If you’ve ever browsed through Sixt’s rental options and come across something called the Premium Mystery Car, you probably stopped for a moment and wondered what exactly you’d be getting into. The idea is fairly simple. You reserve a car from Sixt’s premium tier, usually at a lower rate than booking a specific model, but you won’t find out which vehicle you’ll be driving until you pick it up at the counter. Sixt labels this category internally as PCCC.
A big part of the appeal is the surprise factor. You might drive away in a luxury sedan or a high-end SUV that would have cost significantly more if you had chosen it directly. There is a catch, though. You are not guaranteed a specific brand, model, size, or set of features. The vehicle you receive depends entirely on what is available at your pickup location when you arrive.
In this post, I will explain how the Premium Mystery Car category works. I will go over the kinds of vehicles people tend to get, share real customer experiences, and offer a few tips that might help improve your chances of getting a better car.
Is the Surprise Worth It?
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What Kind of Car Can You Actually Expect?
Let’s get one thing out of the way. There’s no official list of vehicles tied to the Premium Mystery Car category. Unlike other rental groups that specify models or at least vehicle types, this one keeps it vague on purpose. Sixt doesn’t tell you what to expect, and they don’t promise anything in terms of brand or body style.
That said, based on customer reports and personal experience, you’re most likely to get something from a premium brand like BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz. These cars are usually well-equipped and often come from the upper-mid or full-size segment. However, there’s no way to predict whether you’ll get a sedan, an SUV, or something else entirely.
This booking option only shows up when the rental location has enough inventory to offer some flexibility. That means your assigned vehicle will come from what’s physically available at that time and place. You can leave a comment during the booking process to request a certain type of car, but there’s no guarantee it will be honored. It really depends on the station’s fleet and the agent helping you that day.
If you decide to make a request, it helps to be realistic. Asking for “any Mercedes SUV” might go over better than “black G-Wagon with leather interior.”
What Real Customers Are Saying About the Experience
Feedback on the Premium Mystery Car category is largely positive, particularly when it comes to the quality of the vehicles provided. Many renters say they received cars that were nearly new, clean, and well-equipped, often from well-known premium brands. In some cases, people have even driven away with a vehicle that felt like an upgrade compared to what they expected, which definitely adds to the appeal.
That said, the experience is not always consistent. Some renters walk away impressed while others are let down, especially if they had specific expectations that weren’t met. The most common factor that seems to affect the outcome is the pickup location and the time of day. A major airport branch early in the week is likely to have a wider selection than a small-town office on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Booking this category works just like reserving any other car on the Sixt website or app. You have the option to prepay or pay at the counter. There is also a section for special requests where you can enter preferences, although these are not guaranteed and are entirely subject to availability at the time of pickup.
If your trip depends on certain features such as ample trunk space, all-wheel drive, or a specific seating configuration, then the mystery option may not be the right fit. In those cases, choosing a standard vehicle class where the category and size are clearly defined is usually a safer bet. The mystery format does come with a level of uncertainty, so it works best for travelers who have some flexibility in their plans.
Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better Car?
While there is no official method to guarantee a higher-end vehicle with a Premium Mystery Car booking, some renters have found that adding optional extras to their reservation may improve their experience. These could include things like upgraded GPS, premium sound systems, additional driver options, or selecting a higher service tier at the time of booking or check-in. Although these add-ons do not come with any promises, a more valuable booking might make it easier for staff to justify offering a better vehicle, especially when availability allows for some flexibility.
At the end of the day, the outcome depends on the cars available at your pickup location and the judgment of the rental agent. Being courteous, flexible, and clear about your needs can often make a difference. Sometimes, the car you are initially assigned is exactly what you need or even better. Other times, it might be worth asking if any alternatives are available.
If the vehicle you receive does not meet your expectations or needs, you can always inquire about a paid upgrade before completing the paperwork. Once the rental is finalized, making changes becomes more difficult, so it is best to speak up early if you have concerns.