Hertz - manual, stick shift vehicles in us?

Does Hertz have any stick shift/manual drive vehicles in the US?

Never seen one - given the relatively small number of people who drive stick, they'd likely be an inventory nightmare, and I bet a lot of rentals would be for people who want to learn to drive stick, so the maintenance bills would be astronomical (a clutch a month sort of thing).

I've never seen a Hertz stick in the US, but I've had several Enterprise rentals that were sticks as insurance replacements or loaner cars. Last one I had a was a Mini Cooper convertible with a 5 speed. Makes me think that HLE might have a few sticks out there as insurance replacements...

thanks

I have asked lots of times, but they're not available. If any location would have them, I'd expect either LAX or ATL--but no! :(

For those going into LAX, I'd be happy to rent you the 12 year old Integra (5 speed) which sits in my driveway, but rarely gets driven anymore, for $50 a day. High miles, original clutch, lots of dog hair. I'll even throw in some ZE1 points. :p

For those going into LAX, I'd be happy to rent you the 12 year old Integra (5 speed) which sits in my driveway, but rarely gets driven anymore, for $50 a day. High miles, original clutch, lots of dog hair. I'll even throw in some ZE1 points. :p

Can I use a free day coupon? What about my PC upgrade?! :p :D

I've never seen a Hertz stick in the US, but I've had several Enterprise rentals that were sticks as insurance replacements or loaner cars. Last one I had a was a Mini Cooper convertible with a 5 speed. Makes me think that HLE might have a few sticks out there as insurance replacements...

i'd imagine the shelby would be a stick. i can't imagine they would put a vehicle like that and mate it with an autotragic but I haven't read a ride report on it

i'd imagine the shelby would be a stick. i can't imagine they would put a vehicle like that and mate it with an autotragic but I haven't read a ride report on it

It's an automatic, sorry.

My cars are all sticks and love driving a stick, but I dont mind having all my rentals as autos. Last stick rental I had was a Fiesta 1.6 down in PVR. The clutch slipped so much, likely a result of abuse and excessive wear from inexperienced stick drivers. Wasnt easy to drive smoothly with so much clutch slip.

I have asked lots of times, but they're not available. If any location would have them, I'd expect either LAX or ATL--but no! :(
Yup, I did ask the lady at the Hertz Gold desk in ATL about availability of stick-shifts and she was like "I'm really sorry Sir but we don't have any!" :D

Sort of OT, but my car dealer used to have about 8 Audi TT manuals for loaners...I'd always beg for one when my car was being serviced.

After about 6 months, they got rid of them -- the cars kept coming back on flatbeds with clutch problems (probably due to "Driving a Manual 101, the Home Version").

i'd imagine the shelby would be a stick. i can't imagine they would put a vehicle like that and mate it with an autotragic but I haven't read a ride report on itIt's not, which points to the ultimate answer for this question I think, if a super-specialty vehicle like the Shelby Mustang GT-H is not a stick, then I can't imagine Hertz having sticks at any location.

It's not


-and it really really really suffers for it....

I was just pricing a rental for this weekend in Tampa and the Jeep Wranger is coming up at a reasonable price so I was thinking about reserving it, but when I click on the autombile details it says it's a manual transmission. I'm skeptical thas this is correct ...

Does Hertz have any stick shift/manual drive vehicles in the US?

Hertz as a policy does not have any Manual drive vehicles in the US. That being said some of the individual regions have from time to time had a few in stock, but they were mainly used by employees..

The only company that I came across that carries them is Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Even then it was only for certain "local" edition places that carry high end sports cars. Ex. Porsche Boxter and Audi TT.

