Rental Car Experiences?

Sandman6472

Haven't worked much lately but did drive a new Pathy the other day and it was pretty sweet for a suv...Nissan did a good job on this puppy! Nothing really exceptional lately though I did miss out on a Verano on Monday...sat in it and was very comfortable. This is our slow season right now so am only working 2 or 3 days per week so am pretty bummed out about that...having too many drivers and not enough work is making people miserable. A lot of these folks only have this as their income so I can understand their frustration but the boss is trying to be as fair as he can which is appreciated by all. Hopefully things will pick up after Labor Day as I am getting a bit bored myself...bottom line is I just wanna drive!!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

Avis today - 2x Taurus, 200, Avenger, Explorer, Sonata, a couple big vans.

tjc78

Pathfinder is on our list to replace the LaCrosse next year. Any other thoughts? Nice smooth ride? Quiet? Thanks.

Sandman6472

Yes, the ride was extremely quiet and I especially liked the cloth they used...I like Nissan cloth seats as they tend to be grippy but soft to sit on. I wear shorts 99% of the time down here in South Florida and especially at work so the back of my legs do feel the seat fabric. It accelerated seemlessly up the power band, never felt like I needed to really punch it and the brakes had a nice linear feel to them and stops were confident feeling. Inside it was very quiet and the sound system was adequet. After having come out of a new Ford Explorer, both vehicles felt comparable size wise though I think the Explorer is a bit more edgy looking not that the Pathy is unattractive, it's not but it's a natural progression from what the previous one was...not a bad thing. I just preferred the Explorer's look.

Nissan did a good job here but please look at the competition also so you know you made the best decision you could. Did drive a LaCrosse lately also and it's a very nice ride, still waiting to take a Verano and Regal on an extended trip so I can really get a good feel for them both.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

Thanks! We will be driving most in that segment. Explorer, Enclave, Highlander, etc. This is for the wife, so long as its in the budget it's her choice.

Sandman6472

Like I wrote, I was very impressed with the Explorer and we're not Ford people. Nice dash layout, vision is very good from all corners, comfortable seats...a very good choice in this segment. The Highlander I drove was also a good driving vehicle and a bit more handsome than the Ford...but all vehicles are pretty good looking just depends what features are important and which drive better for one's everyday chores. Now that I've driven these larger vehicles, I'll stick with the compact and sub compact models as I prefer those sizes. I just want some more luxury in my next vehicle which will probably be my last as keeping a vehicle for 10 years is becoming the norm for us now.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ab348

Seems strange to go from a Lacrosse to a Pathfinder. Why are you considering that? I do not like Nissans, find their quality questionable and their interiors rather plain and unattractive, like Fords.

fintail

New Pathfinder seems like a glorified minivan to me - but that might make it sell better.

igozoomzoom

If you like the Pathfinder, you definitely should check out the new Hyundai Santa Fe. They introduced the 2013 Santa Fe "Sport" (the 5-seater with 2.4L 4cyl or 2.0L Turbo) almost a year ago. The 7-seater Santa Fe was just released a few months ago, also as a 2013 model which makes it a little confusing to differentiate when discussing them. They call it the Santa Fe XL in Canada, which would make things a lot simpler here. Regardless of what they do or don't call it, it's a great vehicle.

It comes in two trim levels- GLS and Limited. The GLS starts out with cloth and the expected standard but not much else. Leather, heated front & rear seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, rearview camera and 10-spkr premium audio are optional for The main features exclusive to the Limited are a Panoramic Sunroof, Proximity key with push-button start and 19” wheels.

One interesting distinction is the seating configuration- the GLS is a 7-seater with a handy 40/20/40 split-folding bench in the 2nd row; but the Limited has a relatively uncommon 6-seater setup with captain’s chairs in the 2nd row. If you don’t need that extra seating spot, it really opens up the interior and makes access to the 3rd row much easier and it makes everyone in the 2nd and 3rd row more comfy.

It starts at $28,600 for the GLS FWD and the Leather/Nav package adds about $5000. The Limited starts at $33,350 and is the optional Technology Package (Nav, Panoramic Sunroof, heated steering wheel and 12-spkr Infinity audio) adds $2900 to the tab. AWD adds $1750 to either model.

