Rental Car Experiences?

berri

Well, vacation, tourist traps and car stickers go together

Mr_Shiftright

I never really got the idea behind the "Sport Battleship". I guess it's some kind of Thor roleplay or something?

fintail

I think MB got the sports battleship ball rolling with the V12 AMG cars, which flew by the prior V8 cars and any period M or S barge in terms of insane power and speed. It is another form of an arms race, this one more fun anyway.

It exists in a fleet because Germany, which has to have the highest spec mainstream fleets in the world. Sixt also has relations with the major manufacturers, and probably gets a sweet deal before the cars are then maybe sold as low mileage CPO models to eastward destinations.

andres3

ab348 said:

I think it's a cool car to rent. But I have never understood the appeal of triple black (in this case with the wheels, quad black) vehicles. Especially convertibles.

Two words "Knight Rider"

Or David Hasselhoff.

andres3

fintail said:

Going to LA or SD?

No Silvercar up here yet. Check to see if it has TX plates, I read at one time all of their locations used TX plates to dodge local taxes.

Michaell said:

Just booked a trip to CA over Christmas. Looking at rental car choices, I could get:

1. VW Jetta or Chrysler 200 from Hertz for about $450
2. Audi A4 from Silvercar for about the same price

I went with the Audi.

Dodging Taxes or avoiding unnecessary fees. The context and wording changes the tone quite a bit.

I commend Silver Car as I heard they only rent out silver A4's (OK, that might be obvious by the name), but that they are all loaded to the gills quattro A4's as well.

Michaell

andres3 said:

fintail said:

Going to LA or SD?

No Silvercar up here yet. Check to see if it has TX plates, I read at one time all of their locations used TX plates to dodge local taxes.

Michaell said:

Just booked a trip to CA over Christmas. Looking at rental car choices, I could get:

1. VW Jetta or Chrysler 200 from Hertz for about $450
2. Audi A4 from Silvercar for about the same price

I went with the Audi.

Dodging Taxes or avoiding unnecessary fees. The context and wording changes the tone quite a bit.

I commend Silver Car as I heard they only rent out silver A4's (OK, that might be obvious by the name), but that they are all loaded to the gills quattro A4's as well.

I remember reading an article when they started up - the spec level on these were pretty bizarre, and wasn't something you could configure on your own for a retail sale.

Found it

tjc78

andres3 said:

I think it's a cool car to rent. But I have never understood the appeal of triple black (in this case with the wheels, quad black) vehicles. Especially convertibles.

Two words "Knight Rider" Or David Hasselhoff.

KITT had beige interior

kyfdx

Silvercar prices just aren't competitive. An A4 isn't worth $100+/day to rent.

fintail

Funny, in Europe, an A4 is a normal rental car, and would have a similar rate to a intermediate or something here, especially on a longer term. Spec will also usually be decent.

fintail

If someone can document the fees, sure. Until then, tax dodging.

Virtual cockpit? Full LED?

andres3 said:

Dodging Taxes or avoiding unnecessary fees. The context and wording changes the tone quite a bit.

I commend Silver Car as I heard they only rent out silver A4's (OK, that might be obvious by the name), but that they are all loaded to the gills quattro A4's as well.

kyfdx

I understand the appeal of always knowing you will have a decent car, and nothing unexpected, but $125/day for a base A4 vs. $40/day for a crappy Elantra? Not a value proposition.

For that kind of money, I'll take a Jaguar convertible!

berri

I'll drop a few more bucks for the Sonata and spend the savings on some good meals and entertainment!

fintail

The Jag I rented in Germany didn't come near $125/day, even with full $0 deductible insurance. Heck, the base rate on the 4-series I had reserved was more like $50.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

I understand the appeal of always knowing you will have a decent car, and nothing unexpected, but $125/day for a base A4 vs. $40/day for a crappy Elantra? Not a value proposition.

For that kind of money, I'll take a Jaguar convertible!

I've driven too many crappy Elantras when I go to LA; I wanted to treat myself to something nice, and the delta between an Impala (or similar) from Hertz and the A4 wasn't really all that much.

It's only money - I can't take it with me.

Let's not even talk about my wife's 4-figure visits to the spa ... my rental and airfare, for 5 days, is still less than that.

berri

Hey, whatever someone wants to pay for a rental is a personal decision. No need to justify. As I believe Sly and the Family Stone once noted, Different strokes for different folks. I might drop dough like that on a classic I really liked, but probably only for a few days. Of course the driving reality would probably tire quickly anyway.

andres3

I'd like to see Silvercar halve the $125/day retail price. There might be discount codes out there, but probably not 50%.

fintail

A friend of mine is in Orlando, rented an "E class or similar" from Sixt for a crazy rate of around $30/day, inclusive of taxes. He received a CTS, with nav, parking sensors, etc. He's pleased, bargain price. He asked about the E, was told they don't have any, and also claims they had some Jaguars on the lot.

