Hotwire reliability

[femprof]

Many times I've arrived to pick up a rental car only to be told they were "out" of the car in my class. usually this is not a big deal since the company "upgrades."

However, I'm going in to be in LA for three weeks with 2 kids visiting family so I MUST have the minivan I secured at an OUTRAGEOUSLY good rate via hotwire (Thrifty $623 for THREE WEEKS). I'm now worried this is "too good to be true" and when I arrive to pick up my car, I'll be told they have no minivans!

Has anyone ever encountered this difficulty?

[mrxow]

I would be very surprised if they don't have a car big enough for you when you get there. I always book economy cars and end up with compact, intermediate or full size. With a mini van, though, what are they going to say? All we have is a sedan? I don't think so. And if they did, you have every right to go ballistic and contact Hotwire about it. I don't think it would happen though. Would an SUV suffice? That is the only thing I think they would offer you in place. And even then, what about somebody that needs cargo space? You are not going to be left out in the cold. I really don't think so. They only upgrade, not downgrade in all my experience.

[femprof]

Thanks for posting. I know it sounds absurd, and yes we could "make do" with an SUV until they could get us a minivan (i.e. when one is turned back in) but the purpose of the minivan is so that my parents can also drive around with us so we need seating for 4 adults and 2 kids. And ballistic won't even describe it. I'll have just flown cross country with a 1 year old and a 3 year old. Imagine the mood I'll be in!