Compared to the Pathfinder, it has more power (+40hp), weighs over 400lbs less and has a regular 6-speed automatic instead of a CVT. Consumer Reports tests show the Santa Fe has slightly quicker acceleration, shorter braking distances and substantially better handling in their avoidance maneuver (emeregency) test.

tjc78

It's for my wife. Long story short the LaCrosse started off as my car and then got passed down to her. I hate SUVs but that's what she wants. The lease is up Oct 2014. I could probably get out now, but I'm gonna run it full term and hope she will get another car.

I've never owned a Nissan, but i thought the Pathfinder was a pretty nice vehicle. Truth be told the wife is all over the Enclave but the price gets way up there really quickly, so unless there are mucho incentives I don't think it's a possibility (unless she wants a lesser equipped model, which will be hard since the LaCrosse has everything)

The Sante Fe is very nice, but after my Genesis fiasco it would be tough getting the wife in a Hyundai.

ab348

But it's still a Hyundai. The Walmart Special. Ick.

isellhondas

Exactly. It's still a Korean car.

berri

The new Explorer has very nice seats, got good mileage each time for it's size, and I think it's selling well. I've rented several, but thought the GM Lambda's were nicer. The Explorer has an odd and cramped driving position for me, it's dashboard seems goofy with touch switches that sometimes are very sensitive when you touch them and then sometimes totally non responsive. The speedometer is small and tucked out of the way, and it's gradients were strange. Seemed like when you're going 50, the marked position on it is where around 30 is at on most every other vehicle I've driven. I think it would be too many compromises for me unless it was at a fire sale price. Now put those Explorer seats and it's gas mileage in a GM Lambda or Toyota and Bingo!

fintail

I know someone who says Kia stands for "Korean Imitation Automobile" :shades: ...I am not quite that hateful of the cars, but my likes are hot and cold. Some cars - Elantra GT, Optima, Genesis coupe (only), even the Soul - I have no problem with. Some others, meh.

Speaking of Koreans and kind-of-rental cars, I saw an Equus in Bellevue the other day - in apparent livery service, commercial plates and all.

And even more exciting, this was spotted in Germany the other say:



That's the new style S-class, and that plate sequence is used by Sixt. Might be a VIP car or something, but still remarkable as the car isn't even available here yet. For whatever reason, cars being rentals in Europe doesn't hurt them like it does in NA.

isellhondas

I will admit that the Koreans have come a LONG, LONG way since their initial offerings. I'm still not sold and I doubt if I ever will be. It's like they just haven't paid their dues.

The Japanese makes could have stopped the Koreans in their tracks and they didn't. At the brink of failure, the Koreans decided to go with a ten year, 100,000 mile powertrain.

I personally find this hard to believe BUT, there are people who bought ONLY because of that warranty. Long warranty must mean a great car, right?

For very little exposure, the Japanese could have easily matched that warranty and shut them up. The Koreans were smart. They shouted from the rooftops that they had this wonderful warranty and a lot of people went for it.

That warranty is only a powertrain warranty and I don't believe it's transferable
but I honestly believe it saved the Korean makes.

berri

Kia stands for "Korean Imitation Automobile"

...or, Korean intergovernmental to industry assistance

tjc78

Correct power train only after 5yr/50k, and not transferable. There is also a restriction on electronics and HVAC of only 3/36. They don't mention that.

Hyundai/Kia has come a long way. We've owned an Elantra and a Genesis. I'll never own another Geness as for the money there are better choices, however the Elantra while boring was a great little car that never spent a day in the shop.

fintail

Oh definitely, the warranty was a brilliant move. I have no doubt scores of buyers bought just because of it - the increase in sales had to be much more than the cost of any warranty claims, especially with the fine print of said warranties. The Japanese really should have matched it, or even beat it by just a small amount.

For rentals, at the Avis/Budget lot this morning - Rio, Sonic, 200, Mazda 6, Altima coupe, Taurus, Flex, Liberty, LWB Expedition, big Chevy passenger van.

isellhondas

I think the Japanese felt a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty was totally unnecessary and I agree! The chances of a powertrain problem between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles is so remote it makes no sense.

Still, the "warranty freaks" as we used to call them bit hook, line and sinker.

The exposure would nave been next to nothing.

too late now!

ab348

The warranty is really just a sales tool, as Chrysler demonstrated in the 1960s when they introduced their 5 year/50000 mile powertrain warranty.

