Now that's an interesting concept of how Chrysler will offer one year leases and then move them over to a couple of rental car firms after they are turned in. Marchionne and crew are very innovative thinkers.
imidazol97 - here's a link that will take you to that thread on the Nissan cube Life forum I participate in that explains this guy's project of Plasti-Dipping his Nissan cube. I really liked his Nissan cube in mustard yellow. Looks as good as a 1968 Datsun 510 dipped in mustard yellow Plasti-Dip. I have a plastic Revell model of a Datsun 510 painted mustard yellow, so I'm kind of biased a bit.
Interestingly in the thread he explains how you can just "peel it off if you don't like it, as long as you put enough Plasti-Dip on." I am genuinely interested in this "paint" technology and may use it on future rigs of mine. I am thinking how white Plasti-Dip racing stripes would look on my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in Rally Red, and may need to draw it out or something to get an idea. I haven't seen a Lancer, as far as I know anyway, that has racing stripes painted on to it. Mitsubishi doesn't offer racing stripes as an extra option that I know of, but, I am sorta surprised that no Lancer owners have painted racing stripes on their Lancers! I mean, the car has a sporty design to it and it's definitely down that alley (racing) so it wouldn't seem ridiculous to me.
@iluvmysephia1 said:
imidazol97 - here's a link that will take you to that thread on the Nissan cube Life forum I participate in that explains this guy's project of Plasti-Dipping his Nissan cube.
It does look good in that yellow. The mat finish is what makes it even more interesting.
I saw a car at a local large cruise in with a dark grey coating that was mat. There was a sign by it advertising a shop that sprayed on the plastic coating. Now I understand more after watching a couple of videos on how to spray it.
@fintail said:
You'd also get a mileage restriction with the Hertz "dream cars", no doubt, and you'd pay ~$250+ taxes/fees per day for the privilege.
A local Enterprise had a 2012 C-class 300 they'd of let go for $59/day. Thanks for the Silver Car referral. That would have been my BEST bet by far, at the same price as Enterprise for a weekend Quattro A4, but they do sell out if you don't plan ahead. Also I'd of had to divert my trip to LAX on the way out to Nevada from San Diego.
Enterprise has an "exotic" car collection in San Diego. XTS, S550. Big cruisers.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
The great deals tend to be in Florida with Sixt, or maybe in Europe for luxobarges. LAX isn't the cheapest rental venue, so a bargain might not be easy. I'd shop in advance and find carriers where a premium or higher isn't much more expensive than a normal car - sometimes can be cheaper. I tend to book at least 6 weeks in advance, and join their renter clubs for discounts.
2 year old C in the Hertz fleet? I wonder about the condition. Not the worst rate considering the company, probably similar to Sixt if they ever arrive in LA (similar price in Seattle) but then you'd probably get a new car. I haven't seen silvercar, just read about them. At one time Hertz had Audi in the US, but years ago. I rented a Hertz A6 in Vegas in 2007, cost about $80/day. Not cheap, but it was my splurge.
Last September, I got a 2013 Hyundai Genesis V6 from Enterprise for the full-size rate because they were out of Impalas and such. That was too much fun to drive... 333hp, rear wheel drive, and clear weather make for some "experimentation"
A friend of mine is on a trip, his $25/day Enterprise special was an (old style) Impala. According to him, the dash lights lit up like a Christmas tree within view of the lot, so he took it back. To compensate, the gave him an "upgrade" to a new style Malibu with leather - told him it was a "premium" category (it isn't). He said the Malibu was comfortable.
@KCRam@Edmunds said:
Last September, I got a 2013 Hyundai Genesis V6 from Enterprise for the full-size rate because they were out of Impalas and such. That was too much fun to drive... 333hp, rear wheel drive, and clear weather make for some "experimentation"
My 09 certainly handled well, but I tired quickly of the choppy ride. I've heard the newer models are much better in this regard. I've never owned a car I got questioned about / complimented on more. Of course, I did have the first year and they were only on the road a few months when I got mine.
