Rental Car Experiences?

Sandman6472

Vintage retro unfortunately though I have seen some of the "brand new" in some fleets but not at Hertz, Dollar or Sixt. I really, really want to drive the new one. Did see and drive a new '14 Malibu and it has the brand new Impala front on it...I noticed right away and they told me to move it so it could be cleaned and put into the ready line. It is a really nice midsizer but in no way can beat the Accord or Camry in the market place...even the Korean cousins are selling more units. And I just guess that the Malibu does everything well but it doesn't do anything super good and it being a rental queen hurts it in the market. Not sure what Chevy can do to fix this flaw really. But I would be happy to own one if I wanted a vehicle in that size.

The Sandman

fintail

I haven't seen a 2014 Malibu rental yet. I think that model really lost brand equity when it was dumped in fleets for so long. Even if it is 110% competent, it will be a hard battle gaining position.

Sandman6472

Had a great trip up from Key West...got a silver Ford Mustang drop top with just over 11k miles going up to Lauderdale for service. We had 8 Mustangs and 2 minivans and from what I've heard there's a good chance everything is going back down on Saturday along with 10 additional vehicles so that would be two crews going down. Hopefully this will happen but if not, maybe something else will happen.

Have decided to do that personal driver job for Fridays and Saturdays for this couple from Northern Ireland. They already have a reservation for a Mercedes G 63 AMG. What kind of vehicle is this anyways? Apparently they want to leave the vehicle with me at my house but I am still a bit confused about this. They asked for my personal info but not for my drivers license number which is good because that I would never give out to anyone, same with my bank account number. If they want to get me funds, there are other ways to do this without getting my account number. Since this is all done by email, I do have to protect myself here. This could be an interesting and fun gig...the pay is $400/2 days a week. My boss was a bit assholic with his answer to me so I will just let him know that those 2 days I am not available to work but I know there is a person who wants to work Saturdays that he can use. As he said, I need to do what I think best since I am an independent contractor...I just thought the way he responded to my email was a bit snarky but hey, he does not own me but if he had asked me to decline this offer, I would've respected his request. He just doesn't seem to get that I like him and working for him but a few co-workers have told me he bashes me behind my back and makes fun of me for some reason. I am usually the last or second to last to get to our destinations but I tend to be a careful driver and he makes a big deal about this but I do not want another ticket! No sense making a big deal as long as he continues to use me and the checks don't bounce...lol!

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Totally agree as it is the midsize queen of the rental fleets along with the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler 200. All three are competent smooth drivers but with bland style but hey, they get the job done with being somewhat efficient. Just like Chevy redid the 2014 Impala, the Malibu will need some of the same magic to get it back onto people's short lists because they are overlooking a very nice sedan if they don't at least give it a try. Personally, I am still excited about the Buick Verano and need to take one on a road trip. Besides the tail lights, i do like the looks of it especially in that pearlized creme color...a stunning vehicle and for me, the size is just perfect. I would not feel out of place if I had one in my garage and I know the wife would take it over in a heartbeat if it were there!

The Sandman

stickguy

a G wagon? The big box SUV. everyone will think you are an NBA star or a rapper. Quite the beast.

fintail

A G63? Who are they renting that from? That's the "sport" model of the gigantic 1979 style MB SUV that is favored by dirty money and entertainer types. It'll be interesting to see how that job goes.

Mr_Shiftright

Rented a new Altima S for a week. Pretty darn nice car for the money, but if you are coming out of a MINI, do not try any fast corners until you get used to driving mom's couch. Plenty of room to make 4 large people comfy, pass through rear seats, nice ergonomics for HVAC, peppy engine, good on gas, respectable looking. Good value I think if you have no sporting pretensions. My only other gripe about this somewhat entry-level car was that the headlights were not impressive on dark country roads.

Sandman6472

Fin, I am with ya on this...if it really does happen, but it really doesn't make too much sense, driving for such little hours. But I'm willing to give it a try and see what happens. My boss doesn't seem to care what the hell I do so for 2 days/week, 16 hours, might as well try. If it doesn't pan out, haven't lost anything really and I'll just stay where I am. But the money is good considering and it's just going to be another life experience. I'm up for anything right now!

The Sandman

tifighter

Here was a funny sighting - black VW Passat TDI rental from Budget on the road. Large decal under fuel filler door read 'DIESEL'

Seems pretty gutsy to trust the average customer with this one.