Sandman6472

Having owned domestics, Japanese and now Korean brands, I think they make vehicles every bit as good as both the other two and agree the extra warranty just gave folks a bit more piece of mind if you will. Our Accent is running like a champ and we're all very happy with it. And it's every bit as good as my Civic which after some TSB problems and a a/c issue, is now running fine. But I doubt I would buy a Honda again in the future...but that could always change. Right now in the compact segment, the Elantra and Forte are the benchmarks with the Forte giving more features not seen in this class before. Having driven a new Civic and Elantra back to back, the Elantra is just the better car in my opinion, hands down. I hope when I'm ready to buy in 2016 or so, all the next generation compacts will be out because am not sure which I will choose. Hopefully using my trade and $20k will get me something I really enjoy as much as my '06 Civic!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

isellhondas

I know the Koreans are building much better cars now but it'll take more before I'm sold. I guess I have too long of a memory.

Show me an Elantra compared to a Civic after 200,000 miles and if the Elantra holds up as well I'll be more impressed.

If they were much less money I might be more inclined to take a second look.

stever

Chrysler also ran a 7/70 powertrain special in the late 80s. That was a big factor in getting our '89 Voyager. Used it for three head gasket repairs over ten years, including one "gimme" out of warranty.

VW used to always raise my eyebrows with their 2/24 and 3/36 powertrain warranties. Now they are up to 10/100 for the newer Touaregs and 5/60 powertrain for the rest, which really should be the minimum powertrain warranty for any make in NA.

Now I'm wondering if the "fleet" warranty is for these rental cars is any different. Seems like they sell used one with the remaining factory warranty.

jpp75

I completely agree. Hyundai/Kia is much better than they were 5, 10, 20 years ago (before Kia existed), but I need to see long term satisfaction and reliability. They may get there, but until then I'm still skeptical.

suydam

Ooh, the 80's Voyager. We had an '86 that died at 60k. Belt broke and engine seized. Just over a railroad track with two kids in it. That was it for me as far as Plymouth/Dodge! Replaced by a Toyota van that lasted the next 10 years. They don't need long warranties when you know the vehicles last.

ab348

Every reasonably objective review - and there are a lot that are anything but that - seems to agree that the Korean twins lack something in ride dynamics, handling, steering, and general driving feel. This tells me that their engineering is not up to scratch. They strike me as layering on a lot of icing - heated rear seats and various electronic geegaws that are normally extra-cost profit packs on other makes - onto a pretty mediocre cake. I also have zero trust in their North American corporate operation after the stories about inflated fuel economy claims, overstated horsepower ratings, and warranty claim hell by owners with problematic vehicles, like the left-pulling 2010 Sonatas. But there are a lot of people who will buy something because it's cheap, not necessarily the same thing as best value - just look at the success of Walmart.

fintail

Avis/Budget today - Sonic, 2x Dart, 2014 Forte, Mazda 6, 200, Impala, T&C, no SUVs.

berri

Fin, are these Impala's you've been seeing at Rental lots the older version or '14's?

fintail

All the ones at this specific location are the old kind. But, I have seen a couple rental 14s on the road, and have read that National has them in many locations already, including some LTZs.

Sandman6472

Seen a bunch of new '14's down here at Lauderdale and Miami lately so they are getting into fleets. Like the new dart's but try to get one's with cruise...had one up to Orlando without and it was a very uncomfortable ride. Personally, I'm liking the Hyundai/Kia and Chrysler/Dodge rentals more and more...they usually drive very smoothly and have a lot of creature comforts which I enjoy on a 3 or 4 hour run. So far, the X5 and X3 have been the most disappointing of all but they were only in Lauderdale and Miami so to get a true opinion, more seat time will definitely be needed. Right now we're in our slow period but have heard that things should improve after Labor Day...last year things were a bit busier according to the older employees...all I know is that I'm bored and want to DRIVE!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

Those BMWs were likely very base spec. No point in a car like that without the toys.

Big variety at the Avis/Budget today - 14 Forte, 2x Fusion, Passat, 300, 13 Impala, Optima, Dart, Caravan, Escape, 5x box trucks, several big passenger vans.

And a good review of a rental Impala LTZ

jpp75

I was in Detroit on Tuesday, my coworker's flight got cancelled so I had to rent a car last minute since she had the reservation and drive to the meeting. To my surprise the National lot Detroit had a red Mercedes C250. I'm used to Detroit have 95% domestics, and mostly Jeeps and Chevrolets available. Granted it had Louisiana plates so it didn't originate from Detroit.

I grabbed the C250, the first Mercedes I've ever driven and spent about 3 hours in it, mostly highway driving. Overall a great drive, solid and planted, even with 19k miles on it. Not sure I would buy one but it was great for a quick road trip.

