Rental Car Experiences?

Michaell · October 2025

I’ve picked up an Equinox and a Taos on my last couple of trips through the Emerald Aisle

tjc78 · October 2025

In my experience National Emerald Aisle is mostly full of mid-size SUVS. You'll also find Altimas, Malibus, Sonatas and the occasional Camry. If they are running low you'll find minivans too.

fintail · November 2025

Quite the variety at Sixt SFO currently - I hope SEA is like this when I am there next month:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mPdWSR3cFg

xwesx · November 2025

Wow; that's a lot of cars just sitting there not earning revenue! So, do you just pick whatever you want?

fintail · November 2025

xwesx said:
Wow; that's a lot of cars just sitting there not earning revenue! So, do you just pick whatever you want?

I am not sure what day of the week or time of day was shown in the video - I am sure supply ebbs and flows, and that has to be a busy airport. Better to have a little too much than not enough as well, running out of cars will lose customers for good.

If one is a Sixt member, the app will usually let one choose from a few similar cars (but in my experience the app does not have 100% uptime), or one can chat it up with someone at the booth near the cars and see what's around. It's not an open system (with class areas) like National or some Hertz locations.

xwesx · November 2025

I was just perusing their site. Seems like a good selection at good prices. Downside: Only available at fairly major airports.

kyfdx · November 2025

If they don't have rental units available, then who could rent them??

xwesx · November 2025

kyfdx said:
If they don't have rental units available, then who could rent them??

Agreed; that was just a LOT of rental units!

fintail · November 2025

I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.

Michaell · November 2025

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.

I poked around on the Sixt website for LAX, and there are a number of nice choices for not that much money. I'll seriously consider them on my next trip west.

xwesx · November 2025

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.

I checked out their selection at PIT (Pittsburgh, PA), and it is similar to your experience at SEA. As noted, though, competitive pricing to that seen at Enterprise. That said, I'm not sure why I would want to pick an X5 over an Explorer for the same price.

ab348 · November 2025

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.

Working from memory here, but didn't you end up with a 7-series BMW renting from them a year or two ago? I thought I remembered that.

fintail · November 2025

ab348 said:

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.
Working from memory here, but didn't you end up with a 7-series BMW renting from them a year or two ago? I thought I remembered that.

Yep. Christmas 2022, it was a gongshow getting to SEA, and the 5er I originally received had wacky tire pressure alerts - maybe due it being the end of a long day for both me and the agents in the booth, they just gave me the 7er rather than sort out the first car. Last year I asked about any 7ers, and they were already rented - maybe high status upgrades.

Last year I had a 5er reservation and received exactly that, which is was fine. This year I reserved an X5 and expect nothing more - no complaints as I found a bargain rate, but there could always be something different on the lot.

fintail · November 2025

Michaell said:

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.
I poked around on the Sixt website for LAX, and there are a number of nice choices for not that much money. I'll seriously consider them on my next trip west.

Just one warning, and I know it has been discussed earlier. Sixt uses AI scanners for damage claims, and judging by online complaints, the system is terrible - I would strongly suggest having additional insurance either through them or primary coverage from another service, just to save the hassle.

fintail · November 2025

xwesx said:

fintail said:
I've never rented from a sparse SIXT location (I've rented from Hertz and National where the aisles were nearly empty), but have never rented from a US location with the highline offerings seen in that video, or in reports from LAX and LAS. In my experience SEA will have selection up to 5er/X5 or equivalent with anything fancier being uncommon.
I checked out their selection at PIT (Pittsburgh, PA), and it is similar to your experience at SEA. As noted, though, competitive pricing to that seen at Enterprise. That said, I'm not sure why I would want to pick an X5 over an Explorer for the same price.

As mentioned earlier, just beware of the possible damage/insurance issue. It seems most people don't get picked on, but when they do, it appears to be irritating.

I know a lot of renters just want the cheapest thing, but there's enough who want something fun or fancy to apparently make the business model work.

Michaell · December 2025

My sister, BIL and their oldest son are in WA state this weekend (nephew is planning to propose to his GF!).

Flew into SEA and picked up a white Ford Explorer as their rental. Currently in the car driving to Leavenworth.

No impressions from her yet, but I'm pretty sure it has the 4-banger turbo in it. I'll get more info later.

fintail · December 2025

Could be anything - knowing US fleets there's a good chance of a base, but I have read of STs in fleets as well.

Michaell · December 2025

@fintail said:
Could be anything - knowing US fleets there's a good chance of a base, but I have read of STs in fleets as well.

I had a rental in Minneapolis years ago and got a Taurus SHO with the automatic

fintail · December 2025

Michaell said:

@fintail said:

Could be anything - knowing US fleets there's a good chance of a base, but I have read of STs in fleets as well.

