National's SUV's.......

[friskykitten]

We are flying into LA and instead of taking a chance with EA I have decided to just rent an SUV. What I am wondering is what kind of SUV's has everyone gotten through National? When we flew into Sea-Tac in February, we reserved an intermediate car through EA. We asked the aisle's attendant if they had an SUV available and he brought up one of those little things that look more like a car with a tiny SUV body; it was an Oldsmobile Bravada. I had been hoping for a Dakota or a Blazer or something. Now that I have actually reserved a SUV I am hoping to get one of those. So I was just curious about everyone's experience with National's SUV's. Also mention whether you used the EA or actually reserved an SUV. Thanks!!! Curiosity killed the cat and I have about eight lives left.......

 

[Beverly Lynn]

Chevy Blazer

 

[sgtdisney]

National typically rents GM products, but it isn't always the case. The 2001 and earlier Olds Bravada, Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy were all built on the same chassis, sized about the same, and were all a little on the 'small size' if you can call them that compared to their competitiion. They were not as wide or long as other midsize SUVs like the Explorer and Durango. The 2002 GM midsize SUVs have been changed radically, so now the Bravada, Trailblazer (replaced the Blazer) and GMC are much larger and more spacious. If you are offered one of these, ask if it is a 2002. They are supposed to be quite nice now.

 

[friskykitten]

Thanks for the replies!

So, Sgt., does that mean that I might get to choose what SUV I want from their "inventory" at the airport? Or am I basically stuck with whatever they give me? I rented with my Emerald Club but had to do counter service becuase they said EA was not available for my type of vehicle. I am really new to this so please excuse my ignorance.

 

[Augustheather97]

WE GOT A NICE mITSUBISHI mONTERO sPORT AND LOVED IT

 

[RLMS56]

We got a Mitsubishi Montero in April and it was great. Not the Sport but the full sized one.

 

[Beckles]

When we were there in early July they did not have any of the new GM products, just some 2001 or older GMC Jimmys/Chevy Blazers. They also had Suzuki Viataras, Montero Sports, and a couple of Durangos on the SUV aisle.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by friskykitten
Thanks for the replies!

So, Sgt., does that mean that I might get to choose what SUV I want from their "inventory" at the airport? Or am I basically stuck with whatever they give me? I rented with my Emerald Club but had to do counter service becuase they said EA was not available for my type of vehicle. I am really new to this so please excuse my ignorance.

If you don't ask, they may just give you what is available. But, don't be afraid to ask them what kind of SUVs are available. Many times they can check their inventory and give you a choice. Many times they will offer you a choice anyway. Tell them you are interested in driving a 2002 TrailBlazer or GM SUV if they have one. The squeeky wheel gets the grease. Most of the times I have rented with National before, at least in Orlando, when I used the counter service they just did the paperwork at the counter and told me to go the aisle where the car class was located and pick whatever I wanted from the aisle. They may just end up offering this to you as well. Good Luck!

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by Beckles
When we were there in early July they did not have any of the new GM products, just some 2001 or older GMC Jimmys/Chevy Blazers. They also had Suzuki Viataras, Montero Sports, and a couple of Durangos on the SUV aisle.

I have never understood this about the way they catagorize rental car sizes. I would never consider a Dodge Durango and a Suzuki Vitara to be in the same size catagory. Isn't the Vitara very much like a fancier and nicer version of the Chevy Tracker? Oh well.

 

[robinb]

I rented with my Emerald Club but had to do counter service becuase they said EA was not available for my type of vehicle.

You want to specify "Emerald Choice" on your reservation. That way you can just go to the lot and pick the SUV you want without having to stand in line at the counter.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by robinb


You want to specify "Emerald Choice" on your reservation. That way you can just go to the lot and pick the SUV you want without having to stand in line at the counter.

I don't know where the original poster is renting his/her vehicle from, but some locations in National's system do not have Emerald Choice as an option when you make the reservation. I know for certain that Fort Lauderdale doesn't.

 

[friskykitten]

Hi Robinb!

I am renting from LAX (Las Angeles International for those who don't know the code) and I did put Emerald Choice in. But when they went looking for my rate it came back saying that my class of car (SUV) wasn't an option for Emerald Choice at this location. I had to do counter service. My rate did drop over the past few days from $101.30 to $86.14 for my two day rental though.......that is something to smile about!!!

When I had tried this at the Sea-Tac airport in Feb. 2001 they said the same thing. No Emerald Choice for SUV's.....you must use the counter service. I wonder how they determine what location has what available for EC.