Quick Summary:
- Most United Estates car hire bookings confirm a class, not a model.
- “Or similar” means same category, doors, seats, and luggage space.
- Exact models are only guaranteed with explicitly named model products.
- Choose larger depots and arrive early to improve model availability.
When you book car hire in United Estates, it is normal to see a tempting photo and a specific make and model, followed by the words “or similar”. That phrase causes most of the confusion. Many drivers assume they are choosing a particular car, then feel disappointed when they receive another vehicle that looks different. The reality is that most mainstream rental deals sell a category, not a promise of an exact model.
This guide explains what “or similar” really means in United Estates car hire, when a depot can and cannot guarantee a specific model, and practical ways to improve your chances without paying for upgrades you do not need. For general options and category examples, you can compare listings on Hola Car Rentals car hire in the United States.
What “or similar” actually means
“Or similar” is the rental industry’s way of saying, “You are reserving a group of vehicles with comparable specifications.” The group usually covers performance and practicality more than brand or styling. In practice, “similar” typically means:
Similar size and body type. If you book an economy hatchback or compact saloon, you should receive something in that size bracket, not a large SUV.
Similar passenger capacity and luggage space. A class is designed around typical needs, for example two adults with two cabin bags, or a family of five with multiple suitcases.
Similar transmission and fuel type. Many United Estates locations have a high share of automatics, but the listing should still define transmission. If you need an automatic specifically, ensure the booking states it.
Similar core features, not identical trim. The exact spec can vary. One car might have a larger screen, another might have fewer driver aids. Seat materials, wheel size, and infotainment packages can differ even within the same model.
Importantly, “or similar” does not mean the depot can swap your assigned vehicle for any car on the lot. They need to keep the fleet balanced across categories, satisfy pre-paid reservations, and manage cleaning, maintenance, and returns. The best expectation is, “I will get a car that meets the category’s functional promise.”
Why depots usually cannot guarantee an exact model
Even if a depot wants to be helpful, several real-world constraints stop them from guaranteeing the exact model shown online.
Fleet supply changes daily. A location’s mix depends on deliveries, disposals, and manufacturer swaps. A model pictured today may not be present next week.
Returns are unpredictable. The depot relies on customers returning vehicles on time, in good condition, and to the correct branch. Late returns, one-way rentals, and extensions all change availability.
Vehicles move between branches. Busy periods often trigger rebalancing across the region. A model you hoped for may be transferred out to meet demand elsewhere.
Operational status matters. A car might be on-site but unavailable due to valeting, repairs, recalls, or awaiting inspection. It still “exists” in the fleet, but cannot be handed over.
Upgrades and substitutions happen. If a class sells out, you might be upgraded, or offered a substitute, to keep you moving. That is good for convenience, but it shows why strict model promises are hard to keep.
This is why the safest way to shop is by category suitability. If your trip has strict needs, such as three large suitcases or seven seats, focus on capacity rather than a particular badge.
When a specific model can be guaranteed
There are exceptions. You can sometimes secure a specific model, but it must be explicit in the product you are buying.
“Guaranteed model” products. Some suppliers offer a named model line where the contract states the exact make and model (or a very narrow range), often at a higher price. The key is the written confirmation, not the image.
Prestige, specialty, or limited fleets. Performance or luxury lines may have tighter definitions. Even then, read the wording carefully. Some premium categories still say “or similar”, because the depot may swap between near-equivalents.
Commercial vehicles with defined configurations. For vans, the length, roof height, and payload can be the practical “model”. If your job needs a particular size, search within a van category designed around dimensions, such as options shown on van rental in the United States.
Direct corporate accounts and long-term rentals. Some business programmes can request a specific model, but it is still subject to availability unless the agreement states otherwise.
If your confirmation says “Toyota Corolla or similar”, it is not a guarantee. If it states “Toyota Corolla guaranteed” (or equivalent unequivocal wording) and the supplier’s terms support it, then you have a stronger position if the depot cannot deliver.
What you can request, and what staff can realistically do
You can always request preferences, and it is worth doing, as long as you treat them as preferences, not entitlements.
Make and model preference. You can ask for the car pictured, or a specific model you like. Staff may accommodate if it is available, clean, and fits your booking group. It helps if your request is common, such as a mid-size saloon.
Practical preferences. These are often easier to fulfil than a model request, because they align with how the depot allocates vehicles. Examples include “large boot”, “higher seating position”, “rear legroom”, or “good visibility”. If you are booking an SUV category, you can browse suitable ranges via SUV rental in the United States.
Transmission and fuel. These should be locked in by the booking terms, but if the market offers mixed fleets, restate your need in advance and at the counter.