fintail

The woman who parks a couple spots from me in the garage where I live has a 320i xdrive. It's been gone a few days, replaced by rental cars - first a red Sentra, now a grey Journey. I talked to her this morning - someone hit the BMW in another garage, and rendered the drivers door inoperable, so she had to get a rental. She loathed the Sentra, said it smelled and didn't drive right, often losing traction when starting on a hill. She's OK with the Journey, but not thrilled. As it is an insurance claim, the agency is Enterprise, who has a rep for cars that have been used, to put it nicely. She said the Sentra had like 36K miles on it, I wouldn't be surprised if worn tires were a culprit.

tifighter

Back from the Canaries, so time for a quick report on the rental car-

In short, I like it. As you might imagine, the small diesel is a bit pokey compared to the engines we get here, but it was still quick enough relative to the local traffic. Sport mode was a must. Typical weirdly spec'd rental, with xenons, heated cloth seats, no backup camera but with navigation. No paddle shifters for the weird BMW putter shifter either. But it was a comfortable car, with amazing trunk space given the size. Ride and handling compromise was very good, as you'd expect. Top was down every time. Even my wife commented that she liked it, and she doesn't talk cars ever. By the end of the week, I might of been "casually" looking at the BMW website. But, just casually, okay?

fintail

Being in the differently developed world, she won't be able to get a diesel or cloth.

Looks like fun though, and what I can see from the fleet, the saying "Sixt liebt BMW" still works.

berri

Getting cold in the US, need to go back ti

tifighter

berri said:

Getting cold in the US, need to go back ti

We stayed here. The picture now helps me warm up-

ab348

Not a spot I would want to be in a hurricane.

andres3

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

tifighter

ab348 said:

Not a spot I would want to be in a hurricane.

THAT'S your takeaway?

tifighter

So here's a good rental story, courtesy from our friends at Daimler Benz.

fintail

It's a shame they put it back together. Kind of surprising there's not more cooperation there, given the amount of 2010-era MB switchgear in the Model S (and I assume X, haven't been in one). I've seen some S in fleets, not an X here yet.

fintail

Come up to the PNW, Subaru rentals are definitely a thing here.

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

Mr_Shiftright

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

I wouldn't get too frisky off-road with that Alltrack. There's lots of expensive stuff under there and unless you're jacked up with skid plates, this could get pricey.

Michaell

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

I wouldn't get too frisky off-road with that Alltrack. There's lots of expensive stuff under there and unless you're jacked up with skid plates, this could get pricey.

You could also encounter snow at that time of year, given the altitude.

Have you been before? If not, I can give you a few restaurant suggestions.

andres3

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

I wouldn't get too frisky off-road with that Alltrack. There's lots of expensive stuff under there and unless you're jacked up with skid plates, this could get pricey.

Yes, the Alltrack is more of a "paved" off-roader. Meaning the road has to have been at least graded by a motor grader at some point in its life. I'll leave the rocky dips and boulder bumps and jumps to the Jeeps.

andres3

Michaell said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

I wouldn't get too frisky off-road with that Alltrack. There's lots of expensive stuff under there and unless you're jacked up with skid plates, this could get pricey.

You could also encounter snow at that time of year, given the altitude.

Have you been before? If not, I can give you a few restaurant suggestions.

I have been before, but I'll take the restaurant suggestions anyway, as I have noticed there are some great eats to be had there, although some places are just lackluster too.

Michaell

andres3 said:

Michaell said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

andres3 said:

I'm going to AZ (Sedona) In February. Normally AZ is warm to hot, but in February it'll be cold, especially at night/early morning. Taking the Alltrack. There will be some fun off-road adventure roads to test the Alltrack's cred as an off-roader. If it wasn't for the Alltrack, I'd probably rent something, but Subaru rentals are not common in San Diego.

I wouldn't get too frisky off-road with that Alltrack. There's lots of expensive stuff under there and unless you're jacked up with skid plates, this could get pricey.

You could also encounter snow at that time of year, given the altitude.

Have you been before? If not, I can give you a few restaurant suggestions.

I have been before, but I'll take the restaurant suggestions anyway, as I have noticed there are some great eats to be had there, although some places are just lackluster too.

One of our favorite places is Dahl and Di Luca, an Italian place on 89A.

They have a second restaurant in OCC called Cucina Rustica on Hwy 179 - some Italian, but other menu items as well.

The Tlaquepaque shopping village has a few nice places, as well.

Where are you staying? We've only ever done the B&B when we've gone.

suydam

On a short little weekend bop to the Midwest. Got an Elantra through the Costco rental program, with Enterprise this time. Very nice,comfortable and competent ride. Has 5000 miles on it and is very clean. Happy that it has blind spot monitors — they beep as well as blink, no chance to miss them! On the 1 hour drive to my destination, registered 38 mpg. Love that! Dash and info system greatly improved from the multi button days. Easy to see touchpad somewhat like the Volt. Brakes seemed a little grabby at first but I’m used to that now. Car heater worked instantly, good because it’s 20 here. Now the white stuff isn’t ash as it was when I left SoCal this morning. Very good rental so far. $65 for 4 days, I’ll take that.

andres3

Fantastic, we got a Sonata '17 with no back up camera and no push button start or entry for $62 for 2 days.

fintail

It's like going back in time to 2005.