At Hertz, we get a lot of the new Malibu and they are a pretty nice rental ride but I am a bit partial to the new Impala with the 6 under the hood. GM did a commendable job with the new dash and it was fun pushing the vehicle a bit. Lately have driven a lot of Tahoe's and Denali's and even a few Escalade's but prefer the smaller vehicles truth be told but even though I've let my team leader know this, he usually hands me the keys to the larger vehicles. Luckily, I'm only doing local stuff right now as I let my other job know that I need to take some time off to rest my spine...I was working 6 to 7 days there and my body just gave out. Was in bed over a week and my pain doc told me to cut back for a bit so I did. Let them know in writing that I am not quitting but need some time to rest up my body so we'll see what happens. Hertz was very cool about me taking the time off which I did appreciate and getting between 25 to 30 hours per week is fine with me right now...the extra money/hours at the other job just basically wore me out so hopefully once season starts again in the late fall, I can o back on a limited basis.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@sandman_6472 said:
At Hertz, we get a lot of the new Malibu and they are a pretty nice rental ride but I am a bit partial to the new Impala with the 6 under the hood. GM did a commendable job with the new dash and it was fun pushing the vehicle a bit. Lately have driven a lot of Tahoe's and Denali's and even a few Escalade's but prefer the smaller vehicles truth be told but even though I've let my team leader know this, he usually hands me the keys to the larger vehicles. Luckily, I'm only doing local stuff right now as I let my other job know that I need to take some time off to rest my spine...I was working 6 to 7 days there and my body just gave out. Was in bed over a week and my pain doc told me to cut back for a bit so I did. Let them know in writing that I am not quitting but need some time to rest up my body so we'll see what happens. Hertz was very cool about me taking the time off which I did appreciate and getting between 25 to 30 hours per week is fine with me right now...the extra money/hours at the other job just basically wore me out so hopefully once season starts again in the late fall, I can o back on a limited basis.
The Sandman
Great to hear from you Sandy! Sorry about your back issues - glad to hear that your employers are being flexible in how much and when you can work.
I've made the plane reservations for my upcoming trip to CA - flying out on Monday 5/5 and returning to Denver on 5/10. Haven't yet made a car rental reservation - what's the probability of getting a great deal by just walking up to the counter when I get to LAX?
Not so easy these days because often you've got to shuttle out to each rental car location to get to an agent as many are now leaving the airport terminal. See if you can get a corporate rate through work, or a discounted rate through your insurance company or other affiliated group.
From my experience, you won't find a full rental deal at the counter, but you could easily find a deal on a paid upgrade. Say a normal car is $25 and a special car is $75, you might be able to get it for only $25 more if you try at the counter.
Hope you feel better soon, Sandman - I know you'd rather be working than not being able to.
If it's in May you might do better as it isn't summer season yet. Decent is anything under $25/day for a Corolla size. You can get better prices with Priceline but some of those locations are pretty far from the airport. If you have an early flight going back you might want something a little closer, although all of them are at least 4 or 5 miles out. I tend to want good fuel economy cars in LA because gas prices are higher there and we do a lot of driving. Also, there are only 2 of us.
@suydam said:
If it's in May you might do better as it isn't summer season yet. Decent is anything under $25/day for a Corolla size. You can get better prices with Priceline but some of those locations are pretty far from the airport. If you have an early flight going back you might want something a little closer, although all of them are at least 4 or 5 miles out. I tend to want good fuel economy cars in LA because gas prices are higher there and we do a lot of driving. Also, there are only 2 of us.
Thanks for the information ... yeah, I tend to go small since it's only me, and my folks live about 60 miles NW of LAX.
I've had good luck checking National and Alamo for last minute specials, on the web. They update each Tuesday, I think, and are usually good for a couple of weeks... Check tomorrow.
