Us Car Rental Advice

[Rslut]

Planning a fly and drive for next year - I'm not expecting any classic although that would be great, but would like to hire something fairly exciting, i.e. V8, convertible, etc.

Mustang's are readily available, but wanted to know if anyone else knew of any companies I should research.

Many thanks.

Tom

[snoopstah]

As well as the Mustang, Hertz also have Camaros and Corvettes (in some locations), although the latter generally isn't cheap.

I think Hertz is the only company that allow you to guarantee a certain vehicle type, others will generally just offer a 'convertible', which might be a (V6) Mustang, or might be a Sebring.

Big cities usually have exotic rental companies who will rent out supercars as well as more 'ordinary' stuff like an Elise, but you're into very serious money then.

Edited by snoopstah on Saturday 9th October 14:19

[HD Adam]

I pretty much always use Hertz in the US.

As said, you can get the Mustang from them and don't be put off by people saying it's "only" a V6.
The 2011 models have 300bhp.
You can also get the Corvette from their Premier Collection.

Downsides? Zero luggage space in either.

[Rslut]

Cheers Guys,

Going with the mrs so luggage space will be at a premium for me regardless!

[h0b0]

My advice is to not judge American cars based on below basic made for rental car market sloppy rentals. The difference between a rental charger and a privately owned one is huge.

other than that, it depends on where you are going as the cars will be tailored to the area. For example, in Hawaii it is all about jeeps. Also, it is unlikely that you will be able to specify the car but on most occasion I have rented they tell you to select a car from the area rather than saying this is your car.

When booking go to the company web site and look for specific deals that are not on the comparison web sites. You can save an absolute fortune doing this but it does take some extra time.

[greygoose]

HD Adam said:

I pretty much always use Hertz in the US.

As said, you can get the Mustang from them and don't be put off by people saying it's "only" a V6.
The 2011 models have 300bhp.
You can also get the Corvette from their Premier Collection.

Downsides? Zero luggage space in either.

How small is the boot in a Mustang, will it fit one large case in or are squashy bags the way to go?

[HD Adam]

Rslut said:

Cheers Guys,

Going with the mrs so luggage space will be at a premium for me regardless!

In that case, may I suggest something like an SUV?



Tons of room for suitcases and bags. Big comfy seats, nice high seating positions, cushy suspension and suitably American.
If I go with the family, that's what I get.

If you are staying in one place for any amount of time, you can always rent something else for a day hoon.

greygoose said:

How small is the boot in a Mustang, will it fit one large case in or are squashy bags the way to go?

Not exactly small but the rear lights are part of the tail panel so there's only a tiny gap to squeeze anything in.
I have a standard large Samsonite hard shell case and it won't fit in a Mustang boot.
Squashy bags will though.

Edited by HD Adam on Saturday 9th October 15:08

[Jimbeaux]

h0b0 said:

My advice is to not judge American cars based on below basic made for rental car market sloppy rentals. The difference between a rental charger and a privately owned one is huge.

Excellent point; oft repeated on here yet seldom absorbed.

[so called]

I've used Hertz monthly for most of the last 6 years in the US and yes they have their prestige range.
I now use Avis (change of corporate contract) and am pretty sure they have a 'fun' or prestige range as well.
V6 Mustangs are not so expensive but the boot is pretty tight for hard case luggage.
Dont know about the latest 3.0lt model but the previous made a nice noise but with no umpf.

Have fun.

[greygoose]

HD Adam said:

greygoose said:

How small is the boot in a Mustang, will it fit one large case in or are squashy bags the way to go?

Not exactly small but the rear lights are part of the tail panel so there's only a tiny gap to squeeze anything in.
I have a standard large Samsonite hard shell case and it won't fit in a Mustang boot.
Squashy bags will though.

Thanks, that is a bit of an awkward shape to get a case in.

[Debaser]

Friend just got back from California, he rented a special edition Corvette through Hertz. Look on the Hertz USA website and click on 'Fun Collection'.