Yup, I did ask the lady at the Hertz Gold desk in ATL about availability of stick-shifts and she was like "I'm really sorry Sir but we don't have any!" :D

When I rented a car in London a while back, the guy at the counter took a very long time shuffling around until I asked him what the problem was. "I'm looking for a car with an automatic transmission", he said. "But I don't NEED one!", I replied, and soon was sent on my way, feeling very, very strange shifting with my left hand! At least the pedals are the same left to right. :D

When I rented a car in London a while back, the guy at the counter took a very long time shuffling around until I asked him what the problem was. "I'm looking for a car with an automatic transmission", he said. "But I don't NEED one!", I replied, and soon was sent on my way, feeling very, very strange shifting with my left hand! At least the pedals are the same left to right. :D

That opens the question. Is 1st on the top left or top right when shifting with the left hand? :p

So 1st is still left top

The only company that I came across that carries them is Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Even then it was only for certain "local" edition places that carry high end sports cars. Ex. Porsche Boxter and Audi TT.

Any of these locations in the NY-metro area IYE?

The only company that I came across that carries them is Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Even then it was only for certain "local" edition places that carry high end sports cars. Ex. Porsche Boxter and Audi TT.

Wasn't Enterprise supposed to have Lotus Elises in its fleet? I guess the Elise has a manual tranny.

Manual cars are obsolete. They should be made illegal.

Manual cars are obsolete. They should be made illegal.

Are you a woman or just a loser?

Are you a woman or just a loser?

Woa - talk about sexist

I am a woman - I can drive a stick - so can most of the women I know

Manual cars are obsolete. They should be made illegal.
/TACT=OFF
Obviously the excessive fuel use from a 'slushbox' is not a big problem in the land of cheap 'gas', but coming from a country who has heard of Kyoto, I'd be inclined to argue the opposite.
/TACT = ON

I appreciate it requires a certain level of hand/foot co-ordination, but it's not that difficult.

Manual cars are obsolete. They should be made illegal.

I agree with you.

Bump...

I have a question that seems in line with this thread. I'm headed to a few countries that don't rent cars with automatic transmissions. Any idea where I can rent one in the US (DC area) to practice/learn? I'm fresh out of ideas.

Bump...

I have a question that seems in line with this thread. I'm headed to a few countries that don't rent cars with automatic transmissions. Any idea where I can rent one in the US (DC area) to practice/learn? I'm fresh out of ideas.

Find your local auto mall and start taking lots of test drives.

I have a question that seems in line with this thread. I'm headed to a few countries that don't rent cars with automatic transmissions. Any idea where I can rent one in the US (DC area) to practice/learn? I'm fresh out of ideas.

You may want to contact some driving schools to see if they have manual transmission lessons for already licensed drivers.

Manual cars are obsolete. They should be made illegal.

Not as long as manual transmissions deliver better fuel economy, better acceleration, and better reliability (usually) than automatic transmissions.

An unintended consequence of people not learning how to use them is the occasional stories of car thieves foiled by manual transmissions.

An unintended consequence of people not learning how to use them is the occasional stories of car thieves foiled by manual transmissions.

More likely, it is that even car thieves have better taste that to try to steal a car with the technology of the 1930s.

Not as long as manual transmissions deliver better fuel economy, better acceleration, and better reliability (usually) than automatic transmissions.


Automatic transmissions are virtually guaranteed to fail at high miles. Other than a wear-and-tear component (clutch and throwout bearing), manual transmission almost NEVER fail.

And with regards to safety being less with a stick, that's total bs. One's hand is off the wheel to shift for probably .5 seconds. The extra control and (engine) braking one gets from a manual are huge safety pluses in my book.

Coming from a country where manual transmissions are still quite "normal" I'd have to agree with the reliability/acceleration/economy/safety arguments...

But only IN THEORY! ;)

I see SO many folks driving manuals so badly that none of those theoretically attainable benefits would apply... they "ride" the clutch a LOT (reliability? Not!) they miss gear changes.. (really screws up acceleration... specially when they try for 2nd and get 4th..:D), they use max throttle at all times (especially before letting out the clutch..) which doesn't help the fuel economy i imagine... and they spend time staring at the gearshift as they wander across the road...... so much for safety.

manual gearshifts are like guitars.. easiest thing in the world to use BADLY!;)

My current vehicle (and my all time favourite so far) is a full size station wagon.. (A Holden Commodore if that means anything to anyone!!:D) It is an auto, and has a 3.8 litre V6. On the highway (and using the cruise control which many people diss too) the fuel consumption gets as good as 8.5L/100km...