@kyfdx@Edmunds said:
I've had good luck checking National and Alamo for last minute specials, on the web. They update each Tuesday, I think, and are usually good for a couple of weeks... Check tomorrow.
Got an email from Southwest promoting a special through Budget - less than $30/day for a compact. Booked.
Headed to San Diego for vacation Friday, I've generally not been impressed with their National fleet there in the past, but since I have tons of free days that's what I'll be renting. Might splurge and pay for an upgrade if they do have something that catches the eye.
National paid upgrade cars might be Caddy/Lincoln/C-class/Infinitis and maybe some fancier big SUVs. On rare occasion I read of a BMW or Lexus IS in the fleet too.
With National/Alamo I've always rented premium - when I reserve, it is only a few dollars more per day than a standard car, and it gives you more choice. My last time, at LAX, I was unimpressed with the cars in the premium section (Taurus Limited, base Avalon, base Genesis), so I chatted up the lot attendant, and he let me pick from the 'executive selection', where I found the nice new style Impala 2LTZ. I was offered a C-class for $25/day more, but it wasn't highly equipped, and for an 8 day rental, wasn't worth it to me.
"An Anchorage airport police training went awry Monday when a rental car with a small quantity of explosives attached to it went missing because the rental company inadvertently allowed the car to be rented out, authorities said."
Back in a rental Mustang V6 Convertible, this time from Enterprise (2014) and this time on the body shops dime since they have about 20 things to fix and redo to meet my standards after botching the first 38 day repair only to have the car require towing 6 days later.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I wasn't impressed with the paid upgrades at San Diego so we just grabbed a Fusion from the Executive line. They had an ATS but wanted an extra $40/day and that just wasn't worth it.
I agree with @fintail on reserving a Premium for a few dollars more, but I was using free days so that wasn't an option. Maybe next time.
@Michaell@Edmunds said:
Am in California ... picked up my rental from Budget @ LAX. I had reserved a compact - they wanted to put me in a Mitsu Mirage. Uh, no.
Agent then tried to upgrade me to a Mustang Convertible or Impala (old style). Again, no thanks.
So, I'm in a brand new (2500 miles) Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Dark grey with grey cloth interior.
After 60-70 miles, I'm averaging about 38-39MPG in it. Still getting used to the unique driving qualities of a hybrid.
Good move declining the Mirage. The Impala is tried and true but meh, why would you?? The Mustang convertible could be a fun toy in the right place for the right price but nothing special.
Hybrids do have a unique driving quality, never been in a Sonata Hybrid but I'd take one if it was available. Look forward to hearing the full report.
They've cut us down to 24 hours/week and have worked only 3 days this week and last due to keeping hours as close to possible to that magic 24 number. Since Fridays are our busiest day and the start of our pay week, this is causing a major problem. Having worked over 10 hours both Fridays and over 3 hours on Saturdays, by Monday I am almost maxed out and it doesn't make sense to come in for an our or two due to the distance. One other driver has cut his days down to 3/week since the new limit was causing him financial problems so he found another part time gig to make up but he had to give up a day with us.
I give this new plan another week or two until they discover that they've cut their nose to spite their face by doing this. Last Thursday they only had 2 drivers which makes no sense. And to make up that extra hour, I stayed to six last night and was busy until closing. I understand the need to save hours but this new plan is leaving the offices under staffed and the other drivers looking for other employment to make up the short fall here. Luckily, I'm o k either way here and am happy with whatever they want me to do, be it 24, 26, 30 or over since I am on a leave from my other job...having my pension also puts me in a better situation. But I would really like more hours and hopefully they will see that this new schedule needs to be tweaked!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@jpp5862 said:
Good move declining the Mirage. The Impala is tried and true but meh, why would you?? The Mustang convertible could be a fun toy in the right place for the right price but nothing special.
Hybrids do have a unique driving quality, never been in a Sonata Hybrid but I'd take one if it was available. Look forward to hearing the full report.