Sandman6472

I did a google search on this Mercedes they want to rent and it's pretty big actually...bet the mileage figures are pretty dismal! Would prefer the ML 350 I drove last week, now that was a pretty cool machine...hell, I'd love to drive a C Class to be honest, more at the size I am comfortable with. Just a shame that these vehicles are so pricey to get into and that the upkeep is also the same way. Saw a new CLA and was intrigued actually though the C seems to look so much better to my eyes, especially in that charcoal color...absolutely stunning! Definitely something I could love to use on a daily basis...and probably something my wife would want to share. I know when I was thinking of swapping for the Volvo S240 a few years back, she had let me know that even though I was paying for it that she would be using it along with me no matter what. I guess deep down we all want a really nice vehicle even though we won't admit it.

The Sandman

fintail

Cool! I am unaware of any US fleet carrying diesel cars. Indeed, a big risk to trust the average "driver" with that. I wonder how long it will take to have an incident.

fintail

Do you know who they are renting it from? I am unaware of any mainstream rental company carrying the G - Hertz does have the GL and Sixt claims to have it (but I've never seen one). A G is a real tank and the tuned model will probably approach single digit mpg in tight traffic.

Regarding the nice car - you can't take it with you

Sandman6472

Have no idea but they mentioned they did this last year and it worked out fine for them. All our communication has been by emails so it really is hard to get a handle. Apparently the husband is hearing impaired and communicates this way but his wife is perfectly fine he said. The whole deal is still a little out there but all they have asked for is my cell and home phone numbers and address...they said they need this so they can have the vehicle delivered right to my house as they expect me to pick them up from the airport using this Mercedes. I would have shut the whole thing down if they had asked for my drivers license number or bank account number as I will not give that out over the internet. Same goes for my social...no one needs that info. Supposedly they will be here the 1st week in November and that's all I know.

The G looks to be a tank but I'm sure I will get used to it in no time. They must prefer comfort and obviously, money is not a problem for them if they can rent one of these puppies for an extended holiday!

The Sandman

fintail

Yeah, it does seem like a funny story, so if they ask for too much info, walk away. A G63 like that would be a $500/day rental from a specialty firm, I bet.

Sandman6472

Got asked to do a single run from Lauderdale to Ft. Myers today...I got a 2013 Ford Fusion in a gorgeous green metallic color. Drove flawlessly with plenty of power and after I plugged my flash drive into the usb port, the music sounded excellent...I was in a really good place! Would love to do another tomorrow!!!
Got home an had an express mail package with our mail and inside was a check with enough money to cover the $400 first weeks salary and money to send to the car rental office out in Louisiana with detailed instructions. I have been told by some the check is a fake but i am going to my bank on Monday to see if they will cash it. If they do, I will follow through with the rest of the directions given. Why would they send me a check overnight if this were a scam...right? Seems kosher to me and I am looking at the positive here until I am shown it is a scam!
Any thoughts are totally welcome here folks!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever

The couple having you pay the car rental place in Louisiana does raise a bit of a red flag. Maybe they want you do to do because of licensing and insurance reasons? And it sounds like they are hiring you to be their concierge as well as their driver.

Probably would have been better to have gotten a wire transfer. (Bankrate)

stickguy

well, I think the problem is, banks will take the check, but down the line it does not clear (bounces) and that is when you are screwed. The scam part is you sent your own money to the 2nd party and by the time the original check bounces, you are not getting that back.

so, seems like the simple answer is, deposit it, and wait until the bank clears it all the way through, then send the money to the rental place.

but still odd. a few things come to mind:

1) why don't they just send money directly to the rental company?
2) how can the rental company do a contract for you to drive without your DL info?
3) Are they actually shipping a rental car from LA to FlA?

It really does seem to me that if you were coming in from overseas, and wanted to be shown around for a couple of days, it would be much, much cheaper to hire a car service for the time you need.

fintail

Like others say - red flag. This isn't kosher - why wouldn't they pay the agency directly? And a car rental agency in Louisiana renting a G63? Unless you find a verifiable web presence for this company, don't do it. Maybe you should google the names and see what comes up.

