How to rent a specific car for your vacation

When you’re going on vacation, you may have a specific vision of how you’ll ride through town. Maybe you envision pulling up to the beach in a Jeep or dropping off a luxury car at the hotel valet stand. Or perhaps you’re headed to New England in the winter and feel safer driving 4WD. 

If you’re wondering how to rent a specific car model, it’s important to understand how car rental companies operate. Unfortunately, it can be difficult if not impossible to choose the exact make and model of your rental car. Fleet operations fluctuate daily and rental companies don’t know their exact stock until you arrive.

Follow these tips on how to rent a specific car to improve your chances of getting the vehicle you want.

Request a specific car class

When you’re booking car rental company reservations, choose a car that falls within the right class of vehicle. You’ll then be likely to get something similar, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted. Each car rental company lists out the makes and models included in each category.

Here’s an overview of the most common car classes so you know how to rent a specific type of car. 

Luxury

Figuring out how to rent a luxury car can be easier because rental car companies often separate this category from standard rentals. You can then browse luxury vehicles by their own categories, like elite SUVs, convertibles, and more. This is also the best way to rent a sports car for a day.

4WD and AWD

Most rental car companies offer SUVs and trucks that come with four wheel drive or all wheel drive. However, you’ll likely be prohibited from off-road travel, even with a tough car. Be sure to understand all of the rules for driving and towing along with how to rent a 4WD car or a car with all wheel drive.

Van

A van is a great choice if you’re traveling with kids or a large group of friends and family. This class of vehicle typically guarantees seating for seven or eight people. If traveling with kids, you may also be able to reserve car seats so you don’t have to tote your own. 

Book early to rent the car you want

In addition to researching your ideal car class, make sure you book your rental car as soon as possible. Last minute reservations could result in entire categories being fully booked. As soon as you know where and when you’re going, start looking for your car reservation. 

Even if you’re not sure of your exact plans, consider booking a refundable reservation. That way you’re guaranteed to have the car you need (or want) during that trip period. And if you find a better deal elsewhere, you can always book that car and then cancel your original reservation. In reality, there’s no trick for how to rent a nice car except planning in advance. 

Choose a rental company with guaranteed reservations

A final tip on how to rent a specific car is to make sure the rental company guarantees reservations. Avail, for instance, guarantees every reservation so that you don’t show up and face the unpleasant reality of not having a car to rent at all. Plus, your car is ready to go when you arrive, so you don’t waste time waiting for it to be cleaned between drivers. 

Avail also allows you to specifically request 4WD and AWD vehicles. Sometimes they may not be available but most of their mid-size and full-size vehicles automatically come with one of these.

Ready to get the rental car you want? Try borrowing with Avail for a hassle-free experience.