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Comments
Compared to my Pontiac Vibe anything has oomph. She commented that it was really good driving the Turnpike. I really liked the quietness of the Encore and the interior. And it gets better mpg than the Vibe does.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Been ripped off by your rental car company? Gotta start watching your hotels too. Sheesh - this one may be ripe for a class action.
Just picture this: Travel companies are eager to charge customers for damages (Washington Post)
Really interesting news article you linked to.
Thanks.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Fortunately that has not been my experience.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
At Hertz, we have those damage forms and a lot of folks use them and go with the agent to document the pre-existing damage on the vehicle. Good idea just to save any hassle. I know I was accused of causing damage on a car I drove to a location but I took pics and denied that I caused that damage. The pics I had showed the rust already there, plus I took the agent out to show him the rust. If I caused the damage just now, I explained, why is there rust there? In the end, nothing happened because I didn't cause the damage and the rust already there proved it.
All I can say is do your due diligence when renting and you should be fine!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I've sometimes photographed a car, if I spotted damage before the rental.
A few years ago, my rental Impala (picked up with 4 miles on it) got hit and ran in the hotel parking lot in suburban Atlanta. I called Amex, who I use for rental insurance. I estimated about $500 in damage - Thrifty must think of Impalas as a disposable commodity, as they never filed a claim.
My last trip in Germany, I noticed a chip on the front air dam of my rented A8. I was thinking I might have done it, as parking that barge can be a challenge in the usually tight spaces found there. I bought a permanent marker and filled it in (on plastic), never noticed it. It might have been there before. I've never damaged a rental car and had it be my fault, or be charged for it.
Keeping us very busy at work and I know I made the right decision becoming a Hertz employee. Last summer working as an independent contractor for those other companies, I worked only a handful of times July, August and September...nothing near the hours I am getting now. And I've got a very good feeling that I will be able to keep this gig until I finally decide to retire again...they have no plans to outsource it again at least in our area and the rental market is pretty strong here in South Florida most of the year. Season is always busy and this summer has been very busy for our locations...we usually go right to work at 8 when we clock on and never really just sit around doing nothing...it's pretty constant work all day long. Hey, today was a 10 hour day though Monday's and Friday's are our busiest days. And from what I hear, my old companies are real slow again this summer as I know people who see them when they do work.
No, I definitely made the right decision by going with Hertz as a part time employee. And I left the door open to go back to the West Palm gig once season starts as I know they will need drivers...I just need to use more moderation on the days that I do decide to work for them and no more working 7 days a week!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I've generally been happy with Hertz. I'm gold. But seems like recently they are cheapening out a bit on models and options. Might go back and give National another try.
I work at a Hertz Local Edition location and got to drive one of our BMW 328I's over to have the tracking device installed. Nice ride and saw a few new one's at the maintenance lot getting prepped to be put into service. Think they're getting ready to purchase a bunch of new vehicles soon because you are right, some of our fleet is getting a bit miled up. Think the company lengthened the time period when they purchase replacement vehicles. Funny, but certain makes and models are sold at the auctions more so than others. I know we drive a bunch of vehicles to be wholesaled or taken to the auctions. Guess it just depends on the make and model and mileage of the particular units. Give Hertz another try in a bit and think you'll be much happier. I will pass along your comments to our area manager as comments from actual renters are always helpful so we know what areas we need to improve on.
Right now, I am a very happy Hertz employee and have loved it since I came aboard last January 17th. Hope to stay with the company until I retire again, and for good, once I turn 65 in about 5 more years. I'm lucky because I look forward to going into work each time I go...working part time also could have something to do with it. Do not want full time work and was lucky enough that they only want me part time. Have been averaging around 27 hours/week which works out great actually, working 3.5 days each week which is enough as I did the full time thing for over 31 years with Uncle Sam and now looking to ease out of the work force gradually.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Local Avis/Budget was pretty packed this morning, nice cars included an XC60 T5 and an XTS4.
