What cars have you recently rented?

[Gas Man]

If you think the rear end of the 2012 is nice... wait till you see the 2013, they look amazing!!

You see derf's #5 and my complaignt on the Challenger is the same thing. They just suck.

[Homeslice]

On the Focus the switch is up near the sunroof

[derf]

If you think the rear end of the 2012 is nice... wait till you see the 2013, they look amazing!!

You see derf's #5 and my complaignt on the Challenger is the same thing. They just suck.


I kept grabbing the window to slam the door shut. I also opened and closed the door as fast as I could to try and beat the little quick slide thing that it does, I never did make it though. But if I put my arm on the window sill, the window separates from the frame and lets air blow through.


On the Focus the switch is up near the sunroof

Like I said I touched everything that looked like it could move

[Homeslice]

Chevy HHR
This car has always confused me. I've never understood why anyone under 70 would want something that looks like a 1940's milk truck. And the funny thing is, even with its high roof, it does not offer good visibility, because the thick body pillars cause a lot of blind spots, and the windshield doesn't go high enough.

http://i44.tinypic.com/54j0ba.jpg


The one I rented was manufactured only 15 months ago in October 2010, and yet there were dime-sized flakes of paint that had come off the front end for no apparent reason. :confused: Maybe GM sets aside their factory defects for the rental agencies?

It rides smoothly enough on the highway. But on city streets at lower speeds, it had a trucklike ride over bumps, with a hollow clunking sound that seems to plague most GM FWD cars, and makes it sound like something is loose in the suspension.


http://i41.tinypic.com/16gybub.jpg


The gauges were "ok" I guess, but the tach was too small. I guess they think that makes it look retro. :confused: But the worst thing about this car is the ACRES of hard plastic EVERYWHERE. It would take a whole BOTTLE of Armor-All to clean it every year. I guess since the car is so tall including the dash, they couldn't afford to use soft-touch materials.

[Gas Man]

Even though I had moocho problems with my HHR, they will still hold a special place for me...

And for being such a small vechicle/suv type thing...

this was a long dresser... we were able to close the rear hatch as well
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Vechicles/HHR%20SS/SU1HMDAwNjEtMjAxMDExMjgtMTExMy5qcGc.jpg

a pair of storm doors for the house
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Vechicles/HHR%20SS/SU1HMDAxNDkuanBn.jpg

[Porkchop]

My group rented an Impala while down in Miami. Had about 14,xxx on the odo. Idle seemed to be a tich high, and when you would apply throttle, the engine would bog down from the idle point with a grumble. It just didn't feel "right". Maybe it just needed some injector cleaner run through it. :idk:

Ride was smooth, steering was "grandpa car light", engine had good oomph for a v6. Interior trim level was middle of the road. Fake wood accents across the dash with nice looking black pleather. Seats were cloth. Back seat was big enough, and the trunk was massive. It felt very close to my old 02 Taurus.

[VatorMan]

Last year I rented a BMW 318i (diesel) while in Germany. The BEST seat warmers ever. Sorry for the blurry phone pics.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/Germany%202010/063.jpg

Fun on the autobahn.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/Germany%202010/094.jpg

Typical BMW-great seats and I finally figured out IDrive before it was time to leave. The proximity sensors were great as the roads and parking is really tight.

Great in snow too.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/Germany%202010/239.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/Germany%202010/226.jpg

[Gas Man]

Got a 2011 mustang 6 cylinder. 305hp but otherwise basic. Nice car and it does scoot pretty well.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Misc/6e633191.jpg

[Homeslice]

This was a couple years ago......Either Dollar or National, at the Detroit airport...... They gave me the keys to this, and when I saw what it was, I walked back to make sure it wasn't an employee's car. I mean it was like 2 years old, and had an aftermarket stereo in it. :?: But, they told me it was fine, so I drove off in it.

The V6 was pretty decent, good torque..........Seats were very aggressive, nicely bolstered.......Gauges were good, climate control had a cool graphic of a person on it.........The exhaust was one of those fake dual systems.......Had a nice growl at idle, but became too loud above 70.

