Anyone used Avis in the US recently?

[edo]

Booked a Mustang Convertible via Holiday Auto's for next week.

Did NOT say "or similar" on the website or the order confirmation. Now the voucher says "or similar".

Place your bets what I end up with... Anyone used Avis in the US recently for a Cab, and what did you get?

[Fox-]

Unless you've paid an absolute fortune for a Signature Series/Prestige/Whatever guaranteed model it's *always* 'Or Similar', so Holiday Auto's need to sort the website out.

I rented with Avis in the US last year and at the facility I used was a Chrysler 200 and a few Mustangs.

[edo]

Yup, I am aware most hire companies say "or similar", but in this case I specifically went with Holiday Autos since their website didnt say or similar, and neither did their order confirmation.
Order Confirmation:

Reservation number
XXXXX

Pick-up 24 Aug 2014 10:00
New York - West 31st Street

Return 06 Sep 2014 20:00
New York: JFK International Airport

Car Type Ford Mustang Convertible

[steveo3002]

worst case put on your best accent and mention youd love a real american car, often they will help if they can . if that fails take it back and say it judders on the freeway and try again

[surveyor]

I've never used this firm since my espace or similar turned into a Zafira.

Took a bit of arguing, which bizarrely was helped by my poor French, as no was one of the few words I could use....

[Dunebasher]

Odds are you will see one of these - Ford Mustang, Chrysler 200 Convertible or Chevrolet Camaro. They do have some new VW Beetles, Mini Coopers, BMW Z4 and Merc SLK. The last two are in the specialty cars and sometimes they offer them for a fee. Your problem is you are renting in town so garage space is limited as will your choice be. I've driven all the regular convertibles and none compare to UK handling, out of them all I would opt for the Camaro or the 2015 Mustang.

[Coatesy351]

Used Avis in the US in February. Booked mustang convertible and got one. We even got a choice of colour.

[S3_Graham]

Dunebasher said:

Odds are you will see one of these - Ford Mustang, Chrysler 200 Convertible or Chevrolet Camaro. They do have some new VW Beetles, Mini Coopers, BMW Z4 and Merc SLK. The last two are in the specialty cars and sometimes they offer them for a fee. Your problem is you are renting in town so garage space is limited as will your choice be. I've driven all the regular convertibles and none compare to UK handling, out of them all I would opt for the Camaro or the 2015 Mustang.

this. I rented a mustang or similar via Dollar. got there and chrysler 200, after much moaning I waited while they cleaned and prepped a Camaro for me. was still pretty shonky but looked good.

[edo]

Thanks all. Agree that City venue will limit. Fingers crossed.

[Buster73]

Used them last August in Florida for a typical 4 door hire car , but I did notice they had more than one Ferrari California available immediately .

You might want to hope your Mustang isn't available and wangle an upgrade...

[Spantney]

I struck up a pretty good conversation with the chap behind the counter at Avis at Chicago O'Hare, he turned out to be a massive petrolhead and upgraded me free of charge from the Mustang Convertible which I'd booked to a Camaro SS which is part of their 'prestige' line or whatever it is. I even got to choose whether I wanted a black or orange one!

One thing of note is all the AVIS car lots I saw out there are massive, if I had wanted a 'stang there was no shortage of them. So I think Avis should be able to accommodate you for whatever you've booked.

Cheers, Ant.

[alangla]

Rented from Budget (same group as Avis) in Miami Beach in March. Asked for a Mustang, got one. Didn't see any 200s in the yard, just 3 or 4 Mustangs.

[Dunebasher]

Spantney said:

I struck up a pretty good conversation with the chap behind the counter at Avis at Chicago O'Hare, he turned out to be a massive petrolhead and upgraded me free of charge from the Mustang Convertible which I'd booked to a Camaro SS which is part of their 'prestige' line or whatever it is. I even got to choose whether I wanted a black or orange one!

One thing of note is all the AVIS car lots I saw out there are massive, if I had wanted a 'stang there was no shortage of them. So I think Avis should be able to accommodate you for whatever you've booked.

Cheers, Ant.

His problem is he is using a downtown Manhattan location and I know when I use them they bring in the convertibles and large SUVs as demand is low in these branches. Most rentals are compact / mid saloons that can be parked easily. One suggestion I would make is to call ahead the day before and mention its a one-way to the airport, sometimes they call all the branches to see if any cars need going back to the airport. You might get a pleasant surprise !

[andy-xr]

I always used to use Budget, cars were a little older maybe ex AVIS, I dont know. But I used to book mid size and upgrade at the desk because they'd run out, they always had a Mustang available at a half decent deal. Went through 4 of them at SFO and a Camaro at Phoenix

[edo]

Thanks folks. Tried calling the branch but they never answer. Nice lady in Avis head office added a note on the system, and Holiday Autos have spoken to the branch, so hopefully the message has got through. Third world problems and all that, so we'll see how we get on! I shall post up a picture on Sunday of the final result!

[edo]

Cararo Convertible. Bloody big car! Will report back. I don't think it is a V8, but seems to go ok.

[hidetheelephants]

The cooking model has a V6 I think.

[CYMR0]

hidetheelephants said:

The cooking model has a V6 I think.

Indeed it does. 310 hp and a transmission that seemingly won't let you have any of it, but a decent car nonetheless.

[edo]

Fat fingers. That should have said camero of course. Not that quick but you cant go that fast here anyhow!

[Motorrad]

Well someone has a pretty steer for their holiday. :-)