# The Thrill of the Hire Car Lottery: Why I Love the Unexpected
## The Excitement of the Unknown
There’s a unique thrill that comes with renting a car during your travels, especially when you’re faced with the delightful uncertainty of which vehicle will be waiting for you. My recent booking with Avis at Houston Intercontinental Airport promised a “Ford Edge or similar.” As I squinted at the car handed to me, I realized it was only vaguely reminiscent of a Ford Edge—if at all.
## The Joy of Surprises
Instead of a standard SUV, I was greeted by the rugged charm of a **Jeep Wrangler 4xe**, the plug-in hybrid version. What a fantastic surprise! This moment of unexpected delight is all thanks to those two magical words: “or similar.”
When you book a hire car, “or similar” carries a lot of weight. Rental companies often showcase a popular vehicle as a reference point, but the reality is that you might end up with something entirely different. This unpredictability transforms the mundane task of picking up a rental into an exhilarating experience.
## The Hire Car Lottery: A Personal Adventure
Having family in the United States, I’ve had my fair share of adventures at the Houston airport rental counter. Each visit feels like a game of chance, and I’ve hit the jackpot more times than I can count. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe was undoubtedly a highlight, especially in Texas, where the weather is perfect for removing the roof and doors.
On another trip, I was fortunate enough to drive a **Dodge Charger**. Despite its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine (not the famed 5.7-liter Hemi V8), the sound was exhilarating—though I won’t mention the fuel efficiency.
Then there was the time I found myself in a **Fiat 500**. In a state known for its love of massive pickup trucks, it was a bit intimidating to be dwarfed by **Ford F-150** drivers who could literally look down at me through my sunroof. Yet, when it came to navigating corners, I left them in the dust.
## Discovering Hidden Gems
Of course, not every rental is a thrilling ride. For every extraordinary vehicle, there are plenty of more ordinary options. However, these can lead to newfound appreciation for cars you might have overlooked. For instance, I developed a fondness for the first-generation **Kia Soul** after renting one.
In my previous career as a motorsport journalist, I had unforgettable experiences driving a **Peugeot 1007** during the Ulster Rally and a **Ford Ka** on the narrow roads of the Isle of Man. Each car, regardless of its reputation, offered unique moments of joy.
## The Shift Towards Predictability
While the hire car lottery is a source of excitement, not everyone enjoys leaving things to chance. Many rental companies now allow customers to book specific vehicles—often at a premium—or offer loyalty programs that let you choose your car in advance.
While this may be a win for consumer choice, it takes away the thrill of the unexpected. My advice? Embrace the unpredictability and relish the joy that comes with those two fateful words: “or similar.”
## Conclusion
The hire car experience is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an adventure filled with surprises and opportunities to discover new vehicles. So the next time you find yourself at a rental counter, take a moment to appreciate the excitement of the unknown. You never know what delightful ride awaits you!