I am in Southern California, but not really here for pleasure, so the 'vert wasn't a PC choice for this trip.
I'm struggling with the transmission in the Hybrid. Have a co-worker in Colorado who has a Kia Optima hybrid that is currently in the shop undergoing a transmission rebuild after only 36,000 miles.
Are the drivetrains in the Sonata and Optima the same?
We're renting a Nissan Sentra for a week for out of town guests, and you know, for an entry level car, not too bad. Room for 4 adults with headroom, controls are simply and intuitive, visibility good. The "pure drive" transmission leaves a lot to be desired however. MPG seems quite frugal.
@Michaell@Edmunds said:
Are the drivetrains in the Sonata and Optima the same?
What about the transmission is different for you? Most people complain about the brakes with hybrids. I really don't know about the Sonata and Optima drivetrains but I would bet they are the same if I was guessing.
@jpp5862 said:
What about the transmission is different for you? Most people complain about the brakes with hybrids. I really don't know about the Sonata and Optima drivetrains but I would bet they are the same if I was guessing.
Not that it's different - as far as I know, it's a traditional 6-speed auto (no CVT). Just hunts in first and second gear a bit - or, it could be the switch from EV power to ICE power.
The brakes are overly touchy, too. I imagine you get better at driving it over time, but it's a bit of an adjustment until you get used to it.
I have similar transmission foibles in my 2013 Elantra GT with the 6-speed auto.
@Michaell@Edmunds said:
So, I'm in a brand new (2500 miles) Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Dark grey with grey cloth interior.
After 60-70 miles, I'm averaging about 38-39MPG in it. Still getting used to the unique driving qualities of a hybrid.
I had a Sonata hybrid last summer. First experience with a hybrid or push-button start. Huge difference from my nice torque-laden diesel... took a bit getting used to the stop/start and occasional take-off solely on electric in downtown situations. Nice for some, but I wouldn't get a hybrid for myself. (Won't bring up the Prius I got a couple weeks later...)
The smallish town where my mother lives has a Hertz connected to a Ford dealer - I think it's the only rental agency in town. They still have a Town Car available!
Went to look at a 2010 Caravan at a dealer today and it was rented out. It wasn't the only one on the lot but will have to start calling first I guess.
We did a rental like that in Green Bay before we moved to the UP. Wound up with a nice Buick from the dealer there that was about 4 years old. Part of that was we waited too long to book, not realizing that everything would be sold out for the Oshkosh fly-in.
Comments
Now that's an interesting concept of how Chrysler will offer one year leases and then move them over to a couple of rental car firms after they are turned in. Marchionne and crew are very innovative thinkers.
imidazol97 - here's a link that will take you to that thread on the Nissan cube Life forum I participate in that explains this guy's project of Plasti-Dipping his Nissan cube. I really liked his Nissan cube in mustard yellow. Looks as good as a 1968 Datsun 510 dipped in mustard yellow Plasti-Dip. I have a plastic Revell model of a Datsun 510 painted mustard yellow, so I'm kind of biased a bit.
http://www.nissancubelife.com/forum/9-pictures-videos/5558-my-yellow-nissan-cube-kenmore.html
Interestingly in the thread he explains how you can just "peel it off if you don't like it, as long as you put enough Plasti-Dip on." I am genuinely interested in this "paint" technology and may use it on future rigs of mine. I am thinking how white Plasti-Dip racing stripes would look on my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in Rally Red, and may need to draw it out or something to get an idea. I haven't seen a Lancer, as far as I know anyway, that has racing stripes painted on to it. Mitsubishi doesn't offer racing stripes as an extra option that I know of, but, I am sorta surprised that no Lancer owners have painted racing stripes on their Lancers! I mean, the car has a sporty design to it and it's definitely down that alley (racing) so it wouldn't seem ridiculous to me.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It does look good in that yellow. The mat finish is what makes it even more interesting.
