What Is Avis Mystery Car? How It Works And Tips
Renting a car for your next trip but feel like trying something new and exciting?
Avis’ mystery car option promises an element of surprise and potential upgrade over your booked class.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: An Avis mystery car allows you to prepay for a rental car class but leave the exact vehicle model as a surprise until pickup time. It’s a way to get an unknown free upgrade over your reserved class.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about how Avis mystery car works, its pros and cons, tips for the best experience, and more.
What is an Avis Mystery Car?
Definition and Overview
An Avis Mystery Car is a unique offering provided by Avis, one of the leading car rental companies. It is a service that allows customers to book a rental car at a discounted rate without knowing the specific make and model of the vehicle until they pick it up.
This concept adds an element of surprise and excitement to the rental experience, making it popular among adventurous travelers and those looking for a great deal.
By opting for an Avis Mystery Car, customers can enjoy significant savings compared to renting a car with a specific make and model.
The discounted rates are possible because Avis can allocate their available fleet more efficiently, offering customers a vehicle that matches their chosen category but with a lower rental cost.
How It Works
When booking an Avis Mystery Car, customers will first select their desired rental location, dates, and times. They will then choose the car category they prefer, such as compact, midsize, or SUV.
After completing the reservation, customers will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details except for the specific make and model of the vehicle.
On the day of the rental, customers will go to the designated Avis rental location and proceed to the counter.
Avis staff will allocate a car from the chosen category, maintaining the element of surprise. Customers will then discover their assigned vehicle and can embark on their journey.
Rules and Policies
There are a few important rules and policies to keep in mind when opting for an Avis Mystery Car:
- Age Restrictions: Customers must meet the minimum age requirements set by Avis for renting a car.
- Driver’s License: Customers must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Payment and Deposit: Customers will be required to provide payment for the rental and a deposit, typically done through a credit card.
- Insurance: Customers can choose to purchase additional insurance coverage for the rental.
- Return Conditions: The car must be returned in the same condition it was received, with a full tank of gas.
It is essential to review the specific terms and conditions of the Avis Mystery Car service before making a reservation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable rental experience.
For more information on Avis Mystery Car, visit the official Avis website.
Potential Benefits
Chance of Free Upgrade
One of the potential benefits of choosing an Avis Mystery Car is the chance of a free upgrade. When you book a Mystery Car, you are essentially leaving the decision of your rental vehicle up to chance.
This means that there is a possibility of being assigned a car from a higher category than what you originally booked. It’s like getting a surprise upgrade without any additional cost!
So, if you’re open to the idea of driving a different car than what you initially had in mind, the chance of a free upgrade can be quite exciting.
Trying New Vehicles
Another advantage of opting for an Avis Mystery Car is the opportunity to try out new vehicles.
If you’re someone who loves driving and enjoys experiencing different types of cars, then the Mystery Car option can be a great way to satisfy your curiosity.
You might find yourself behind the wheel of a sleek sports car, a spacious SUV, or even a luxury vehicle that you’ve always wanted to test drive. It adds an element of surprise and adventure to your rental experience.
Cost Savings
Choosing an Avis Mystery Car can also lead to cost savings.
In some cases, the Mystery Car option might be offered at a lower rate compared to booking a specific vehicle model. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re flexible with your vehicle preferences and are open to trying different options.
Additionally, the possibility of a free upgrade mentioned earlier can also provide value for money, as you get to enjoy a higher category vehicle without paying extra.
Excitement Factor
The excitement factor is another noteworthy benefit of selecting an Avis Mystery Car.
There’s a certain thrill in not knowing exactly what type of vehicle you’ll be driving until you arrive at the rental location. It adds an element of surprise and anticipation to your trip.
It can also be a great conversation starter or topic of excitement among friends or family members who are traveling with you.
So, if you’re looking to inject a bit of fun and spontaneity into your travels, the Mystery Car option can certainly deliver.
Potential Drawbacks
No Guaranteed Vehicle Type
One potential drawback of the Avis Mystery Car program is that there is no guarantee of the specific type of vehicle you will receive.
While you can select a general category such as economy, compact, or SUV, the exact make and model is unknown until you pick up the car. This lack of certainty might not be ideal if you have specific preferences or requirements for your rental vehicle.
May Not Get Upgrade
Another thing to keep in mind is that although there is a possibility of receiving an upgrade with the Avis Mystery Car, it is not guaranteed.