That's over 32 miles to the (Imperial) gallon...

YMMV of course... (literally!!!)

My current vehicle (and my all time favourite so far) is a full size station wagon.. (A Holden Commodore if that means anything to anyone!!:D) It is an auto, and has a 3.8 litre V6. On the highway (and using the cruise control which many people diss too) the fuel consumption gets as good as 8.5L/100km...

That's over 32 miles to the (Imperial) gallon...

YMMV of course... (literally!!!)

You simply cannot beat GM's 3800 V6 engine. ^ My 3.8L Buick has near 300,000km, and it's never needed anything other than oil/fluid changes!:)

Never seen one - given the relatively small number of people who drive stick, they'd likely be an inventory nightmare, and I bet a lot of rentals would be for people who want to learn to drive stick, so the maintenance bills would be astronomical (a clutch a month sort of thing).


Huh?? ...? Renting a car for learning how to drive stick???, dont you learn that at driving school?

In Europe (atleast Scandinavia) you wont find automatic cars at Hertz at all.
Automatic cars is very rare around here.

Huh?? ...? Renting a car for learning how to drive stick???, dont you learn that at driving school?

In Europe (atleast Scandinavia) you wont find automatic cars at Hertz at all.
Automatic cars is very rare around here.

Welcome to Flyer Talk.

1. You violated Terms of Service by activating an old thread, and

2. You're wrong - many automatic trans. vehicles are found in dedicated reservation classes at major Hertz locations worldwide (maybe not targeted to shifting-challenged Americans, but certainly appreciated by them).

Check out the hyperlinks to vehicle details in the vehicle guide by nation.

https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/byr/index.jsp?targetPage=vehicleGuideHomeView.jsp

Welcome to Flyer Talk.

1. You violated Terms of Service by activating an old thread, and

2. You're wrong - many automatic trans. vehicles are found in dedicated reservation classes at major Hertz locations worldwide (maybe not targeted to shifting-challenged Americans, but certainly appreciated by them).

Check out the hyperlinks to vehicle details in the vehicle guide by nation.

https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/byr/index.jsp?targetPage=vehicleGuideHomeView.jsp

I checked your link.. I can only find 1 car with automatic in Norway :s

Sticks have sadly gone the way of the dodo in this country. As someone who still gets underage fees when he has to rent, many people seem greatly suprised by the fact that I can drive standard, and most are disbelieving.

I have two members in my family who own sports cars (a Covert, and sportish Hyundia Tiberon FX), both with autos. They *really* don't know the joys of driving.

My current vehicle is an automatic by virtue that the people who helped pay for it wouldn't pay for a standard believing me incapable of driving one.

You don't need to pay the underage fees with Hertz's Underage Coupon or Gold Family.

For the benefit of people from outside the US who may not be familiar with the general format of our driver education system, driving a manual transmission is not one of the core skill competencies. It is optional for those who want to learn.

But finding a company that has a stick to learn on is a challenge in itself.

I would love to teach my daughter how to drive a stick, but I'll be damned if I'm going to do it on my RS4!

Good to know that Enterprise might be an option...

This thread has a lot of BS in it...

1) Nowadays automatics rival the manuals for economy.
2) They do fail earlier than manuals, but for the first buyer, that's hardly a concern... Most new car buyers will likely not need a new transmission within the typical 5 years of ownership. Clutches, on the other hand... That varies.
3) In the US a normal (non-sports) car with a stick is considered a DETRIMENT when it comes time to sell it. Most dealers will knock off 1 to $2,000 on the trade in value because of that.

The new semi-automatics are downright amazing though. The performance of a stick, and the shifting done by a computer. Pure awesomeness!

HTSC

This thread has a lot of BS in it...