My wife and I photograph a rental car all the time after Enterprise tried to rip her off a couple years ago for pre-existing damage.
I wouldn't be surprised if rental agencies give agents a cut of the proceeds from "damage" claims (that never get repaired, I'd wager). I suspect it's a racket.
Had a new Chrysler 200 last week in Indianapolis, definitely an improvement but I wasn't wowed. The brakes were super "grabby" especially after it sat for a bit. Nice interior and their UConnect system seems to be one of the best out there in terms of responsiveness.
Hey Lemko - read an Andre post: What happened to the Grand Marquis?
Enterprise tried to scam me for a pre-existing contoured paintless damage dent for $250. They charged my CC, I disputed it, while in "dispute," they sent me a check for about 77 bucks since the supposed "repair" cost less than $250, and I won my dispute with the credit card company, so I got the $250 back on top of that.
Rented from Sixt Rentals that just opened up over the Labor day weekend in San Diego by the airport. They are right next to the Airport, but you don't pay ridiculous Air Port fees and taxes.
I rented a luxury car (C-Class Mercedes or BMW 3 Series) and ended up in an E350 Mercedes. Nice ride. Super special opener deal at $37/day + fees/taxes. I had the car for the 3 day weekend and paid about $124 total. Very good looking almost all female rental staff. I mean a bunch of good looking young ladies. Didn't ask what the upcharge would be to include one of them in the passenger seat.
If California is still a community property state, I'd say about 50% of everything you own.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Regarding the rental agents - I've seen the same thing in Germany.
Today was a bad pain day and am second guessing my idea to go back to the other gig on a limited basis. Was going to send off a letter today but ended up in bed so need to rethink this idea. I can handle the 3.5 days at Hertz with no problem but I have the other days to rest my body which I seem to really need. Might be best to leave things the way they are and just because I ask doesn't mean they're going to welcome me back either!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Just for the hell of it, got on the web and read some owners comments on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport that I passed on and most of them were negative on the cvt tranny...that seemed to be the major complaint from folks who responded about their vehicle. I only drove it about 5 minutes on a rainy day so don't remember how it really drove but obviously, if I had really loved the vehicle, I would've bought one. This finally got me over the thoughts that maybe I acted to hasty when I bought my new vehicle last year...I guess we all second guess ourselves after a purchase but I remember after getting the Civic, I knew it was the right vehicle for me at that moment. Right now, I'm happy with what I bought but have a feeling that it's not going to stay around past the 5 year mark as I am rather intrigued with the new small Honda cuv due out in 2015, not sure of the name but it looks to be the perfect size for my purposes and hopefully when I'm ready, it'll be around and include Sirius/XM radio, something Honda doesn't seem to offer on it's lineup as of yet.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman<
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I've taken all three approaches at various times
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
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2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Chevy Classic = 1997 Malibu still being made in 2005, as decontented as can be, because old GM.
I used to rent cars frequently when I travelled much more with work. I usually got whatever was offered in that class. I often remember hearing so much about this car or that car and afterwards thinking, 'what the hell was so great about that car?'.
The worst rental cars that stick in my mind? From way back, an '80 Fairmont that left me stranded (only rental car I ever had that did that), an '80 Grand Prix V6 that ticked like a time bomb and I actually added three quarts of oil to--also, the dome light and driver's side courtesy light were burned out and the radio went on and off with bumps in the road--and more recently, a Camry with 15K miles where it had the sound of worn control-arm bushings up front and the "Traction Control" light stayed on.
I am very lucky that I get to work at a car rental place and get to drive so many different kinds of vehicles, we hardly ever get to chose as the lead driver hands out the keys to us drivers. Luckily though, one of the lead drivers knows which ones I really like and when he can, he puts me in one of my favorites and he knows how much I appreciate it. Just makes this job that much better for me...but I really do have the dream job here!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere