Hertz - Audi A8L at LAX

Hi,

after a year of absence I will rent an Audi A8L at LAX in September.

Last year, the navigation system was enabled and the car came loaded with options.

Did that change? Has anyone seen/ driven an A8L (from LAX?) lately?

Perhaps with the optical parking system (premium package)?

Is the navigation still working or did they torture the poor car with "ever lost"?

Regards
Frank

You don´t like the audis, do you? :-)

Anybody?

I've only driven the A6 at LAX. It came with "Neverlost", with the factory installed navigation disabled. Sorry can't help with the A8. Though have beaucoup, mucho ZE1 points, so looking for opportunity to use some of them on an A8 soon!!

Not sure about LAX, but the A8s at SFO and SJC do indeed have the factory navigation system installed.

Thanks for the replies...

In my eyes, the A8L is THE best car, Hertz has on their lots. And that at a fullsize prize: The last time I checked, a Ford Focus had about the same pricetag (for a monthly rental). :-)

By the way: Has anybody seen an A8L with the acoustic parking system - that would mean, that they have the premium package installed.

Regards
Frank.

Had an A8L at LAS for a week at the end of July. It came with the premium package and the A8L's navigation system was working. Indeed, the best car Hertz has. Be careful though in Vegas, I walked away with the advanced key in my pocket after I dropped the car off at valet...

Do the A8's have the 100 mile per day limit everywhere or is it just LAX? I had to go with the A6 because of the limit.

I had a A8L at LAS for 10 days in June, because they didn't have an XJ8 in stock at the time I arrived. The factory DVD was working, but I felt it was overly complex.

My general impression of the car was that the ride was harsh on any setting, the interior controls were highly complex (and I have a Lexus GS430 at home in the UK) and frankly, compared to the Jaguar, it was slow - you need to keep it in the very high revving sport mode (which sits at high revs at 70mph cruise - very annoying) to get anywhere fast - it did not take off and had little low down torque. Even with quattro which was totally unoticable in such a heavy car, it didn't feel as if it handled well at all. And the climate control really struggled in Las Vegas - but it was very hot, maybe that was why the car seemed to be labouring. A bit of an expensive old tub really - I can't believe how much they are in the US compared to other cars.

I like to try the different cars on offer - but I actually thought the Chrysler 300C Hemi I had the week before was much more fun, even if not as "refined" as the A8L.

Hope that helps.

Best regards,

Marcus.

Do the A8's have the 100 mile per day limit everywhere or is it just LAX? I had to go with the A6 because of the limit.

Wow, I've never heard of this! :eek: I haven't rented Prestige at LAX lately, but I've never had a limit on mileage on any of the high-end stuff (H2s, A8s, XJ8s, Escalades, etc.) at any other Hertz location.

I think we get unlimited mileage when we upgrade, but I have seen some sample quotations of high-end stuff with 100 miles per day written into the quote...FWIW...

I think we get unlimited mileage when we upgrade, but I have seen some sample quotations of high-end stuff with 100 miles per day written into the quote...FWIW...

Ah, that explains it -- my company reimburses me on C reservations only, so I find it easier to just book C and do a counter upgrade on my dime when I want something nicer. Or as I like to call them, the ninja upgrade... :D

I had a A8L at LAS for 10 days in June, because they didn't have an XJ8 in stock at the time I arrived. The factory DVD was working, but I felt it was overly complex.

My general impression of the car was that the ride was harsh on any setting, the interior controls were highly complex (and I have a Lexus GS430 at home in the UK) and frankly, compared to the Jaguar, it was slow - you need to keep it in the very high revving sport mode (which sits at high revs at 70mph cruise - very annoying) to get anywhere fast - it did not take off and had little low down torque. Even with quattro which was totally unoticable in such a heavy car, it didn't feel as if it handled well at all. And the climate control really struggled in Las Vegas - but it was very hot, maybe that was why the car seemed to be labouring. A bit of an expensive old tub really - I can't believe how much they are in the US compared to other cars.

I like to try the different cars on offer - but I actually thought the Chrysler 300C Hemi I had the week before was much more fun, even if not as "refined" as the A8L.

Hope that helps.

Best regards,

Marcus.

Hi Marcus,

I do understand your remarks, although I couldn´t differ more.

I have driven a lot of luxury cars over the years, and the A8 is one of the best... That said, I have to admit, that it is not a sportscar.

What you describe is exactly what I am looking for in a luxury sedan - this thing is a tank. The A8 gives you the impression, that it is never in a hurry. You litterally can´t provoke the tires to scream in curves.
Over all I totally agree with you: I don´t buy an A8, if I want a car that feels sporty. If I want the feeling that I "get anywhere quick", I would buy a Mercedes SL.

But don´t be fooled: The A8 is anything but slow - in fact it is quicker than the Jag XJ8. But you don´t notice.

And yes, Audis MMI is complex. But everything is logical. It might take some time to get used to, but after that the possibilities are endless. I agree, that this might not be for everyone, especially in a rental car.

Just because you mentioned the ac: I am aware that you might have gotten the impression that it is weak. But the philosophie in this car is different from - lets say the Jag. In the Audi, under normal conditions (up to about 30 degrees celsius), you should not feel any air blown to your body. That is achieved by having a lot of small vents. In case the conditions get extrem, those smaller openings produce more noise, so that you get the impression that the car is working harder. You see my point?

I liked your comment, that the audi is refined. This in my opinion is, what differentiates this car from other "luxury" cars Hertz offers.