I had a rental in Minneapolis years ago and got a Taurus SHO with the automatic

That'd be a nice one. I am pretty sure I have read of Explorer ST in some US fleet in the past month or two. Although most fleets everywhere are boring, even in the US there are highlights that don't require an expensive class - I know the National fleet gets GTIs and Miatas now and then.

Michaell · December 2025

fintail said:

Michaell said:

@fintail said:

Could be anything - knowing US fleets there's a good chance of a base, but I have read of STs in fleets as well.

I had a rental in Minneapolis years ago and got a Taurus SHO with the automatic

That'd be a nice one. I am pretty sure I have read of Explorer ST in some US fleet in the past month or two. Although most fleets everywhere are boring, even in the US there are highlights that don't require an expensive class - I know the National fleet gets GTIs and Miatas now and then.

When I was renting regularly in the 90's and early 00's, it was a sea of GM/Ford/Chrysler products. Every now and again I'd get something different - a Maxima once, in Cincinnati, is one I remember. The power delivery in that was so smooth.

Lately, on my (rare) travels, I see more foreign makes and models available.

fintail · December 2025

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

@fintail said:

Could be anything - knowing US fleets there's a good chance of a base, but I have read of STs in fleets as well.

I had a rental in Minneapolis years ago and got a Taurus SHO with the automatic

That'd be a nice one. I am pretty sure I have read of Explorer ST in some US fleet in the past month or two. Although most fleets everywhere are boring, even in the US there are highlights that don't require an expensive class - I know the National fleet gets GTIs and Miatas now and then.

When I was renting regularly in the 90's and early 00's, it was a sea of GM/Ford/Chrysler products. Every now and again I'd get something different - a Maxima once, in Cincinnati, is one I remember. The power delivery in that was so smooth.

Lately, on my (rare) travels, I see more foreign makes and models available.

The final and second to final Maxima was common in fleets as well.

From my anecdotal experience, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan dominate fleets now. Others are still big players - no problem finding GM, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis along with Germans, but those three are it. Honda is more common in than in the past, but mostly Odyssey. From reports I read, the base model stereotype is back in force, and class devaluation (what was once a "premium" might now be "luxury") exists as well.

mlevine · December 2025

Just drove a GMC Terrain for about 3 weeks. Got to tell you it was a nice drive.

tjc78 · December 2025

My very frequent work travel days were in the early 2000s. National was extremely GM heavy. I had Malibus, Impalas and Aleros the most. There were times they had Intrigues or Grand Prix which were a nice step up.

Nowadays its mostly small-midsize SUVs in one flavor or another and it does seem like there is a much bigger assortment of brands than years past. I will say I have never seen a Honda in National's fleet.

fintail · December 2025

Another varied Sixt lineup at LAX in this recent video. Lots of M package cars and the GLCs appear to be AMG GLC43:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H36ivIZJomw

fintail · December 2025

And the rental is...

2025 GLE 350 4Matic (no pics yet, rainy and stormy here). ~12K miles, typical USDM rental spec (but these come fairly well equipped). Modern MB 4 cylinders have remarkable NVH at some speeds, but under fuller throttle the displacement and cylinder count is obvious. Overall I am pleased, car is in fine condition and is comfortable.

Sixt SEA at 0730 today was pretty stocked, but nothing exotic - One X5,one X6, didn't see any 5ers 7ers or X7 etc, no M package or AMG cars, CLE, several X1/X3s, 2 or 3 Volvo wagons, Pacificas, I think a couple of Broncos, and some more typical non-highline rental cars.

fintail · December 2025

The temporary sled:

Michaell · December 2025

That's sharp!

I'm starting to sketch out a trip to CA in late January/early February, so of course I start looking at rentals from LAX.

I'm tempted to go with Sixt, this time - a Camry is renting for $56/day, which is better than the "majors". For another $10/day, I can upgrade to a 2-series.

Everyone is pushing SUVs, and my last rental in CA was the Taos. Curious what you all think.

EDIT - tentatively looking at 1/31 through 2/4.

fintail · December 2025

New Camry has some good reviews, I'd be curious about it but you'd run the risk of getting something "equivalent" like an Altima or Malibu (Hertz at SEA yesterday had a zillion Altimas).

I wanted to try a SUV this trip as my mom has an easier time getting in and out, and the price was almost the same as a 5er. I will say again, Sixt has almost endless complaints about the AI damage scanner, for peace of mind maybe consider LDW or have some good insurance just in case.

ab348 · December 2025

Car manufacturers must get some tremendous discounts on tanker cars full of black paint and freight cars full of black interior pieces.

andres3 · December 2025

I'm not renting anything for the Holidays - Driving the '18 Macan Turbo to Sacramento and back and maybe some more side trips during the next week or two. Will be the first big test of the sporty SUV.

fintail · December 2025

ab348 said:
Car manufacturers must get some tremendous discounts on tanker cars full of black paint and freight cars full of black interior pieces.