Fusion is a well received rental car though.

stever

The plot thickens. :confuse:

fintail

Nice catch. I'm sure this is a scam.

stever

This scam almost caught my mother-in-law. She swore it was her grandson on the phone (why he was in trouble in Ecuador, she had no clue). My wife wound up calling the Ecuadoran Embassy in DC tracking it down and someone from Quito called us back. The closest Western Union is an hour away and she needed a ride, otherwise we may have never known.

Seems like she gets something from Publisher's Clearinghouse three times a week, so no telling how much they are ripping her off for.

obyone

Two years ago I had the same experience with the sender sending me a check for $3000 of which I was suppose to keep $1500 for pay and expenses and western union $1500 back to them. When I traced the source of the check it was an ATM location for Bank of America in LA. That sent off all kinds of bells and whistles. Turned everything over to a friend who works for the FBI of which nothing came of it but it sure was interesting as $1500 would cover my loan for my C6 for a couple of months.

Bottom line...if it sounds too good to be true......

On topic had reserved a Towncar through Dollar and wouldn't you know when I got there nothing but a Crown Vic. Forget that so took an Armada vs. the Tahoe offered. Nice ride with 2900 miles on the clock. Nothing compared to the ride of my 2012 Titan so it was surprising.

Sandman6472

I will call the car place tomorrow to see what the scoop really is. I will also try and call the guy who express mailed me the check. The banks are closed tomorrow so on Tuesday I will go there and see if the check is in fact real. The signature on the check looks like a stamped one so i am a bit uneasy right now. I think I will email these folks and tell them I am a bit uneasy here and ask why they didn't send the money to the car rental place directly as having me do it makes no sense.

I am starting to feel a bit uneasy here!

The Sandman

Mr_Shiftright

That scam letter is hilariously bad.

fintail

Feel uneasy. I don't have a good feeling about this, which isn't cool as you were excited about it. It'll be amusing to see how they try to keep you going. At least you haven't involved your own finances. Don't send anyone any money, even if the bank takes the check - they could reject it later, I think.

Mr_Shiftright

NEVER send anyone money!

Sandman6472

My kid talked to a friend whose dad works with the FBI and he said to go to the police which I did. Total scam folks...total scam and I feel so stupid!!! Luckily I did not cash the check and all they have is my address and phone numbers which can always be changed, the phones of course. A shame there are folks in this world who will try to hurt others like this. Kudos to my 28 year old for repeatedly telling me that something isn't right here...it is a scam. She is very wise for such a young woman and I thank her, and many of you guys especially Fin and Stick, for making me see things as they really are! Life is crazy and one rally needs to be careful with Craigslist postings! Luckily I still have my day job and I just spoke with my boss to let him know how stupid I feel for all this. Even though we are not friends, his advice to not over think things was somewhat right...luckily my kid really did think about it all!

The Sandman

fintail

Don't feel stupid, I could tell you had a sense something was up, and you didn't let money change hands. If you did that, you might be stupid You were just excited as it sounded like a fun gig. But don't despair, you still have the other job to look forward to, and maybe a nice run in a Sixt E cabrio or something.

Don't worry about your address or phone number, chances are they'll do nothing more than try again - and you know better.

Sandman6472

Yes, I still have my current gig for as long as it lasts. Have heard that Hertz might be going in house for their driving needs but if so, I would definitely apply for that position even if it meant full time work, something I do not want right now. But I would welcome it if that was to happen as then I'd have that constant schedule I like so much. Health benefits I already have through Uncle Sam so that I would not need and if they made it a part time, maybe 30 hours/week, I'd be perfect for that. I still might go back to some of the car dealers right near my house and put in apps again since I know have driving experience and I know my current employer would give me a good review. I would hope my using a cane would not be used against me as it really does not limit me to what I can do except driving a stick shift, something my left leg will not tolerate. But the commute would be so much less...I've put almost 1k miles on my vehicle since the end of January and the two prior years I didn't even put on 500 combined! At this rate, I will be close to 70k within two years from now, still not bad for a vehicle that will be 10 years old.