Fast forward to Philly, my coworker rented from Hertz, and even though he has status we got a Corolla. That's one reason I left Hertz, even in their highest level of rewards you were still likely to get stuck with a "meh" car. The Corolla didn't have an e-pass so my coworker goes back to ask for one, thinking we might get a better car. Nope. They find him a Chevy Sonic sedan with an e-pass. He's not a car guy so he didn't care, but he did comment on what a step down it was from the Corolla.

The Sonic was what you would expect, better than the Aveo it replaced, but that's about it. I can see why someone who isn't a car person would buy them, but even the outdated Corolla is a better ride.

fintail

Probably equipped like the Enterprise-sourced C250 loaner I had a couple months ago - equipped with nothing. But, it's a new MB you can likely get for 30K, so you get what you pay for. Not exciting, but as you mention, they have a smooth and solid highway manner than many cars still can't duplicate.

Sandman6472

Absolutely base spec...very "meh" actually and some of the others felt the same way...definitely not the "ultimate driving machine"! But I guess one needs to get the goodies to get the best out of these babies. But the price goes up accordingly.

Did some lot to lot runs for Hertz today. Drove a '13 Impala, '12 Suburban,a miserable '12 Jetta base and the acceleration was crappy, even my Civic with over 42k on the clock felt peppier...I guess one needs to get into at least the SE to get decent acceleration. Lastly, a '12 Mazda 3 and a '12 Hyundai Elantra which was the best driver of the day. Ended up working the whole 8 hours with just a short wait at MIA to get the last load. Turned out to be a great day though had to wait a week to work. No one is happy about the low amount of work and all hoping that after Labor Day will bring the uptick we've been told. This is turning into the best job I've ever had an hopefully I'll be able to keep it for many years to come!

The Sandman

fintail

Were these Sixt BMWs or Avis/National? Cool that you had a full day.

Local Avis/Budget: Old Forte, Old Fusion, Old Impala, 2x new Fusion, new Malibu, Altima coupe, Optima, Escape, Tahoe, and vans/box trucks.

bo4177

On a similar note, my first experience with a Merc was a E350 cabriolet from Hertz prestige collection few months back. Roughly 15k miles on it, was in great shape. I was there to get standard car but the person offered me an upgrade I couldn't say no. In hind sight it was a wise decision I must say.
As expected it was base model, not much to complain except for electronics from stone age.
Clean interior, good sound system, heated leather seats & a convertible what more would one ask for. But the best part was its handling, silk is the word. Great ride quality & well planted at highway speeds beyond limits. Awesome steering feel and negligible body roll.
It was fun !!

jpp75

Yeah, it was equipped with nothing and for 30k it's not a bad ride but when you can get a loaded Accord for around the same price it really comes down to preference.

jpp75

Silk is a great way to describe the handling, effortless driving for sure.

Sandman6472

These were for Sixt actually and the more work we do for them, the more I like them. Am anxiously awaiting to finally get to drive a C Class or an S60 on an extended trip...think I really need to see how the C drives on anything longer than that one test drive I had a couple years back! And on another note, after finally driving a Elantra yesterday for the 1st time in many months, I noticed how nice it is to drive and it just showed me how "meh" my Civic really is...like the Civic is old tech and the Elantra is new. I think the engine sizes are the same but the Hyundai seems to just have more grunt throughout the power band and the harder I drove it, the more it seemed to like it! I got it up to 80 on I-75 without it skipping a beat and it felt just so much smoother than the Civic. Guess I'm at the point where I'm about ready to think about a change more seriously. The '14 Elantra should have the refresh while the '16 should be the new model if they keep the current schedule. But they could be pushing that back a year to save some bucks. All I know is the Limited is the front runner on my short list right now.

The Sandman

P.S. What happened to the emotorcons?

fintail

If I was shopping for a mainstream brand, that Accord would be high on my list. The biggest temptation by the premium brands now is cheapo subsidized leases.

fintail

S60 are out there too, I think Sixt has some (I am certain they have XC90 and maybe XC60), and I know National/Alamo has many S60s too.

A new car might feel smoother and faster than a 7 year old car

Emotorcons and formatting tools both vanished.

isellhondas

So, fintail...do you cruise the rental car lots?

fintail

Well, I jog by one 4-5x per week, and it's always been something I've been interested in, especially in recent years when more highline cars have hit the fleets. I also rent a few times a year, so I like to know what I might get.