Michaell

Update on my Silvercar experience.

i booked the reservation through Expedia. Standard email confirmation from them with a confirmation number.

Got a text from SC yesterday to download their app and confirm things. Did that, plugged in the confirmation and got told that my Rez is for the right dates, but the wrong city. DFW instead of LAX.

will call them tomorrow to straighten this out. 

andres3

fintail said:

It's like going back in time to 2005.

Enterprise was the culprit for the bare bones Sonata. It's an Optima clone for sure. Had the different drive train without a turbo and 6 speed instead of 7 speed transmission, but actually drove remarkably similar.

suydam

I guess you never know what you’ll get with any company from one time to the next. I was a little nervous about using Enterprise but this one worked out quite well. As safety equipment becomes the standard, it should start showing up on even economy rentals, as in this case.

andres3

One thing it did teach me is that the cost of push-button start and keyless entry is peanuts compared to the wasted man-hours worldwide from using a key. I'm guessing keys were invented 2 Centuries ago? What else was invented that long ago that's still in use today?

fintail

I have to wonder if the money saved on these absolutely basic cars is worth it. I have to imagine properly equipped ones are worth more when the fleet sells them off.

Wasn't there a scandal not long ago about fleet models lacking safety equipment (side bags, perhaps) that were standard on normal models?

Michaell

Silvercar update - original Rez showed DFW instead of LAX as the airport. Called the number in the text message I got (310 area code, which is LA). The agent / concierge got me all taken care of. My login to the app on my phone now works, and my Rez has been corrected to the correct airport.

Non rental car note. Traveling to Bay Area for a one day trip next month. Going to give uber or lyft a go, to save time at the airport.

Mr_Shiftright

andres3 said:

One thing it did teach me is that the cost of push-button start and keyless entry is peanuts compared to the wasted man-hours worldwide from using a key. I'm guessing keys were invented 2 Centuries ago? What else was invented that long ago that's still in use today?

The Jeep Wrangler?

berri

I have to imagine properly equipped ones are worth more when the fleet sells them off.
I think what changed is that rental fleets mileage up their vehicles before disposing, so depreciation and resale are less of a factor in their decisions. However, I also think it hurts the auto industry because it can give an impression of cheapness to a brand and vehicle rented that is stripped. Maybe the car producers need to rethink servicing rental car companies that want cheapies?

suydam

I agree, especially if you are unfamiliar with the brand. I wouldn’t even consider a Sonata after the cheap version I rented a few years back. The well equipped Elantra I just rented last week was a pleasant surprise to me. I’d consider it if I were looking at compact cars.

fintail

Short term profits always outweigh long term consequences, I think in the cereal box MBA structure there's even a class or 3 about it.

Sandman6472

I personally like the Sonata/Optima vehicles when equipped properly. Decent acceleration with overall good mpg's. Comfy inside and controls are pretty easy to use with everything right where they should be. Same can be said for most of their other products also and we seem to be getting more of them in the fleet. Must say that Chevrolet has really improved their game with the new Cruze and Equinox. Drive nicely, nothing over complicated with the infotainment/HVAC systems and the seat coverings especially in the new Equinox are outstanding! Rode in the back seat of one this afternoon and was very impressed with the cloth used. Yes, Chevy has really upped their game with these new offerings and I wouldn't be unhappy owning one anymore.
One great perk of working at Hertz is eventually, I get to drive most of the fleet. Like today, got to drive a 2018 Cadillac ATS and a 2017 Infiniti Q50. We have a lot of Infiniti products now and they all are pretty nice vehicles. My favorite lately has been the Range Rover Evoque, it's just fun to drive. But I do get to drive such a variety of different makes and models that it really helps me when I shop for my personal vehicle.

The Sandman

fintail

I work at a large office campus, and there's now an hourly Enterprise rental available on a parking deck. It's a Mirage - I guess that encourages short distance rentals

berri

...especially if you lack water

Sandman6472

Got to drive some more 2018 models yesterday at work. Loved the Nissan Maxima though the exterior is a bit busy. The interior is outstanding with a dash that gives plenty of info, only took me a couple of minutes to get things sorted out including the Sirius my stations I prefer. The other vehicle was the Toyota IA, their small vehicle. Was totally impressed by the whole package and was a vehicle I wouldn't be embarrassed to own as my daily driver to be honest. The size was perfect for me, I prefer anything from 174" down, my Golf is just about 168" which suits me just fine, plus fits nicely on my side of the garage. Not sure the length of the IA but know it would fit easily. Big reason I also like the Mini Cooper is it's smaller size even though I've heard it's reliability is pretty dismal, I just like it and will test drive one again once I'm in the market for a Golf replacement. Figure if I went with a Toyota IA, could easily get into one for under $19K while a Mini Cooper could easily run closer to $27K if not higher. The Toyota wins in the cheap to keep department hands down but still, am drawn to the Mini Cooper also. Must admit, was fun throwing the IA around and for an auto tyranny, it drove quite well. Not a fan of the CVT tranny's that are so popular today though both Honda and Toyota make the better units.

The Sandman