Hertz Five Star Status reset

[brett-au]

Hi

I got the you've not rented enough, go back down to gold email today. I wanted to gauge people's opinions if it is worth while, chasing them to bump me back up.

I've rented a car for 5 weeks in 2015 (1x2 weeks in September and 3x1 week in December). So far this month I'm looking to rent another 3x1 week.

During that time my upgrades were
- booked and got a corolla sedan
- booked a toyota corolla ascent hatch and got toyota corolla ascent sport hatch (ooh fog lights and alloys to scratch)
- booked and got a yaris with 31,000km on it

Is the 5 star really worth my time and effort? I would very much like anything other than a corolla (a hyundai, nissan, or what ever) and don't want anything as big as a camry.

Would it be possible to say "can you count the 3 rentals from December" so I only need 4 more?

How strict are they on this issue?

Thanks

 

[docjames]

No chance they'll credit the 2015 rentals.

Where were the rentals as that may impact the (lack of) upgrade(s)?

 

[brett-au]

Yes, to be fair it was as a Sydney branch office most of the time. I understand the fleets/pools are much bigger at the airport.

But I did actually make an effort to call them several days before and ask specifically for anything but a corolla (it's not a dislike of corollas, its just a desire to try something different)

 

[pyffii]

Since Hertz left Surfers Paradise in 2015 ( a really really dumb move cause I had 8 weeks of rental pa with them ) ) I have changed my allegiance to Avis Preferred and couldnt be happier....So the recent email downgrading me from 5 star was inevitable and no great loss I am afraid.

 

[docjames]

I also left Hertz completely 4 years ago. Haven't been back. Very happy at Avis.

 

[bsb]

Left Hertz for Avis a long time ago, never looked back

 

[JohnK]

I split my rentals between Hertz and Avis. The upgrades with both aren't exciting but then I book the cheapest car possible.

 

[clifford]

I also tend to split my rentals between Hertz/Avis. Hertz in Oz, Avis o'seas. I really don't like to get an upgrade as it often is a vehicle that I don't want (eg too large a vehicle in the UK, making parking or negotiating narrow streets more difficult than it needs to be). Very happy to get exactly what I have reserved, but diesel is always nice.

 

[brett-au]

Picked up my latest rental this morning. A grey corolla (older model) with 20,000km on it. I would have much preferred one of the new corollas, simply because of the reversing cameras. I was disappointed that
- it wasn't washed
- it wasn't vacuumed (okay, it was wiped over with a cloth, but I expect more from Hertz)
- it wasn't full of fuel (7/8).

But I was in a rush.

I think it's time to try europcar (as they apparently have i20s)

 

[ozjuice]

I don't hire more than maybe 1 - 2 cars a year but opted for the Free Gold Plus Rewards membership. Now i recieve an email saying.....Congratulations! You′ve achieved Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President′s Circle® status through 31 December 2016.

A Bit surprised to say the least. Is this usual or doesn't it mean anything of any worth?

 

[Awesom Andy]

I think it's time to try europcar (as they apparently have i20s)

With Europcar, it's also possible to book for a VW Golf (or similar), and they now have some Volvos in the fleet as well.

I usually go with Hertz or Europcar, whichever is cheaper. I never get good rates with Avis, for some reason.