Sandman6472

I suppose you are right on this. I know they recommended some kind of procedure to blow out the fuel injectors that we had done last summer on the Mazda. the wife said she felt a difference afterwards though I did not so I haven't moved ahead with it for the Civic. Might have to as it does feel a bit sluggish. Guess basically, I'm just ready to get another vehicle but having my job has held me back from doing anything stupid as I get to drive plenty of different iron. My 1st concern is getting the wife buttoned down in a new vehicle by the end of this year if possible. Once there are a good number of '14's in the showrooms, I'll be able to get her into one to test drive. Luckily the Mazda is behaving lately and the tires are looking very good still. Any sizable $ put into it would not make me very happy at this point but she's the one that has to be ready and that's just not the case. I always hold out hope that she'll change her mind one day soon.

The Sandman

fintail

It all comes down to how long you want to keep the car. If you plan to dump it within a year, spending too much can be money wasted. It's always sounded to me that you and your wife could afford any reasonably approachable car - maybe you should go for it when you find the right one. Enjoy it, you can't take it with you. Your kids will just blow it on ATVs and designer dogs anyway

Fullsize day at Avis/Budget today: Old Fusion, new Fusion, Impala, Optima, Camry, Malibu, Taurus, Escape. Captiva, no small cars.

Sandman6472

Heard the ringtone about 7 last night and I knew...road trip! We're going to the Manheim auction up in Ocoee later this morning and I'm up like 3 hours early I'm so excited! I guess this slow period has made me realize how much I enjoy this job...even the lot to lot work which sometimes hurts my spine. Just hope I get a fun vehicle to drive up...I've found that most times it's just best for the crew chief to hand out the keys so everyone gets a fair shot at the better rides...sometimes a few of the folks get a little pushy when they see something they want to drive and since I disdain confrontation, I usually back off and take a lessor choice. Most folks have learned that I like the compacts especially the Korean and Japanese ones just like I kinda know what some of the others prefer and try for them to get what they want...makes it nicer for all of us even though in reality, a car is a car which is what I was told by the old timers when I started. They all said that after awhile I'd learn this and they were right. A great gig none the less!

The Sandman

igozoomzoom

"I've never owned a Nissan, but i thought the Pathfinder was a pretty nice vehicle. Truth be told the wife is all over the Enclave but the price gets way up there really quickly, so unless there are mucho incentives I don't think it's a possibility (unless she wants a lesser equipped model, which will be hard since the LaCrosse has everything)"

Don't forget about the Mazda CX-9. You might want to test drive a Touring model with the 18" wheels and Grand Touring with 20" wheels. I have a 2012 Grand Touring and even with the 20" wheel/tire package it's very comfy cruising on the interstate at 80mph all day long.

tjc78

I've shown her those and she didn't seem like she liked them, but I'm sure it would be something we look at/test drive.

Sandman6472

Just finished a Lauderdale to Ocoee(Orlando) trip to the Manheim Auction in a 2012 Kia Optima with just under 43k on the clock and it was an enjoyable ride. Unfortunately since it was going to the auction, the SAT radio was not working but besides that, it was a great cruiser on the turnpike...very smooth and quiet with willing acceleration whenever my right foot depressed the pedal with brakes that felt very secure with good bite but not overly jerky. The engine works well with the auto tranny and it never had to hunt for a higher gear as it always seemed to be there with no herky jerky down shifting. I began to ask myself with a vehicle like this, why do folks spend so much more on a mid sized family hauler? Sure, Kia is not a name with much cache but this vehicle gets the job done with stunning looks to boot...it goes about it's business very quietly and with no drama at all. The steering was pretty numb but I've come to expect this from most vehicles I've been driving that are rentals. This was an LX model and it had all the goodies one could ask for and having a choice between this and a Sonata, I think I'd take the Optima because it is the looker in this category. Looking at prices of this and the Sonata, one does not have to spend much to get a super lux ride anymore and all I can say is..."good job Hyundai/Kia for building affordable, feature laden vehicles that put a smile on your face without taken one to the cleaners to afford it"!

The Sandman

fintail

I don't know if I would call that "super lux" :P but the Optima certainly wins style points over the Sonata, which IMO is already looking overdone and maybe dated.

Speaking of fancier rentals, Cadenza has hit the National fleet - I'd try one of these for a Premium rental, 3 months from today I have one at LAX. Already looking forward to see what I might get.