For example the XJ8: Yes, I entered the car and was able to leave the lot right away. But I had to return 2 times in the following four weeks. First the passanger-airbag warninglight went on, after that, the handle on the driverside broke from the roof (Due to Hertz a common problem: They already had the necessary spare parts). In all of the cars, even with under 10000 miles, the body noises and cranking from the plastic made me feel like I was sitting in a Ford Focus.
The Ride? Yes, it was sportier than the A8. The tires screamed, I felt the road a lot more. But it appeared to me, that the reason for this was, that the car was imperfect, to say the least. You could also say, that the car had more character, if you like.

Bottom line for me: The audi is getting close to perfection. If you expect a thrilling ride, this car is not for you. It gets you from A to B without you even noticing. Sometimes perfection can be dull - but there the Mercedes SL comes in...

Best regards
Frank.

I have to be in So Cal the end of Spet. so I just looked at the A8 again and same thing. This off of the Hertz web site.

"100 FREE Miles Included Per Daily Rental .33 EXTRA MI USD per Extra Mile"

So if I reserve a Yugo and then upgrade at the counter I would have no limit on miles? Not sure I understand the logic in that.

Hi Marcus,

I do understand your remarks, although I couldn´t differ more.

I have driven a lot of luxury cars over the years, and the A8 is one of the best... That said, I have to admit, that it is not a sportscar.

What you describe is exactly what I am looking for in a luxury sedan - this thing is a tank. The A8 gives you the impression, that it is never in a hurry. You litterally can´t provoke the tires to scream in curves.
Over all I totally agree with you: I don´t buy an A8, if I want a car that feels sporty. If I want the feeling that I "get anywhere quick", I would buy a Mercedes SL.

But don´t be fooled: The A8 is anything but slow - in fact it is quicker than the Jag XJ8. But you don´t notice.

And yes, Audis MMI is complex. But everything is logical. It might take some time to get used to, but after that the possibilities are endless. I agree, that this might not be for everyone, especially in a rental car.

Just because you mentioned the ac: I am aware that you might have gotten the impression that it is weak. But the philosophie in this car is different from - lets say the Jag. In the Audi, under normal conditions (up to about 30 degrees celsius), you should not feel any air blown to your body. That is achieved by having a lot of small vents. In case the conditions get extrem, those smaller openings produce more noise, so that you get the impression that the car is working harder. You see my point?

I liked your comment, that the audi is refined. This in my opinion is, what differentiates this car from other "luxury" cars Hertz offers.

For example the XJ8: Yes, I entered the car and was able to leave the lot right away. But I had to return 2 times in the following four weeks. First the passanger-airbag warninglight went on, after that, the handle on the driverside broke from the roof (Due to Hertz a common problem: They already had the necessary spare parts). In all of the cars, even with under 10000 miles, the body noises and cranking from the plastic made me feel like I was sitting in a Ford Focus.
The Ride? Yes, it was sportier than the A8. The tires screamed, I felt the road a lot more. But it appeared to me, that the reason for this was, that the car was imperfect, to say the least. You could also say, that the car had more character, if you like.

Bottom line for me: The audi is getting close to perfection. If you expect a thrilling ride, this car is not for you. It gets you from A to B without you even noticing. Sometimes perfection can be dull - but there the Mercedes SL comes in...

Best regards
Frank.

Frank,

I think you need to purchase an Audi, maybe even a certified used one !

Thanks for the replies...

In my eyes, the A8L is THE best car, Hertz has on their lots. And that at a fullsize prize: The last time I checked, a Ford Focus had about the same pricetag (for a monthly rental). :-)

By the way: Has anybody seen an A8L with the acoustic parking system - that would mean, that they have the premium package installed.

Regards
Frank.

Received an A8L with only 2,000K at the Miami Airport location in May as an upgrade from an A6. It had the Premium Package with the parking system, power door closers (very cool), power rear sunshade, etc.
Found the parking system to be a bit annoying, but loved the car overall, and really hated to return it. It had the factory navigation system installed, but it wasn't functioning. (received compenstion from Hertz because of this)

Or as I like to call them, the ninja upgrade...

lol

I'll kick you in the throat if I can't get that Land Rover at less than $20/day... :D

Frank,

I think you need to purchase an Audi, maybe even a certified used one !


...and sell my BMW? You are kidding :D

lol

I'll kick you in the throat if I can't get that Land Rover at less than $20/day... :D

:D :D :D

I agree on the A8 being a sportier drive than many of the other cars in its class. I tend to group the A8, 7-Series and XJ together as the prime choices for attacking mountain roads (or perhaps a car chase through Monte Carlo :D). The S-Class, LS430 and Phaeton on the other hand, are softer and more-comfortable, better suited for road-tripping, such as a quick jaunt from Chicago to Los Angeles. :D

Is the A8L from SFO the 4.2L V8 or the 6.0L V12/W12?

After about 8 months in Iraq, I just booked a Nissan Murano for burning man (26 AUG to 4 AUG, $250/wk) and the A8L for 5 SEP to 10 SEP ($550/wk)

I'm going to try to upgrade the Murano to an LR3 (plusher, more fun) or Yukon XL (bigger). Hopefully they actually have them.

Is the A8L from SFO the 4.2L V8 or the 6.0L V12/W12?

After about 8 months in Iraq, I just booked a Nissan Murano for burning man (26 AUG to 4 AUG, $250/wk) and the A8L for 5 SEP to 10 SEP ($550/wk)

I'm going to try to upgrade the Murano to an LR3 (plusher, more fun) or Yukon XL (bigger). Hopefully they actually have them.


I am afraid, it will "only" be the 4.2 L. Hopefully the 2007 version with 350 hp...

Best regards
Frank.