[Homeslice]

My car got T-boned a few days ago, and most likely totaled, so I've been driving a rental 2012 Impala LTZ. This thing is a barge, in the classic American tradition. Bigger than it needs to be, floaty on the highway, gets blown around by the wind due to soft shocks, and flat slippery seats that don't support. Reminds me of the old Caprice from the 90's. I didn't even think these types of cars existed anymore. Even a base Taurus handles better than this car.

I had to laugh at the 18 inch wheels that come with the LTZ "package". Why even bother with that overkill, when they're shod with cheap 50-series Eagle RSA's? :lol:

On the positive side, the drivetrain has a 300hp V6 with a 6-speed auto. This thing picks up and flies above 4000 rpm. And it sounds good doing so.

You can pick up one of these for cheap, so if interior space is your main priority, it could be a good deal. But handling better not be important to you.

[LeeNetworX]

My car got T-boned a few days ago, and most likely totaled, so I've been driving a rental 2012 Impala LTZ. This thing is a barge, in the classic American tradition. Bigger than it needs to be, floaty on the highway, gets blown around by the wind due to soft shocks, and flat slippery seats that don't support. Reminds me of the old Caprice from the 90's. I didn't even think these types of cars existed anymore. Even a base Taurus handles better than this car.

I had to laugh at the 18 inch wheels that come with the LTZ "package". Why even bother with that overkill, when they're shod with cheap 50-series Eagle RSA's? :lol:

On the positive side, the drivetrain has a 300hp V6 with a 6-speed auto. This thing picks up and flies above 4000 rpm. And it sounds good doing so.

You can pick up one of these for cheap, so if interior space is your main priority, it could be a good deal. But handling better not be important to you.

Since you made no mention of injuries should we assume you are OK?

[Homeslice]

Since you made no mention of injuries should we assume you are OK?

yep, thanks for asking, car is not though, one of the control arms sheared off, so I can't see how it wouldn't be totalled.....

BTW that is her front bumper wedged into my wheel, lol

[Homeslice]

2011 Nissan Altima

I will try to keep this a fair review, as I'm sure some of you own Altimas.

I actually rented 2 of them, a four-door and a two-door. Both 2011 or 2012 (not the brand new 2013 that just came out).

The 2-door had 17" wheels instead of 16", and slightly sportier seats. Other than that, they were equipped the same.

First I'll start off by saying, I don't know why Nissan chooses to include the engine size in the model name. Like "2.5 S"........Like as if a 2.5 liter engine is impressive in a car this big. :lol:

The engine has OK torque, but it sounds thrashy and moany above 3K rpm. It's mated with a CVT tranny (there is no "traditional" automatic available). The only benefit of CVT's is that they eliminate jerky shifts........But in return, it feels like it's always slipping. :td: You floor it from a light, and it goes up to 5K or so and just hangs there, like as if it's slipping or something. :td:

I got about 29 mpg, but that was all highway.

Handling was average for a car of this class. There is good bodyroll control, probably via decent swaybars or springs, but the shocks allowed a little too much float for my preference. The ride quality is good and it's quiet, but bumps in the middle of a turn throw it off-course. The tires were the weakest spot......cheap Turanza all-seasons. But that's typical for rentals.

Biggest weakness of this car is the brakes.....They are WAY too touchy. :td:

After being started in the morning, and hitting ~30 mph after pulling out, there is a strange clunk from somewhere under the hood....:?: Maybe some kind of flap closing.

As for the interior:
- The 2-door is a good looking car, but has a HUGE blind spot. :td:
- Push button start is nice, but I didn't see a way to operate the accessories without the motor on. :scratch:
- Don't get the manual seats, there is no way to tilt the bottom cushion, so it offers no under-thigh support.
- The wiper stalk operates the opposite of the way it should. It's down to turn them on, unlike most cars where you pull it up to activate. Also, it can be easily hit by accident when you're using the radio.
- The fuel door release can be easily hit by your foot.
- There is no seatbelt chime, which is strange.

If price is a concern, and you find one for a couple thousand less than an Accord or Camry, I suppose it'd be a good deal, but otherwise I'd go Honda anytime.

[LeeNetworX]

2011 Nissan Altima

I will try to keep this a fair review, as I'm sure some of you own Altimas.