I saw a car at a local large cruise in with a dark grey coating that was mat. There was a sign by it advertising a shop that sprayed on the plastic coating. Now I understand more after watching a couple of videos on how to spray it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
A local Enterprise had a 2012 C-class 300 they'd of let go for $59/day. Thanks for the Silver Car referral. That would have been my BEST bet by far, at the same price as Enterprise for a weekend Quattro A4, but they do sell out if you don't plan ahead. Also I'd of had to divert my trip to LAX on the way out to Nevada from San Diego.
Enterprise has an "exotic" car collection in San Diego. XTS, S550. Big cruisers.
The Camaro V6 is a solid V6, but the weight of the car taxes it so it feels like you have to be over 4.5K RPM to get any torque.
fin - I've got to take an emergency trip to Los Angeles in a couple of weeks - how do you score the great deals you're always talking about here?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The great deals tend to be in Florida with Sixt, or maybe in Europe for luxobarges. LAX isn't the cheapest rental venue, so a bargain might not be easy. I'd shop in advance and find carriers where a premium or higher isn't much more expensive than a normal car - sometimes can be cheaper. I tend to book at least 6 weeks in advance, and join their renter clubs for discounts.
2 year old C in the Hertz fleet? I wonder about the condition. Not the worst rate considering the company, probably similar to Sixt if they ever arrive in LA (similar price in Seattle) but then you'd probably get a new car. I haven't seen silvercar, just read about them. At one time Hertz had Audi in the US, but years ago. I rented a Hertz A6 in Vegas in 2007, cost about $80/day. Not cheap, but it was my splurge.
Last September, I got a 2013 Hyundai Genesis V6 from Enterprise for the full-size rate because they were out of Impalas and such. That was too much fun to drive... 333hp, rear wheel drive, and clear weather make for some "experimentation"
Lots of Genesis in fleets right now too - a good rental. Now and then one with a few options shows up too (but you aint gonna get a V8)
A friend of mine is on a trip, his $25/day Enterprise special was an (old style) Impala. According to him, the dash lights lit up like a Christmas tree within view of the lot, so he took it back. To compensate, the gave him an "upgrade" to a new style Malibu with leather - told him it was a "premium" category (it isn't). He said the Malibu was comfortable.
My 09 certainly handled well, but I tired quickly of the choppy ride. I've heard the newer models are much better in this regard. I've never owned a car I got questioned about / complimented on more. Of course, I did have the first year and they were only on the road a few months when I got mine.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
At Hertz, we get a lot of the new Malibu and they are a pretty nice rental ride but I am a bit partial to the new Impala with the 6 under the hood. GM did a commendable job with the new dash and it was fun pushing the vehicle a bit. Lately have driven a lot of Tahoe's and Denali's and even a few Escalade's but prefer the smaller vehicles truth be told but even though I've let my team leader know this, he usually hands me the keys to the larger vehicles. Luckily, I'm only doing local stuff right now as I let my other job know that I need to take some time off to rest my spine...I was working 6 to 7 days there and my body just gave out. Was in bed over a week and my pain doc told me to cut back for a bit so I did. Let them know in writing that I am not quitting but need some time to rest up my body so we'll see what happens. Hertz was very cool about me taking the time off which I did appreciate and getting between 25 to 30 hours per week is fine with me right now...the extra money/hours at the other job just basically wore me out so hopefully once season starts again in the late fall, I can o back on a limited basis.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Great to hear from you Sandy! Sorry about your back issues - glad to hear that your employers are being flexible in how much and when you can work.
I've made the plane reservations for my upcoming trip to CA - flying out on Monday 5/5 and returning to Denver on 5/10. Haven't yet made a car rental reservation - what's the probability of getting a great deal by just walking up to the counter when I get to LAX?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Not so easy these days because often you've got to shuttle out to each rental car location to get to an agent as many are now leaving the airport terminal. See if you can get a corporate rate through work, or a discounted rate through your insurance company or other affiliated group.
