Ever spotted the “Manager’s Special” option when booking a Hertz rental and wondered if rolling the dice on your vehicle is a smart move? These mystery rentals promise Economy-class rates with the possibility of driving away in something nicer – but the experiences range from scoring luxury SUVs to getting stuck with high-mileage compact cars. Let’s cut through the confusion and determine if this gamble actually pays off for your travel style and budget.
What Exactly Is the Hertz Manager’s Special?
The Manager’s Special is Hertz’s mystery car program that guarantees you’ll get a vehicle with seating for at least four passengers and space for two pieces of luggage – all at Economy car pricing. The catch? You won’t know what you’re driving until you reach the counter.
According to Hertz’s official description, you’re giving up your right to choose a specific vehicle in exchange for potential savings. While the program technically restricts access to Hertz’s Ultimate Choice aisles, some elite members report exceptions to this rule.
The Upgrade Potential: What Cars Can You Actually Get?
The Manager’s Special vehicle assignment varies dramatically depending on location, timing, and sometimes even your status level with Hertz.
Success Stories
Some renters hit the jackpot with impressive upgrades:
- A traveler at Los Angeles International Airport received a 2021 Toyota Highlander
- Multiple President’s Circle members at Denver International Airport accessed luxury SUVs despite booking the Manager’s Special
- Albany, NY renters scored Tesla Model 3s and Chevrolet Bolts at bargain rates
Disappointment Stories
The flip side reveals less exciting outcomes:
- A Chicago O’Hare renter paid more for a Manager’s Special than they would have for booking a Nissan Versa directly
- Some locations assign basic subcompact cars that arguably don’t meet the program’s own standards
- FlyerTalk users report receiving high-mileage vehicles in worse condition than standard fleet cars
Price Comparison: Is It Actually Cheaper?
The Manager’s Special isn’t automatically the best deal. Smart renters should always compare rates before booking.
| Location | Manager’s Special Rate | Standard Economy Rate | Vehicle Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, NY | $28/day | $40/day | Tesla Model 3 |
| Chicago O’Hare | $55/day | $32/day | Nissan Versa |
| Los Angeles | $68/day | $90/day | Kia Niro |
The table shows just how variable pricing can be. In Albany, the Manager’s Special delivered exceptional value, while in Chicago, it was actually more expensive than booking a specific economy car.
Elite Status Factor: Does It Make a Difference?
Your Hertz loyalty status can dramatically influence your Manager’s Special experience, though official policies and real-world experiences often conflict.
How Status Impacts Your Assignment
While Hertz’s terms technically exclude Manager’s Special renters from Ultimate Choice aisles (where you’d normally select your own vehicle), multiple President’s Circle members report being allowed to choose from premium vehicle sections anyway.
One Gold Plus Rewards member shared: “Despite booking the Manager’s Special, my President’s Circle status got me access to the PC row where I grabbed a BMW X5. The counter agent confirmed this was an exception to their policy.”
Status Match Opportunity
If you hold elite status with other rental agencies, consider requesting a status match with Hertz before trying the Manager’s Special. This strategy can increase your chances of favorable treatment.
Location Matters: Where the Manager’s Special Shines
Your pickup location dramatically affects whether the Manager’s Special is worth booking.
Airport vs. Local Branches
Major airports typically offer better Manager’s Special experiences than neighborhood locations. This is partly because airports maintain larger, more diverse fleets with frequent turnover.
A Reddit user shared their experience: “LAX Manager’s Special got me a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee with only no premium upcharges. When I tried the same at a suburban location, they tried assigning me a basic Nissan Sentra.”
EV-Friendly Markets
If you’re interested in electric vehicles, the Manager’s Special can be particularly valuable in EV-focused markets like California. Several renters report receiving Teslas, Polestars, and Chevy Bolts through the program.
However, be cautious about charging infrastructure. Some renters report issues with getting stranded due to inadequate charging options or lack of instruction on EV operation.