1) Nowadays automatics rival the manuals for economy.
2) They do fail earlier than manuals, but for the first buyer, that's hardly a concern... Most new car buyers will likely not need a new transmission within the typical 5 years of ownership. Clutches, on the other hand... That varies.
3) In the US a normal (non-sports) car with a stick is considered a DETRIMENT when it comes time to sell it. Most dealers will knock off 1 to $2,000 on the trade in value because of that.

The new semi-automatics are downright amazing though. The performance of a stick, and the shifting done by a computer. Pure awesomeness!

HTSC

Having a semi-automatic, I would trade it for a stick any day. Maybe I'm crazy, but I like having a clutch ...

As for 1, I've heard this before, but no one has been able to cite me a source, for it; if you can, I'd be glad to accept this point.

2. Agreed. Manuals generally need more work on the tranny.

3. In America, I also will concede this point. In countries where standards are standard, automatics are simply worth more due to their rarity.

3) In the US a normal (non-sports) car with a stick is considered a DETRIMENT when it comes time to sell it. Most dealers will knock off 1 to $2,000 on the trade in value because of that.

True, though manual transmission is probably cheaper in the first place. When I moved here last year, I really wanted the car we bought to have manual transmission, but it would have taken a couple of months to order so in true impatient American style ;) we bought one that was sitting in the showroom. Would have been US$1k cheaper to wait for the manual though.


The new semi-automatics are downright amazing though. The performance of a stick, and the shifting done by a computer. Pure awesomeness!

Personally I disagree with this. I have one of them and it's nowhere near the same.

As for 1, I've heard this before, but no one has been able to cite me a source, for it; if you can, I'd be glad to accept this point.

While I don't have any sources, my personal feeling is that regardless of whether you *could* get better mileage driving a standard, that in the US at least, the vast majority of people driving them don't know how to drive them in a way that would get better mileage. I'm guessing most probably get worse just because they don't know how to drive them.

While I don't have any sources, my personal feeling is that regardless of whether you *could* get better mileage driving a standard, that in the US at least, the vast majority of people driving them don't know how to drive them in a way that would get better mileage. I'm guessing most probably get worse just because they don't know how to drive them.

Agreed. Also nice to see someone else agree w.r.t. to semi-automatic != manual driving experience.

Will ask if the Hertz in HPN or MIA have any sticks while I'm there, maybe I'll get lucky ...

Sorry to be a bit off topic but i got a stick shift nissan sentra years ago at Hertz LAX, I only asked half jokingly as LA was the last place in the US I thought they would have a real gear box car - they had to blow the cobwebs off before I got it but it was great. Having been raised in the UK it was just what I wanted - when my friends come over from the UK to visit us they panic when they are given a automatic - most of them have never driven one before !. I've driven Porsche's, M3's and Audi S's with their twin clutches etc and to me a real clutch is still a peddle on the floor. My theory is that an automatic versus real gearbox is like comparing masturbation to sexual intercourse - with either transmission the destination is probably the same but with a manual box the journey can be much more fun - bottom line - there's a lot of w---ers in the USA.

3. In America, I also will concede this point. In countries where standards are standard, automatics are simply worth more due to their rarity.

Not really. In Europe, and Southern Europe in particular, no one wants automatic cars. One has to offer really cheap prices to get rid of these on the second hand market!

This is partly due to the extra maintenance costs, poor fuel economy (gas is twice more expensive than in the USA :() and also the fact that hardly anyone knows how to use an automatic. In France, automatic cars are also penalised by heavier taxes.

My previous company car was automatic (a rarity) and none of my colleagues could ever use it because of this. I was asked to choose an manual when it was replaced (and I hate it :mad:)

Fuel costs also explains why the large majority of European standard or full size cars (and virtually 100% of our 4x4 / SUVs) are Diesel.

I totally disagree with the idea that manual gears offer more driving pleasure.
You might as well tell me that you prefer manual windows, manual lock, or a car without power steering or air conditioning...

Not really. In Europe, and Southern Europe in particular, no one wants automatic cars. One has to offer really cheap prices to get rid of these on the second hand market!

