How to get the rental car you actually wanted

Finding a rental car can feel like searching through the clearance bin at a clothing store. You’re not guaranteed the first pick of whatever item you were looking for, and your options depend on whatever inventory and seasonal patterns that particular store is going through.

This type of uncertainty has gotten worse in recent years as rental agencies have seen fleet inventories shrink and prices shoot up. Experts say the so-called rental car apocalypse, exacerbated by a nationwide shortage of semiconductor chips, is better than it was two years ago, but the industry is still nowhere near the pre-pandemic norm.

“It’s getting better, but it’s not fixed yet – there are not extra vehicles sitting on our lots,” said American Car Rental Association spokesperson Greg Scott. “It’s kind of an indication of how tight the supply chain is for dealers, car manufacturers and obviously for terminal companies right now.”

These changes have made it even harder to predict whether you’ll walk away from a rental car counter with your preferred vehicle, even if you reserved it online or paid in advance. Aside from changes to the national market, there are other factors at play: The last car in the category you wanted may have not come back on schedule, or that car might be undergoing maintenance or receiving a clean-through when you show up.

If you’re determined to get your first choice, here are strategies to help.

Make a prepaid reservation

According to travel experts and rental car association officials, the more details you arrange before you arrive at the rental car counter, the better chance you have of getting what you

want. This can save time spent on paperwork or waiting in line, and it also yields cheaper prices and a wider selection of cars.

Travel when others aren’t

A car rental company’s inventory ebbs and flows according to travel patterns throughout the year. You’re likely to find better

prices and more options if you go against consumer trends.

Book during a weekday

The day of the week and times that you are booking also matter. There will likely be more demand for a rental on a Saturday versus a Tuesday or Wednesday. Book on a weekday even for weekend reservations, said Ani Malkani, head of ground transport at Hopper.

Beware of ‘even’ hours

Malkani also recommends looking for cars outside of even hours – like choosing 3:30 instead of 3 p.m. sharp.

Cars might not pop up on an agency’s booking system because they’re not available right at that exact moment. This can be true at traditional car-rental agencies, or companies that facilitate rentals, such as Hopper. One way to get a better sense of an agency’s stock would be calling ahead of time, as they can likely let you know the full extent of what the respective company’s inventory looks like.

Try an electric vehicle

More rental agencies have begun offering electric cars as a climate-conscious option. Despite the environmental benefits, experts say the option is not as sought-after as a traditional.

ROBERT GAUTHIER/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS Cars are stored at Santa Anita racetrack lot. To get a car you want, it’s often a matter of timing.