
Received: 2015 Buick Lacrosse (Luxury (I)) with 14k miles. Had it for a road trip, and really an excellent highway cruiser. Don't know if it was the 3.6 or 2.4, but had plenty of pep, and got 30mpg+ on the highway, 27mpg overall average, pretty good for a not small car. Huge trunk as well.
PC
Reserved: Premium (G)
Received: 2015 Buick Lacrosse (Luxury (I)) with 14k miles. Had it for a road trip, and really an excellent highway cruiser. Don't know if it was the 3.6 or 2.4, but had plenty of pep, and got 30mpg+ on the highway, 27mpg overall average, pretty good for a not small car. Huge trunk as well.
Aug 24, 2015, 7:06 am
#3793
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 879
My Past Few Rentals
All C or R Groups
Received Volvo V40 R Design D4, Kia Sportage KX 3 (fully Loaded), last rental on a R group managed to get me a Merc C220, didnt have anything ready and was not willing to wait either.
All C or R Groups
Received Volvo V40 R Design D4, Kia Sportage KX 3 (fully Loaded), last rental on a R group managed to get me a Merc C220, didnt have anything ready and was not willing to wait either.
Aug 28, 2015, 1:06 am
#3794
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,201
LHR
President's Circle
Booked: D (Intermediate) - Skoda Octavia or similar
Received: K (Small SUV) - Honda CRV
One of the biggest cars in the class is also one of the most economical, and also surprisingly quick and handled well too. Very pleased with the car, though disappointed to note a lack of Bluetooth and parking sensors on a £26k car!
President's Circle
Booked: D (Intermediate) - Skoda Octavia or similar
Received: K (Small SUV) - Honda CRV
One of the biggest cars in the class is also one of the most economical, and also surprisingly quick and handled well too. Very pleased with the car, though disappointed to note a lack of Bluetooth and parking sensors on a £26k car!
Aug 31, 2015, 9:44 am
#3795
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: CDG
Programs: VISA Infinite, AmEx Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum for Life, Hertz 5*, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 44
LAX
5*
Booked : Ford Explorer w.7 seats (L4)
Assigned : Nissan Pathfinder with 58 kmiles
The parking lot was like totally empty.
Received : Escalade (P6), wi 5,000 miles and built-in SatNav + NeverLost, but disabled Xm/Sirius. Paid $75 daily upgrade, on an amazingly low rate of $550 for 16 days.
Final bill of $1,750 turned out to be far cheaper than quotes.
BUR
5*
Booked : C - Toyota Corolla
Assigned : C - Kia something
Received : G - Impala, with working Sirius/XM, paying an uggrade of $15 / day, on a daily rate $40.
PSP
5*
Booked : C - Toyota Corolla
Received : F - Chrysler 200
LAX
5*
Booked : U - Chrysler 200 convertible
Received : U4 - Camro Convertible with built-in SatNav but disabled XM/Sirius.
Good deal, as my prepaid boking was $200 for one week.
LAX
5*
Booked : H4 - MB GLK
Received : H4 - MB GLK with 5 kmile, no built-in SatNav, butNeverLost and working XM/Sirius
All these between July 25 - August 20
I tend to reserve the bare minimum, serving my needs, not my wishes, hoping for he best, sometimes getting it, and paying for the upgrade when it is not volunteered. Always cheaper than booking the desired car.
5*
Booked : Ford Explorer w.7 seats (L4)
Assigned : Nissan Pathfinder with 58 kmiles
The parking lot was like totally empty.
Received : Escalade (P6), wi 5,000 miles and built-in SatNav + NeverLost, but disabled Xm/Sirius. Paid $75 daily upgrade, on an amazingly low rate of $550 for 16 days.
Final bill of $1,750 turned out to be far cheaper than quotes.
BUR
5*
Booked : C - Toyota Corolla
Assigned : C - Kia something
Received : G - Impala, with working Sirius/XM, paying an uggrade of $15 / day, on a daily rate $40.
PSP
5*
Booked : C - Toyota Corolla
Received : F - Chrysler 200
LAX
5*
Booked : U - Chrysler 200 convertible
Received : U4 - Camro Convertible with built-in SatNav but disabled XM/Sirius.
Good deal, as my prepaid boking was $200 for one week.
LAX
5*
Booked : H4 - MB GLK
Received : H4 - MB GLK with 5 kmile, no built-in SatNav, butNeverLost and working XM/Sirius
All these between July 25 - August 20
I tend to reserve the bare minimum, serving my needs, not my wishes, hoping for he best, sometimes getting it, and paying for the upgrade when it is not volunteered. Always cheaper than booking the desired car.