How Can I Get the Exact Hire Car That I Want?

Learn how to increase your chances of getting the exact rental car you want with these tips:

• Book early and be specific about your vehicle needs.
• Understand ACRISS codes.
• Call ahead and arrive early.

When planning a trip, getting the right rental car can make a big difference in your travel experience. Whether you're after a specific model for a special occasion or need certain features for your journey, our guide may help you secure the model you’re after.

Let's explore how car rentals work and what you can do to increase your chances of getting your preferred vehicle.

How hire cars are booked

The car rental process typically involves several steps that are listed below.

1. Reservation: you book a car, usually online or by phone, specifying the pickup location, dates, and vehicle category.
2. Allocation: the rental company assigns vehicles based on availability and your reservation details.
3. Pickup: you arrive at the rental location, complete paperwork, and receive your assigned car.

It's important to note that most reservations are for a car category (like compact or SUV) rather than a specific model. This system gives rental companies flexibility in managing their fleet.

Why you might get a different car

Despite your best efforts, there are several reasons why you might not get the exact car you wanted.

• Limited availability: popular models often book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Fleet management: rental companies need to balance vehicle availability across multiple locations and reservations.
• Maintenance issues: sometimes, specific cars may be unavailable due to unexpected repairs or servicing.
• Late returns: if the previous renter doesn't return the car on time, it may not be available for your reservation.
• Upgrades or downgrades: the rental company might offer you a different vehicle class based on availability.

Tips for getting the car you want

While there's no guaranteed way to always get the exact car you want, these strategies can improve your chances.

1. Book early: reserve your car as far in advance as possible, especially for peak travel periods.
2. Choose your pickup time wisely: avoid peak rental times like Friday afternoons or Monday mornings.
3. Be specific in your reservation: if you need certain features (like a backup camera or roof rack), mention this when booking.
4. Call ahead: contact the rental location directly to request a specific model or discuss your needs.
5. Be flexible: have alternative models in mind that would meet your needs.
6. Arrive early: being the first customer of the day can give you a better selection of available vehicles.

The secrets of ACRISS codes

When you book a rental car, you'll often see the phrase ’or similar’ next to the car model. This is where ACRISS codes come into play. *ACRISS (Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards) codes are four-letter codes used by the car rental industry to categorize vehicles.

Understanding the codes listed below can help you know what to expect.

• First letter: category (e.g., M for Mini, E for Economy, C for Compact).
• Second letter: type/body style (e.g., B for 2–3 Door, D for 4–5 Door, W for Wagon/Estate).
• Third letter: transmission and drive (e.g., M for Manual, A for Automatic).
• Fourth letter: fuel type and air conditioning (e.g., R for Gasoline/Petrol with air conditioning).

*The above information is sourced from ACRISS’s official website in 2024.

For example, CDMR would indicate a Compact, 4–5 Door car with Manual transmission and Gasoline/Petrol engine with air conditioning.

By familiarizing yourself with these codes, you can better understand what alternatives you might receive if your exact preferred model isn't available.

Remember, while these strategies can significantly improve your chances of getting the exact hire car you want, there's never a 100% guarantee.

The key is to be proactive, communicative, and flexible while still advocating for your preferences.

By following these tips and understanding the rental process, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the car hire experience and increase your odds of driving away in your ideal rental car.