It's a modern generic Germanic thing, black with black interior.

fintail · December 2025

Upon returning the GLE at Sixt spotted a 5er, X5, X6 with fancier wheels than the one spotted on Monday, a couple X1/X3, CLE, CLA, some non prestige brand vehicles.

sda · December 2025

What was your overall experience with the GLE. Anything positive/negative that stood out? Did you like it?

fintail · December 2025

I think mpg was ok, in leisurely driving it is smooth and quiet - but in harder acceleration the 4 cyl noise and feel was apparent , coming home to my wagon almost feels like an EV in comparison. The GLE also didn't give much of the tipsy feeling had by some vehicles in that class. I had no issues with the ICE as it is a small evolution from the system in my car (the physical screen is the same part I think, just with touchscreen). Build quality was fine and it had no rattles or visible flaws after 12K rental miles.

sda said:
What was your overall experience with the GLE. Anything positive/negative that stood out? Did you like it?

Michaell · January 5

I just set up my Sixt rental for the end of the month - I decided to go with the "Intermediate Elite" class, which is a 2-series sedan or similar.

I figure I'll blend right into LA traffic with that.

andres3 · January 7

Michaell said:
I just set up my Sixt rental for the end of the month - I decided to go with the "Intermediate Elite" class, which is a 2-series sedan or similar.

I figure I'll blend right into LA traffic with that.

I saw a 4 door 2-series.... first I'd ever seen.

Michaell · January 7

andres3 said:

Michaell said:
I just set up my Sixt rental for the end of the month - I decided to go with the "Intermediate Elite" class, which is a 2-series sedan or similar.

I figure I'll blend right into LA traffic with that.
I saw a 4 door 2-series.... first I'd ever seen.

Looks a lot like the previous generation Kia Forte, but I’m hoping the driving dynamics are much better. And, I think, 228 HP.

I suppose the “equivalent” would be an A3 or A-class

fintail · January 7

Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.

Michaell · January 7

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.

C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.

fintail · 8:03AM

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.

New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.

Michaell · 8:13AM

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.
New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.

I’d be ok with the upgrade.

fintail · 8:44AM

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.
New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.
I’d be ok with the upgrade.

The two times I've had a 7er from Sixt, they were both free upgrades. Unlikely for any reservation, but you never know. You're not renting at a holiday, so you likely won't arrive to a barren lot with only a 15 passenger van and an industrial spec 3500 series pickup to choose from.

Michaell · 8:46AM

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.
New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.
I’d be ok with the upgrade.
The two times I've had a 7er from Sixt, they were both free upgrades. Unlikely for any reservation, but you never know. You're not renting at a holiday, so you likely won't arrive to a barren lot with only a 15 passenger van and an industrial spec 3500 series pickup to choose from.

True enough. Looking forward to the experience. Been 2+ years since I've done any travelling.

fintail · 1:10PM

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.
New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.
I’d be ok with the upgrade.
The two times I've had a 7er from Sixt, they were both free upgrades. Unlikely for any reservation, but you never know. You're not renting at a holiday, so you likely won't arrive to a barren lot with only a 15 passenger van and an industrial spec 3500 series pickup to choose from.
True enough. Looking forward to the experience. Been 2+ years since I've done any travelling.

I've always looked forward to rentals - usually means I am on some kind of vacation, and there's fun in the surprise element. Only issue for me these days is that probably more than half the time I am renting during holiday periods, so $$$. Due to volume-chasing by premium brands, fleets have more of that material than just about ever.

andres3 · 3:10PM

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:

Michaell said:

fintail said:
Sixt has a number of those 2ers in the fleet, good chance you'll get one. Not many Audis at all in my experience in the US Sixt fleet, but other fleets have Audi, especially National/Enterprise.

Sixt also has CLA which may be considered the same, and plenty of C-class too.
C-Class is a class above what I rented.

Fingers crossed I don't get a CLA - I sat in one when they were first released, and I didn't fit all too well in them.
New CLA is larger, but may still be kind of low slung compared to the 2er - it has that look anyway.

You may also end up in a situation where your reserved class is unavailable and you end up with a free upgrade of sorts.
I’d be ok with the upgrade.
The two times I've had a 7er from Sixt, they were both free upgrades. Unlikely for any reservation, but you never know. You're not renting at a holiday, so you likely won't arrive to a barren lot with only a 15 passenger van and an industrial spec 3500 series pickup to choose from.
True enough. Looking forward to the experience. Been 2+ years since I've done any travelling.
I've always looked forward to rentals - usually means I am on some kind of vacation, and there's fun in the surprise element. Only issue for me these days is that probably more than half the time I am renting during holiday periods, so $$$. Due to volume-chasing by premium brands, fleets have more of that material than just about ever.

It's been a long time since I've rented. What's a reasonable daily rental for a standard car these days? Does it vary to greatly for a rule of thumb? It wouldn't surprise me if Insurance companies still offered $20/day coverage even if it's impossible to snag that deal in most cases in most places.

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