The Sandman

Sandman6472

Heard it again today and it seems to be official, we are loosing Hertz come January 1st so I do not think my current company will be able to survive since now that hertz bought out Dollar/Thrifty, those are going to be gone also. There are too many of us and there won't be enough work to go around. Very unhappy about this but it was all a matter of time. Have an interview for a part time job as a courier for a small company near my house. Might as well go and see what it is all about as it might be a good job that I can work with my current one till they let us go as the writing is on the wall unfortunately! I had applied with hertz and need to make sure my app is still on file just in case. I am truly sad for the coming events but it was a nice run! I'm also going to check and see if Hertz still has my application on file from when I applied there this summer and have asked a friend who works there if he knows anyone I can talk to about possible employment for the new transporter positon...can't hurt!

Did a run to Orlando for Sixt this morning and the lady asked me what I wanted...a full size, a minivan or a Tahoe/Suburban so I said a full size as I was there first. Got a base Passat but it really wasn't half bad...drove very smoothly with plenty of power when I needed it. A bit stark inside and all business and if it were me, I'd go for the Jetta SE as it is more bang for the buck. I really am gonna miss driving these rentals...damn!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472

Job interview went well...if my insurance says o k and if I raise my coverage a bit, this will be a go. Passing the drug test won't be difficult as I was upfront about the meds I take for my chronic pain. Hopefully this will be a go so I can do both till the other one ends. Also made sure my app is current with Hertz so they will consider me for the few open positions at the Lauderdale airport. Now that would be the best of all worlds so am hopeful. I need to work and I want to drive and if hertz does hire me, I'sd be an employee and not have to pay quarterly taxes and since I would not need their health insurance, that would be a win/win for both. I just hope that the fates are looking down on me with goodness in their hearts...I deserve this good break, I really do!
No work today and so far, nothing for tomorrow but am not surprised...the boss got pissed at me yesterday, again, for HIS MISCOMMUNICATION! I really need another boss folks as we just do not see eye to eye...and he does not treat his employees fairly, something we also butt heads on as I call him out on it and he does not like it one bit! Also found out that he is working me about 35% less than the others, which ain't fair either. But hey, I am an honest guy and will call out unfairness whenever I see it. A shame to, cause I am a good, dependable employee who really wants to work. Treat me fairly and communicate what you want me to do...and I will get it done and make you shine!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

fintail

Read today that a Lexus RX was spotted at National at SFO. Slowing sales of an old model?

stever

Get 100 Bonus Gold Reward points (for Gold members) for doing a simple survey.

link

fintail

Nice, thanks. I haven't rented from Hertz in a few years, but I am in a rewards program that gives me their points, I have a few thousand now.

Rentals on the road today - Galant, Legacy sedan, Altima

Sandman6472

Did hertz yesterday and was busy the whole day...even worked almost 2 hours over! They are looking for some part time folks at that location so I got the managers name and have sent off my resume and a letter requesting to be considered for one of the new positions...they already know what a good worker I am and they seem to like me. they already hired one of our employees to work there so it would be a seemless transition with me. Now this would be the perfect answer to my prayers!

Got a call last night from the other crew chief about doing a quick run to Ft. Myers this afternoon...well duh!!! I'm ready to go! So glad i called him and offered my services to him any time! i am happy!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ab348

Got to Norfolk and went to Dollar to pick up my reservation. Whoever said their standard car was a Mitsubishi Galant wins a prize! Basic car, white, black cloth inside, plastic wheel covers. But you know, it's perfectly fine for what I needed it to do. Drove it about 60 miles so far, no complaints. It does seem a bit odd, almost '80s-ish inside, with lots of silver plastic. Controls seem odd too, and it is no doubt a cheap car. But it drives fine.

fintail

I had one of those a few years ago, I remember it as it was my highest mileage (over 40K) rental I've ever had. It was less worn than some lower mile cars I had, and didn't have any real problems. Definitely a retro ride though, 10 years old now with only minor changes. It has to be virtually fleet-only now.

Sandman6472

Yes, I have driven a bunch of these but mostly at Dollar/Thrifty and they are being phased out now. Hertz seem to have a very wide range of vehicles in their fleet but Sixt has by far the nicest vehicles and I really like working for them. But I do enjoy Hertz to...I just like moving rental vehicles I guess but this weekend has been totally dead...no work at all which is scary. Our busy time should have started already but not quite yet. I just want to drive as many days as I can and I check my phone constantly to see if any texts have come in. Waiting too long and someone else will take the position for that day!

The Sandman

fintail

Certainly Sixt is the leader in a highline fleet. Even if their prices are the same, they have a better premium selection often at a better price, esp if you book early or keep an eye on rates.