I actually rented 2 of them, a four-door and a two-door. Both 2011 or 2012 (not the brand new 2013 that just came out).

The 2-door had 17" wheels instead of 16", and slightly sportier seats. Other than that, they were equipped the same.

First I'll start off by saying, I don't know why Nissan chooses to include the engine size in the model name. Like "2.5 S"........Like as if a 2.5 liter engine is impressive in a car this big. :lol:

The engine has OK torque, but it sounds thrashy and moany above 3K rpm. It's mated with a CVT tranny (there is no "traditional" automatic available). The only benefit of CVT's is that they eliminate jerky shifts........But in return, it feels like it's always slipping. :td: You floor it from a light, and it goes up to 5K or so and just hangs there, like as if it's slipping or something. :td:

I got about 29 mpg, but that was all highway.

Handling was average for a car of this class. There is good bodyroll control, probably via decent swaybars or springs, but the shocks allowed a little too much float for my preference. The ride quality is good and it's quiet, but bumps in the middle of a turn throw it off-course. The tires were the weakest spot......cheap Turanza all-seasons. But that's typical for rentals.

Biggest weakness of this car is the brakes.....They are WAY too touchy. :td:

After being started in the morning, and hitting ~30 mph after pulling out, there is a strange clunk from somewhere under the hood....:?: Maybe some kind of flap closing.

As for the interior:
- The 2-door is a good looking car, but has a HUGE blind spot. :td:
- Push button start is nice, but I didn't see a way to operate the accessories without the motor on. :scratch:
- Don't get the manual seats, there is no way to tilt the bottom cushion, so it offers no under-thigh support.
- The wiper stalk operates the opposite of the way it should. It's down to turn them on, unlike most cars where you pull it up to activate. Also, it can be easily hit by accident when you're using the radio.
- The fuel door release can be easily hit by your foot.
- There is no seatbelt chime, which is strange.

If price is a concern, and you find one for a couple thousand less than an Accord or Camry, I suppose it'd be a good deal, but otherwise I'd go Honda anytime.

Having owned our 3.5SE V6 coupe w/ 6-speed manual for over 5 years now and also having rented a couple of the 2.5s like yours, I agree that the engine/tranny on those sucks bad. Our Altima drives and feels like a different car completely. Hate the 2.5s, love ours. If you ever get the chance, you should drive a V6 (stick preferrably) version to see for yourself.

[shmike]

I thought on every Japanese car you pulled down for wipers? :scratch:

[Homeslice]

I thought on every Japanese car you pulled down for wipers? :scratch:

On my old Mazda you pushed down to get one wipe, but pushed it UP for one of the continuous cycles. And I think that's how every other car I've owned was.

[Homeslice]

Having owned our 3.5SE V6 coupe w/ 6-speed manual for over 5 years now and also having rented a couple of the 2.5s like yours, I agree that the engine/tranny on those sucks bad. Our Altima drives and feels like a different car completely. Hate the 2.5s, love ours. If you ever get the chance, you should drive a V6 (stick preferrably) version to see for yourself.

Problem is, rental lots usually won't bother getting the V6. I'm sure it's a lot nicer though.

[LeeNetworX]

Problem is, rental lots usually won't bother getting the V6. I'm sure it's a lot nicer though.

Was insinuating you may know or meet someone with one.

[pauldun170]

Was insinuating you may know or meet someone with one.

I hope Homeslice meets someone.
Someone special.

[LeeNetworX]

I hope Homeslice meets someone.
Someone special.

:lol

[pauldun170]

:lol

Care to show your appreciation?
http://twowheelfix.com/showthread.php?t=21571

[Homeslice]

I hope Homeslice meets someone.
Someone special.

You volunteering? Thought you were married. Oh well that doesn't hold me back.

[defector]

You volunteering? Thought you were married. Oh well that doesn't hold me back.

I've never seen a ring plug a hole. Just sayin'. :lol:

[pauldun170]

You volunteering? Thought you were married. Oh well that doesn't hold me back.