Accessibility and child-seat considerations. If you need easy ISOFIX access, or wide-opening rear doors, say so. Again, it is about meeting needs rather than chasing a badge.
Staff cannot fairly “hold” a popular model for you if other customers have earlier pick-ups or a guaranteed product. They also cannot compromise class availability for the next wave of reservations. A polite request, timed well, is the best approach.
How to improve your chances of getting the model you want
While no method is perfect, these strategies are effective and usually free.
1) Choose a larger depot, or one with higher turnover. Airports and major city locations tend to have bigger fleets and more variety. More cars means a better chance your preferred model is on-site and ready.
2) Pick a pick-up time that maximises availability. Early morning can be ideal because many cars have been returned overnight and prepped. Late evening can be risky, as the best choices may already be assigned.
3) Keep your booking within a stable category. Booking “compact” then hoping for a specific mid-size model can backfire. Reserve the class that naturally contains your preferred car. If you want a people carrier shape, do not rely on an upgrade, look at minivan rental in the United States.
4) Add a clear preference note when you reserve. Keep it short and practical, for example: “Preference: Toyota Corolla if available, otherwise similar compact automatic with large boot.” Notes are not a guarantee, but they do give the depot a chance to plan.
5) Contact the depot 24 to 48 hours before pick-up. Ask what models are common in your category that week. You are not asking them to promise, you are confirming what is realistic. If your plans are flexible, they may suggest a different pick-up time.
6) Arrive with flexibility, not just one model in mind. Identify two or three acceptable models in the same class. If the depot can meet your second choice, you still win.
7) Avoid prepaying for upgrades “just in case”. If your needs are met by the original class, paying extra purely to chase a model is often poor value. Pay for an upgrade when you need the extra space, power, or seating, not when you want a particular grille design.
When paying more does, and does not, help
It is tempting to assume the pricier option guarantees a particular car. Sometimes it does, often it does not.
Paying more helps when: you move into a category that contains the model type you want, you choose a product that states “guaranteed model”, or you select a premium line with a narrower fleet. Paying more can also help if you need features that are tightly linked to category, such as seven seats or extra cargo volume.
Paying more does not help when: you upgrade within broadly similar categories hoping for a specific badge, or you select add-ons that do not affect allocation (for example, extra insurance products do not usually change which model is handed over).
Also remember that “free upgrade” offers are availability-based. They can be great, but they are not a plan for securing a specific model.
What to check at the counter before you drive away
If model matters to you, do a quick, calm check at pick-up. This reduces surprises later and gives the team a fair chance to adjust while you are still on-site.
Confirm it matches the booked class. Check passenger count, luggage capacity, and transmission. If you booked a compact automatic and are offered a small manual, raise it immediately.
Inspect the boot space with your real luggage in mind. “Two suitcases” is subjective. If you have bulky prams, golf clubs, or hard-shell cases, test the boot before accepting.
Review key features you rely on. If you need built-in sat nav, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, ask before leaving. These can vary within a class.
Ask about alternatives politely. If the model is not what you hoped for but you can see options nearby, ask if any other cars in your class are available. Staff are more able to help when you keep the request within your paid category.
If the depot cannot meet a requirement that was explicitly included in your reservation, ask what solutions they can offer within the supplier’s terms, such as a different vehicle in the same class or a no-cost category adjustment.
Setting expectations for United Estates car hire
The best mindset is: book the category that fits your trip, then request a preferred model as a bonus. Most of the time, you will receive a vehicle that does the job comfortably. If you anchor your decision on an exact model, you may end up overpaying or feeling let down by a perfectly suitable alternative.
If you want to browse category definitions and understand what typically sits in each group, start with car rental in the United States. That makes it easier to match your plans to the class that naturally contains the kind of vehicle you want, without chasing uncertain upgrades.
FAQ
Can I request an exact car model for car hire in United Estates? You can request it as a preference, but most reservations confirm a vehicle class, not a specific model. Only a clearly stated “guaranteed model” product can truly promise an exact model.
What does “or similar” mean on a United Estates car hire listing? It means you will receive a car with comparable size, seating, luggage capacity, and basic specifications. The make, model, trim level, and exact features can vary within that class.
Will calling the depot guarantee I get the car I want? No, a call rarely creates a guarantee, but it can improve your chances. The depot may tell you which models are common in your booked category and note your preference.
Is it worth paying for an upgrade to get a specific model? Usually not, unless the upgraded category is the one that normally contains your preferred model type, or the product explicitly guarantees the model. Upgrade for space or seating needs, not for a badge alone.
What is the single best way to improve my chances of a preferred model? Book the correct class for your needs, choose a larger depot if possible, and arrive early. Then ask politely for your preferred model or the closest equivalent available.