No chance at all. All rental locations are a couple of miles out with shuttles. Best is to Priceline or Hotwire.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Thanks, guys. I'll keep searching.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
From my experience, you won't find a full rental deal at the counter, but you could easily find a deal on a paid upgrade. Say a normal car is $25 and a special car is $75, you might be able to get it for only $25 more if you try at the counter.
Hope you feel better soon, Sandman - I know you'd rather be working than not being able to.
I'm seeing decent rates for LA in June at Dollar.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Unfortunately, my trip is set for May 5-10.
What do you mean by "decent"?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
If it's in May you might do better as it isn't summer season yet. Decent is anything under $25/day for a Corolla size. You can get better prices with Priceline but some of those locations are pretty far from the airport. If you have an early flight going back you might want something a little closer, although all of them are at least 4 or 5 miles out. I tend to want good fuel economy cars in LA because gas prices are higher there and we do a lot of driving. Also, there are only 2 of us.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Thanks for the information ... yeah, I tend to go small since it's only me, and my folks live about 60 miles NW of LAX.
My return flight on Saturday is late morning.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I've had good luck checking National and Alamo for last minute specials, on the web. They update each Tuesday, I think, and are usually good for a couple of weeks... Check tomorrow.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Got an email from Southwest promoting a special through Budget - less than $30/day for a compact. Booked.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Headed to San Diego for vacation Friday, I've generally not been impressed with their National fleet there in the past, but since I have tons of free days that's what I'll be renting. Might splurge and pay for an upgrade if they do have something that catches the eye.
60 miles NW of LAX?? What city?
Oxnard.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
National paid upgrade cars might be Caddy/Lincoln/C-class/Infinitis and maybe some fancier big SUVs. On rare occasion I read of a BMW or Lexus IS in the fleet too.
When we were in San Diego, the best thing in the Emerald Aisle was a Camry..
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
With National/Alamo I've always rented premium - when I reserve, it is only a few dollars more per day than a standard car, and it gives you more choice. My last time, at LAX, I was unimpressed with the cars in the premium section (Taurus Limited, base Avalon, base Genesis), so I chatted up the lot attendant, and he let me pick from the 'executive selection', where I found the nice new style Impala 2LTZ. I was offered a C-class for $25/day more, but it wasn't highly equipped, and for an 8 day rental, wasn't worth it to me.
This would be an experience:
"An Anchorage airport police training went awry Monday when a rental car with a small quantity of explosives attached to it went missing because the rental company inadvertently allowed the car to be rented out, authorities said."
Airport police recover car with explosive, rented accidentally (ADN.com)
Back in a rental Mustang V6 Convertible, this time from Enterprise (2014) and this time on the body shops dime since they have about 20 things to fix and redo to meet my standards after botching the first 38 day repair only to have the car require towing 6 days later.
New Mustang V6 wouldn't be the worst rental, not a weak engine. Although at Enterprise you might get one that's led a rough life.
I've read that National has A8 for paid upgrade in San Jose, and Kia Canine-Hundred is working its way into the fleet, sometimes not even with a fee.
Hertz at SEA has 2x E63 - I don't know if I want to know how much one would cost.
I read that Sixt LAS has S-class now, but W221 - not the new model.
I wasn't impressed with the paid upgrades at San Diego so we just grabbed a Fusion from the Executive line. They had an ATS but wanted an extra $40/day and that just wasn't worth it.
I agree with @fintail on reserving a Premium for a few dollars more, but I was using free days so that wasn't an option. Maybe next time.
Am in California ... picked up my rental from Budget @ LAX. I had reserved a compact - they wanted to put me in a Mitsu Mirage. Uh, no.
Agent then tried to upgrade me to a Mustang Convertible or Impala (old style). Again, no thanks.
So, I'm in a brand new (2500 miles) Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Dark grey with grey cloth interior.