:lol

[pauldun170]

I've never seen a ring plug a hole. Just sayin'. :lol:

It would be like a weird kind of anal bearing

[LeeNetworX]

Care to show your appreciation?
http://twowheelfix.com/showthread.php?t=21571

Sorry - missed your window.

[Homeslice]

2012 Camry SE

Having paddle shifters was cool, and they worked well. But the rest of the interior was disappointing. Flat seats, and too much hard plastic. Somehow I remember the older Camrys as being nicer.

Had one of those "instantaneous MPG" needles on the dash. Wasted space - nobody pays attention to it. Trip mileage is what matters. Should have put an oil temp or pressure gauge there instead.

Road/tire noise was higher than expected.

Steering was too loose at high speeds. Can barely adjust the heater without drifting into the other lane.

Suspension too soft (typical Japanese).

[goof2]

So I ended up with a Prius for a rental from Hertz recently, still pretty new with just over 3000 miles. I only had an 80 mile round trip but being that it was in Los Angeles it took 4 hours not including stops, but that is another thread of hate.

What I liked:

1. The rearward visibility was great. That CRX style vertical section really helped.
2. The mileage was great too. Over the 80 miles I used less than 2 gallons of gas. I was driving slow enough that I could use electric only mode a decent amount so I'm sure that helped.
3 The radio was pretty good and stopped annoying me after I was able to get rid of the gas mileage trend line taking up the whole damn screen.

What I didn't like:

Everything else. I really hated this car. The interfaces between the driver and the vehicle generally sucked. The best of them all was the shifter which achieved not annoying me. The brakes had no feel and inconsistent response, I'm guessing due to regenerative braking. There was no appreciable difference in what the car did for the first 90% of travel in the accelerator pedal. The last 10% had a marginal improvement, but the car was still painfully underpowered. The steering felt completely disconnected from the car with no feedback and little self centering effect. I might as well have been steering through a Playstation controller. Droning along on a normal highway this probably wouldn't be that bad, but on LA's dogshit roads every pothole and road seam wanted to kick me in to another lane or the Jersey barrier.

Speaking of Playstation, there were multiple displays that would tell me exactly how efficient my driving was both at any moment and over time. The car would also tell me in real time when my driving style required the car to switch efficiency modes and where motive power was coming from. I guess all that kind of looked interesting for 5 minutes. After that I found it all to be useless distractions at a time when generally people are spending far to little time paying attention to what is happening outside their cars while they are driving.

I suppose I could say it is an appliance, like driving a toaster, except using a toaster doesn't annoy me. What really struck me is that the car seemed specifically designed to remove the driver from the process as much as possible, like the requirement to have an actual person behind the wheel was an impediment. In my view the Prius is ultimately a great candidate for the driverless car since I sure as hell didn't enjoy the job. For a point of comparison I find my 9 year old truck with 130k miles significantly more engaging and enjoyable to drive.

For those of you that own them I hope they do what you want, I just couldn't imagine buying one myself.

[LeeNetworX]

I rented an Explorer Limited 2 weeks ago on my last trip. Overall, I would say it's a good vehicle to rent, but would never buy one.

Likes:
- I like the looks of the vehicle, inside and out
- Seats were comfortable
- Good power for a V6 and a decent feel to the ride

Dislikes:
- Blind spots...several of them, due to the high-positioned and low profile windows and thick pillars.
- Ergonomics of the controls. The SYNC system, while cool, is so user-unfriendly to me. Everything is a touch-sensitive button and is located and positioned oddly to me. If I have to start at the control console for 2-3 minutes to figure out how to adjust the AC temp, fan speed and circulation settings, ergonomics fail. And I don't care for the touch-sensitive buttons.
- Interior space. For a crossover with 3rd row seating, the usable space isn't even close to my Pilot.

Probably the biggest reason I would never buy this vehicle, or any Ford with SYNC, for that matter, is the fact that once the warranty is passed, God help you should anything break/need replacing that's tied into the system. It's all connected and I could just imagine ridiculous repair costs if the dash display went or AC controls broke or computer itself fried, etc.