Was away from home for 10 days,come back and spot the same dark blue Prius that I am pretty sure was on the Avis/Budget lot when I last passed by. Also a rental Civic - one of the hardest to find rental cars, but it was a Zipcar. Nothing else of note.

I read on a rental forum that Calgary Airport (YYC) National has Lexus ES.

Sandman6472

I have driven numerous 2012 and 2013 Civics at Hertz down south here so they are in the rental fleets and I have seen only a few of the last generation ones also. Honda must be very stingy in how many they sell to fleet buyers. All in all, the Civic is a good little vehicle and mine is doing well and driving much better since I did all this work today on it. It ain't going nowhere soon!
There was a Tampa trip today but only 2 vehicles needed to go over and the two drivers who have been in our team were chosen to go which makes perfect sense. My friend who went finally told me after a few hours of discussing it with her. She knew I was a bit curious about who was chosen to go and she thought I was mad, which I wasn't, I was just curious. Everyone is looking at who is driving and it has always been that way from what I can gather and when work dries up like it has since mid April, folks are curious. A lot of my co-workers have this as their only income and I do not know how they survive? Plain dumb without a 2nd part time gig and even though I do not need to, I am looking all over for another gig. The 15 to 20 hours per week that I am getting now is just not enough honestly...I want more hours and have been looking. If things work out like I hope, this will no longer be an issue soon but if not, I will keep looking until I find it.

The Sandman

tifighter

Rented with Hertz in Geneva Sunday and got a MB A180. Black, black heated cloth seats, xenons, navigation. Seats are pretty good but outward visibility is awful. Highway stability suffers around 130 km/h, which in the limit on French autoroutes. Overall rating- meh.

fintail

Maybe it is a regional thing. A Civic is a rare rental here - but Subarus are common here, and I bet they are rare elsewhere.

Talking to people in FL, it seems many are forced to work multiple jobs at low wages to get by.

fintail

With the NGO and sketchy offshore wealth in that area, I thought every car out of Geneva would be a Cayenne or Range Rover

How many kms on it, old A or new (fall 2012+) style?

tifighter

It's the new one. 2200km on it...

tifighter

I will say one good thing - the factory nav is very good. Saved me multiple times on rural French D roads today. Score one for MB.

fintail

That has the static/tablet style nav, right? Is it a crisp HD style display?

My only French driving experience was in a rented A8. Fun on narrow streets.

Sandman6472

Got a call today that we are loosing Hertz and that we're done! Then I hear that hertz will be gone like real soon and they don't know if they can survive with just Sixt and Fox but the writing is on the wall...this job is going to end. Haven't worked in a week and only 2 did Monday and now 1 of those is working tomorrow I was told. Not seeing the fairness here because I have not been asked but maybe I will be for Friday if there is any work. But bottom line is that I need to ramp up my search and did apply for another couple of driving gigs this afternoon...hopefully one of them will take! Feel terrible because I did love this job but the boss has been unfair with giving out the assignments from day 1, at least with me...but I truly will be happy when I get a new and fair boss. I am sad tonight about all that happened today. He even called me to hear exactly what I had heard and he was not happy. And I will not quit like the smoker guy did last month, I will just have to hold my tongue with him cause I might need him as a reference so why burn that bridge now. Later on I can let him know what a prick he was to me and how I think he treated me unfairly but until then, am not going to cut my nose to spite my face!

The Unhappy Sandman :sick: :shades:

berri

Funny Fin, seems like when you're in the vicinity of an airport you focus on the rental car viewing. I focus on the aircraft. So bottom line, we're both probably a menace on the airport area roads :-)

fintail

Definitely, I could spend some time hanging around the rental facility of a major airport (those who centralize it, anyway) and have fun just examining the fleets. Well fun for me, but I'm a weirdo - when I travel, what rental I receive is a big part of the trip.

Only thing of note at the local Avis/Hertz I pass by 5-6 days a week was a Taurus Limited, everything else was bland fleet normals, same Prius and Civic sitting there.

fintail

Are all these companies doing the car transfers in-house then? I am sure you can find something working directly for a rental company. I know when my grandfather did a similar job 25 years ago, he worked for National/Alamo, and directly for them.

And as you'll say, you will be better off with a better boss. And you know there's a time and place for burning bridges