The Upsell Game: Be Prepared for Counter Offers
Many Manager’s Special renters report being offered upgrades at the counter. This can be either an opportunity or a frustration, depending on your perspective.
A FlyerTalk member explained: “They assigned me a Toyota Yaris, then immediately offered an upgrade to a Ford Escape for $10 more per day. It still ended up cheaper than booking the Escape directly, so I took it.”
This common practice suggests Hertz sometimes uses the Manager’s Special as a lead-in for upselling. If you’re prepared to negotiate and know typical rates, this can work in your favor.
Timing Your Booking: When to Avoid the Mystery Option
The Manager’s Special value proposition changes significantly depending on when you’re traveling.
Peak Seasons
During high-demand periods (summer holidays, spring break, major conventions), the Manager’s Special typically delivers less value. With fleets stretched thin, you’re more likely to receive a basic vehicle with little or no upgrade potential.
Last-Minute Rentals
Conversely, last-minute bookings during slower periods can yield exceptional results. When locations have excess inventory they need to move, Manager’s Special customers often benefit from significant upgrades.
Weekday vs. Weekend
Several frequent renters note that weekday Manager’s Special bookings typically offer better vehicles than weekend rentals. This likely reflects business travel patterns and fleet utilization strategies.
Special Needs Travelers: When to Skip the Mystery
If you have specific vehicle requirements, the Manager’s Special is rarely worth the risk.
Family Travel Considerations
Families needing car seats, extra space, or specific features should avoid the Manager’s Special. The uncertainty makes planning difficult, especially when traveling with children.
Accessibility Needs
Travelers with mobility challenges or special equipment requirements should book specific vehicles rather than risking inappropriate assignments through the Manager’s Special.
Maximizing Your Manager’s Special Experience
If you decide to try the Manager’s Special, these strategies can help improve your experience:
Pre-Booking Research
Before booking, check rental car forums like FlyerTalk for recent experiences at your specific location. These real-world reports are more valuable than general advice.
Comparison Shopping
Always compare the Manager’s Special rate against standard Economy bookings. Tools like AutoSlash can help ensure you’re actually getting a deal. Sometimes the Manager’s Special costs more than booking a specific vehicle class.
Arrival Timing
Early morning arrivals often get better vehicle selections as the fleet hasn’t been depleted by the day’s rentals. If possible, schedule your pickup before 10 AM for optimal results.
Polite Persistence
If assigned a vehicle you’re unhappy with, politely ask if alternatives are available. Many counter agents have some discretion, especially for Gold Plus Rewards members.
Who Should Book the Manager’s Special?
After analyzing hundreds of user experiences, clear patterns emerge about who benefits most from Hertz’s mystery car program.
Ideal for:
- Flexible travelers without specific vehicle requirements
- Budget-conscious renters at major airports
- Hertz elite status members (especially President’s Circle)
- Last-minute bookers during off-peak periods
- Adventure-seekers who enjoy the element of surprise
Poor choice for:
- Families needing specific features or space
- Business travelers with image concerns
- Those renting at smaller, neighborhood locations
- People traveling during peak holiday periods
- Travelers with special accessibility needs
The Bottom Line: Risk vs. Reward
Is the Hertz Manager’s Special worth it? The answer depends entirely on your circumstances and expectations.
The program offers genuine value for flexible travelers who prioritize savings over vehicle specifics. The possibility of a significant upgrade exists, though it’s far from guaranteed.
Your best approach is treating the Manager’s Special as a calculated risk rather than a reliable upgrade path. If receiving a basic economy car would ruin your trip, book a specific vehicle instead. But if you’re open to surprises and prioritize savings, the Manager’s Special might be worth the gamble – especially at major airports with strong track records of positive experiences.
Remember to verify that you’re actually saving money by comparing rates for specific vehicle classes before committing to the mystery option. Sometimes the “special” isn’t special at all.