[goof2]

Got a Ford C-Max SEL hybrid thought Hertz. They are either pretty new or completely forgettable since I didn't even know what the hell it was when I got in it. I had to check the tailgate at my first stop to figure it out. I thought it was actually pretty good. Don't get me wrong, the ride and driving experience didn't reach above quality economy car standards but that is still a massive improvement over the Prius. The Ford designers also didn't feel the same need Toyota did to tailor the driver interface toward beating a "Look at you, you're driving a hybrid! Great work champ!" message in to my head. The leather had a quality feel to it and it did have Sync, but a more basic version than what they put in the Explorer. I guess Hertz either didn't get or removed the GPS so people will pay for Neverlost instead.

There were a few things I didn't like. You already mentioned the Sync system Lee and I have to agree, it doesn't work very well. Even in the basic version in the C-Max with the AC separate I expect it would be a very expensive hassle if something goes wrong with it. The two small displays in the instrument cluster that are linked to it only add to the complexity and chance of a problem. Maybe the hardware will be reliable as hell and it will never be a problem, but that is a pretty big risk. The powertrain was a bit of an adjustment as well. This was the first time I drove a car with a CVT and I have to echo the comments of others, I didn't like it too much. It may be something I would get used to but in my short time with the C-Max I found it odd.

That being said if I were in the market for a hybrid I found the C-Max to be massively better than the Prius.

[Homeslice]

C-Max? Never heard of it till now. Looks like a Honda Fit ripoff.

[pauldun170]

C-Max? Never heard of it till now. Looks like a Honda Fit ripoff.

Its been sold in Europe for years and they are just bringing it over with a hybrid drivetrain.

I'd rather a Mazda5 (if I were in the market for that class of car)

[Gas Man]

c-max is basically an over sized fiesta...

[goof2]

C-Max? Never heard of it till now. Looks like a Honda Fit ripoff.

Its been a while since I've been in a Fit, but the C-Max was noticeably bigger than what I remember the Fit being.

Its been sold in Europe for years and they are just bringing it over with a hybrid drivetrain.

I'd rather a Mazda5 (if I were in the market for that class of car)

c-max is basically an over sized fiesta...

Don't get me wrong, I didn't think the C-Max was great. Its just a hell of a lot better than the Prius. I think this kind of car is a bit silly and overpriced. I have no interest in either as my personal car.

[Gas Man]

Saying a car is better than prius isn't really a compliment.

[Homeslice]

Yeah the only hybrid I'd buy would be a Volt

[Cutty72]

C-Max? Never heard of it till now. Looks like a Honda Fit ripoff.

My FIL works at a Ford dealership and recently gave me his card. All the models sold new are listed on it, and I saw the C-max, and asked what it was.
He laughed and said "the biggest piece of shit Ford has ever made".
Granted, he is an anti-technology and anti-small car guy, so that doesn't help.

[goof2]

My FIL works at a Ford dealership and recently gave me his card. All the models sold new are listed on it, and I saw the C-max, and asked what it was.
He laughed and said "the biggest piece of shit Ford has ever made".
Granted, he is an anti-technology and anti-small car guy, so that doesn't help.

Your FIL is really selling Ford short, they have made WAY bigger pieces of shit than the C-Max. The previous generation Focus practically leaps to mind. I know some on here have had them and maybe the consumer versions are better, but the one I had as a rental for 6 weeks was pretty bad. In particular the NVH issues made it a miserable experience.

[Cutty72]

Your FIL is really selling Ford short, they have made WAY bigger pieces of shit than the C-Max. The previous generation Focus practically leaps to mind. I know some on here have had them and maybe the consumer versions are better, but the one I had as a rental for 6 weeks was pretty bad. In particular the NVH issues made it a miserable experience.

He just started there about 3 months ago, so experience is limited. :lol:

[Homeslice]

Your FIL is really selling Ford short, they have made WAY bigger pieces of shit than the C-Max. The previous generation Focus practically leaps to mind. I know some on here have had them and maybe the consumer versions are better, but the one I had as a rental for 6 weeks was pretty bad. In particular the NVH issues made it a miserable experience.
The current Focus is awesome for its price range. Great steering, handling & interior for its class. But yes, the Focus before it was crap.

[goof2]

The current Focus is awesome for its price range. Great steering, handling & interior for its class. But yes, the Focus before it was crap.

