Will travel to orange county this August and I reserve a FULL size from Avis at SNA airport.
1) Does anyone has any problem with Avis at SNA before. Do I have to wait for long line to check in?
2) Will Avis usually provide a new model car? Does anyone ever ask for a lower mileage or newer car when check in?
3) Any thought on the empty tank option?

Hi Gary!

SNA/John Wayne is a busy airport, but not large so it's very easy to get in/out of. You should not have to wait long, if at all, at the Avis counter. All the rental companies use new cars. I've never had a bad one, don't worry.

For God's sake, what's up with all the taxi and rental car questionS? You rent a car or hop in a cab, you drive around and then you pay when you're done! See how simple it is folks! So, for the love of Pete, worry about something that might actually change your travel plans i.e. a huricane or tornado. PS: What do you think they rent at Avis, Model T's?

Rental cars are indeed something to worry about. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
I have shown up at rental counters 3 times in the past 4 months and the car that I have reserved has not been available, no cars at ALL have been available. Luckily I've been able to find something available from another company, and the sold-out company pays the difference in price. But if I were with my family, traveling at peak family vacation times, I would worry. What if all the other companies were sold out as well? The answer from every car company is the same "a reservation does not guarantee that we will have a car for you"! What kind of a way is that to run a business???? The rental car companies need to clean up their acts, require credit cards at reservation time, and they need to stop grossly overbooking. In my experience, Budget is the WORST! Last month they gave me these options when my mid size car was not available..."Rent a convertible for $44 per day more, come back in 4 or 5 hours when we might have something available, or try to find another company that has cars and we will pay the difference if their rate is higher. However we are too busy to give you a ride back to the airport". Oh brother, did THEY hear from ME and I can assure you that it was not pretty!

Book two cars with two different companies. That is the only way to play their silly game at this point.

Thank you Mare for clearing up this up! Gosh, I was almost not able to sleep at night thinking of the dreaded wait and anticipation at the car rental counter. Nothing could possible be more stressful and disappointing then having to choose between a Taurus or Grand Prix. I mean gosh, what's a person to do if they actually give you a Camry and not the Grand Prix my whole trip was planned around? Even worse, what's a person to do if they don't have either and were forced to choose between moving up a size or god forbid down a size??? Uh oh, looks like I'll be staying up late these next few nights sweating over these horrific possibilities. The shame of it all!!!

TTT