While some customers have reported receiving a higher-class vehicle than they originally booked, others have not been as lucky.
So, if you have your heart set on a particular class of car or are hoping for an upgrade, there is a chance that you may not get it with this program.
Less Control over Booking
When using the Avis Mystery Car program, you have less control over your booking compared to selecting a specific car model.
While this can add an element of excitement and surprise to your rental experience, it also means that you have less control over factors such as the features and amenities of the vehicle.
If having specific features in your rental car is important to you, then this program may not be the best option.
It’s important to weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits of the Avis Mystery Car program. Consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding whether to try this unique rental option.
Maximizing the Mystery Car Experience
When it comes to renting a car, the Avis Mystery Car option adds an element of excitement and surprise to your travel plans. But how can you make the most out of this unique experience?
Here are some tips to help you maximize the Mystery Car experience:
Choosing Car Class Wisely
One of the first things to consider when opting for the Avis Mystery Car is to choose your car class wisely.
While the exact make and model of the car will remain a mystery until you pick it up, you can still select the class that best suits your needs.
Whether you prefer a compact car for city driving or a spacious SUV for a family trip, make sure to select a class that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Booking for Busy Times
If you’re looking for a greater chance of getting an upgrade or a more luxurious vehicle through the Mystery Car program, consider booking during busy times.
During peak travel seasons or weekends, there’s a higher likelihood of a wider range of cars being available.
So, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, try booking during popular times to increase your chances of getting a fantastic surprise.
Preferring Avis Locations
When picking up your Mystery Car, it’s generally recommended to choose an Avis location as your pickup point.
Avis locations often have a larger fleet of vehicles, increasing your chances of getting a wider selection of cars to choose from.
Additionally, Avis locations tend to have better customer service and support, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable rental experience.
Using with Other Avis Programs
To maximize the benefits of the Avis Mystery Car program, consider pairing it with other Avis programs.
For example, if you’re a member of the Avis Preferred loyalty program, you may be eligible for additional perks such as priority service, free upgrades, or discounted rates.
By combining these programs, you can enhance your overall rental experience and increase your chances of a great mystery car surprise.
Remember, the Avis Mystery Car program is designed to add an element of surprise and adventure to your car rental experience.
By following these tips and making strategic choices, you can make the most out of this exciting program and enjoy a memorable journey on the road.
Mystery Car vs Choosing Your Own Car
When it comes to renting a car, there are typically two options: choosing your own car or opting for a mystery car.
Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs.
Choosing Your Own Car
Choosing your own car gives you the freedom to select the exact make and model that suits your requirements.
This option is ideal for individuals who have specific preferences or needs, such as needing a larger vehicle for a family trip or wanting a luxury car for a special occasion.
By selecting your own car, you have the opportunity to thoroughly research and compare different options. You can read reviews, compare prices, and choose the car that best fits your budget and preferences.
Additionally, you can inspect the car before renting it, ensuring that it meets your standards.
Mystery Car
On the other hand, the mystery car option adds an element of surprise and adventure to your car rental experience.
With Avis Mystery Car, you don’t know the exact make and model of the car you’ll be renting until you arrive at the rental location. This option can be exciting for those who enjoy surprises or are open to trying something new.
It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience a different car that you may not have chosen for yourself. It can also be a fun way to add some spontaneity to your trip.
Additionally, the mystery car option often comes at a discounted rate, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.
It’s a great way to save money while still enjoying the convenience and flexibility of a rental car.
Tips for Choosing Between Mystery Car and Choosing Your Own Car
- Consider your preferences: Think about whether you prefer having control over the car you’ll be driving or if you’re open to trying something new and unexpected.
- Purpose of the rental: If you have specific needs or preferences, such as needing a car with ample storage space or wanting a luxury vehicle, choosing your own car may be the better option.
- Budget: If you’re looking to save money, the mystery car option may be more appealing as it often comes at a discounted rate.
- Adventure factor: If you’re someone who enjoys surprises and likes to embrace new experiences, the mystery car option can add an element of excitement to your trip.
Ultimately, whether you choose a mystery car or select your own car, both options have their own unique benefits. It’s important to weigh your preferences, needs, and budget to make the best decision for your rental car experience.
Conclusion
Avis’ mystery car option adds excitement and potential savings to the rental experience.
With the right reservation strategies, you can increase your chances of scoring an upgraded model for no extra cost.
For travelers that enjoy spontaneity and surprises, it’s an appealing alternative to booking your exact rental vehicle.