I haven't driven a new Focus yet so I don't have a point of comparison. I had the one previous generation for 6 weeks, then 3 or 4 others for a day or two each. I found them generally crappy, but the NVH levels in particular were consistently so bad it really amazed me that the company signed off on that powertrain leaving the drawing board/test center.

[Gas Man]

I took the wife's Fiesta SES (5-speed manual) in to the shop for a recall and got a loaner base model Fiesta (6-speed dual clutch auto). And OMG the differences were huge. I couldn't stand the base model. It felt different, the motor performed differently, the handling, the lack of basic options like cruise (sure it had power windows/locks)... but just made it horrible to drive.

[LeeNetworX]

We rented an "intermediate SUV" for our FL vacation, since we will be putting on allot of miles and wanted to give the Pilot a break. Drove it down to South Florida on Saturday and heading to Key West in it tomorrow sans kids.

2013 Ford Escape SEL AWD w/2.0 EcoBoost turbo

After putting ~800 miles on it so far on and off the highway I find myself actually enjoying driving this car. The engine has balls and the AWD grips nicely. The leather seats are comfy and the controls are smartly placed but there is quite a bit of wind noise in the cabin at highway speed.

The SYNC system isn't the full-blown version like what was in the Explorer SEL I rented for a work trip a couple of months back. It has the main LCD panel in the dash with the climate controls right under it, with normal push buttons. The gauge cluster is all analog except for a small LCD screen high center that shows some useful info like distance to E, tripometer/odometer, average fuel consumption, etc.

Passenger room, including leg room is comfy both front and back seats but the storage space in back is tiny. We had to pack in a very minimalist fashion for 2 adults, 2 kids and plus we shoved two small dogs in back.

Fuel economy isn't all that impressive - on the highway @80mph average we got 22mpg. Still beats the Pilot though.

Overall, it's not a bad car at all - definitely one of the more enjoyable rentals I've had. And the more I stomp on it when it's just me in the car and neither of the boys the more I like it.

[Sixxxxer]

Ford is putting an Ecoboost in damn near everthing

[LeeNetworX]

Ford is putting an Ecoboost in damn near everthing


I'm pretty impressed with it; no noticeable lag no matter the RPM range or gear I'm in when accelerating hard.

[Sixxxxer]

Ford Focus ST...Great Little Hatch.

[Homeslice]

Ford Focus ST...Great Little Hatch.

The dual-colored Recaros were a dumb move for Ford.....Pretty much limits it to age 25 and under

[Sixxxxer]

If you say so?

I like them...and I'm 27

Guess your Logic is a few years off. Cars an absolute blast to drive...Seats wouldnt sway me from buying a car I liked.

My dad even likes it...Alot actually and he is 58.

[Homeslice]

Yeah, black and yellow seats.......Might be ok in a Lamborghini, but in an econo hatchback it just screams rice.

Your dad might like it for the first couple months, but after that he'd be like mmkay, I'm getting a little tired of this gaudy shit

[goof2]

I don't think you have to get the black and yellow Recaros. According to Ford's website all black is available as well.

[Gas Man]

I've got a 2013 Chrysler 300C right now as a company car... long term rental.

Sure it's loaded like crazy.. heated/cooled front seats & cup holders, heated rear seats & steering wheel, backup cam, power rear window sun shade, full touch screen, nav, the works...

the ECO 6 banger does really well. Good pickup, and got 28.3mpg on the highway to Cleveland & back @ 70-72mph. Get's ~23mpg around town, being nice.

It's real quiet inside and it glides over bumps... but...

I hate the old school wiper control on the left blinker arm. But I DESPISE the shifter. It's a small nub thing with a button that kinda moves but not soo much. It's horrible!!

It's a nice car, but it's not for me, but since I'm not paying for it, I'll pimp the hell out of it.

[Homeslice]

Just rented another Focus, this one was an SE with leather seats which sucked.....They were pretty flat, and you could not tilt the seat bottom.....you could only raise/lower it.

This one had the 17" wheels instead of 16". Ugh......the ride sucked over potholes. And if the potholes are in the middle of a turn, you get kicked out of it.