After 60-70 miles, I'm averaging about 38-39MPG in it. Still getting used to the unique driving qualities of a hybrid.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Good move declining the Mirage. The Impala is tried and true but meh, why would you?? The Mustang convertible could be a fun toy in the right place for the right price but nothing special.
Hybrids do have a unique driving quality, never been in a Sonata Hybrid but I'd take one if it was available. Look forward to hearing the full report.
They've cut us down to 24 hours/week and have worked only 3 days this week and last due to keeping hours as close to possible to that magic 24 number. Since Fridays are our busiest day and the start of our pay week, this is causing a major problem. Having worked over 10 hours both Fridays and over 3 hours on Saturdays, by Monday I am almost maxed out and it doesn't make sense to come in for an our or two due to the distance. One other driver has cut his days down to 3/week since the new limit was causing him financial problems so he found another part time gig to make up but he had to give up a day with us.
I give this new plan another week or two until they discover that they've cut their nose to spite their face by doing this. Last Thursday they only had 2 drivers which makes no sense. And to make up that extra hour, I stayed to six last night and was busy until closing. I understand the need to save hours but this new plan is leaving the offices under staffed and the other drivers looking for other employment to make up the short fall here. Luckily, I'm o k either way here and am happy with whatever they want me to do, be it 24, 26, 30 or over since I am on a leave from my other job...having my pension also puts me in a better situation. But I would really like more hours and hopefully they will see that this new schedule needs to be tweaked!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I am in Southern California, but not really here for pleasure, so the 'vert wasn't a PC choice for this trip.
I'm struggling with the transmission in the Hybrid. Have a co-worker in Colorado who has a Kia Optima hybrid that is currently in the shop undergoing a transmission rebuild after only 36,000 miles.
Are the drivetrains in the Sonata and Optima the same?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
We're renting a Nissan Sentra for a week for out of town guests, and you know, for an entry level car, not too bad. Room for 4 adults with headroom, controls are simply and intuitive, visibility good. The "pure drive" transmission leaves a lot to be desired however. MPG seems quite frugal.
What about the transmission is different for you? Most people complain about the brakes with hybrids. I really don't know about the Sonata and Optima drivetrains but I would bet they are the same if I was guessing.
Not that it's different - as far as I know, it's a traditional 6-speed auto (no CVT). Just hunts in first and second gear a bit - or, it could be the switch from EV power to ICE power.
The brakes are overly touchy, too. I imagine you get better at driving it over time, but it's a bit of an adjustment until you get used to it.
I have similar transmission foibles in my 2013 Elantra GT with the 6-speed auto.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I had a Sonata hybrid last summer. First experience with a hybrid or push-button start. Huge difference from my nice torque-laden diesel... took a bit getting used to the stop/start and occasional take-off solely on electric in downtown situations. Nice for some, but I wouldn't get a hybrid for myself. (Won't bring up the Prius I got a couple weeks later...)
Brilliant Marketing: Car Rental Company Rents Hot Wheels To Kids (consumerist.com)
Brilliant, or.....evil? You decide. What's next?---why it's KIDDIE VISA!
Now if they rented little mini dirt bikes......
The smallish town where my mother lives has a Hertz connected to a Ford dealer - I think it's the only rental agency in town. They still have a Town Car available!
Interesting National rental
Surely you mean interesting as in interesting it's already on the rental lots Fin
Went to look at a 2010 Caravan at a dealer today and it was rented out. It wasn't the only one on the lot but will have to start calling first I guess.
It is kind of a strange launch, going with a rental company before it seems to exist on lots. But maybe that's some kind of strategy to gain exposure.
Also funny that a 4 year old vehicle was being rented - small town.
We did a rental like that in Green Bay before we moved to the UP. Wound up with a nice Buick from the dealer there that was about 4 years old. Part of that was we waited too long to book, not realizing that everything would be sold out for the Oshkosh fly-in.