This is partly due to the extra maintenance costs, poor fuel economy (gas is twice more expensive than in the USA :() and also the fact that hardly anyone knows how to use an automatic. In France, automatic cars are also penalised by heavier taxes.

My previous company car was automatic (a rarity) and none of my colleagues could ever use it because of this. I was asked to choose an manual when it was replaced (and I hate it :mad:)

Fuel costs also explains why the large majority of European standard or full size cars (and virtually 100% of our 4x4 / SUVs) are Diesel.

I totally disagree with the idea that manual gears offer more driving pleasure.
You might as well tell me that you prefer manual windows, manual lock, or a car without power steering or air conditioning...

To equate other convenience devices (why not parking sensors too?) with an automatic transmission misses the point entirely. Some automatics have better fuel economy than manuals, but that still misses the point. Manual transmissions are FUN. Many Europeans and even the odd American actually like to drive, and for them (us) an automatic is a curse. In 25 years of having a house in France I have never met anybody who could not drive an automatic, but I've met many who did not care to, including me. These days, however, if one rents a premium car in Europe it is nearly always an automatic. That is sad, but true. Even Ferrari and Porsche have 'manumatics' than far outsell true manuals these days and Smart has 'manumatic' as the only choice.

I have not had a manual from Hertz in the US for years, although I always ask when I am at a counter. They just laugh, or say "what?"

What I can't figure out is how they find people to valet park these days when so few can drive manuals. Or even the guys working in a repair shop could be suspect, though I suppose people interested in working on cars might be more likely to know how to drive a stick.

While yes the fuel economy difference has been largely erased, one reason to still choose a stick is that with a smaller engined car, the stick will accelerate a heckuva lot better.

Any cost savings at the beginning from not buying the auto will remain at the end in the form of lower resale value for the stick (in the US).

As far as maintenance, though, there shouldn't be a huge difference in a 5-year ownership. The longer you keep the car, the more the auto would probably cost, until you reached the point with the manual where the clutch needs to be replaced. For me, that was past 10 years and 160k miles before I needed a clutch. ^

But I'm probably not buying a stick next time. My left foot is tired. :D

Years ago (20+) I remember a rental in Florida where my mother booked an economy car, and they called for an "economy manual" which I assume meant a stick. Apparently there weren't too many cars left; we got a Mustang GT. I was old enough to drive but did not get to drive it more than around the block.

That's the only rental reference to a stick shift I can remember.

Funny that you mention that. I drive a 6 speed stick. Pulled into a home where a memorial service was taking place. Asked the valet if they could drive a stick. Affirmative answer, so I handed him my keys. Went inside the house, and 15 minutes later they came in looking for me. The valet drove the car quite a ways, but when he went to park, couldn't get it in reverse. Completely blocking the road for the entire time. I had to go bail him out-and I parked right in front of the driveway on my way back...


What I can't figure out is how they find people to valet park these days when so few can drive manuals. ......:D

Gotta be honest, put me in the category of those that just don't get the fun of driving a manual. I can do it, but fun is generally not the word I'd use to describe it. And if I'm sitting in a traffic jam somewhere, fun is really far down on the list of words I'd be using, most of which I shouldn't use here :).

I've spent more money over the years maintaining a manual than I have an automatic (shift cables and a clutch primarily if I remember properly, it's been a few years). But these days a lot of the vehicles I'm in the market for it's not even an option.

I can drive a manual if I needed, although it's been long enough that I suspect it'd probably scare the owner for the first little bit until I got the hang of it again. The downside is I got stuck helping a friend move because the moving van the place rented her was a manual, and I was the only one she knew that knew how to drive one :). (And FWIW, fun is definitely not the word I'd use to describe that driving experience either :) ).

I've known exactly 2 people that I figured actually drove a manual properly enough to possibly really experience the gas savings. (And I freely admit, I'm not one of those 2.) One of those people was originally from Portugal, so that's probably where she got it from.

Agreed, a stick is not fun to drive in a traffic jam. But on the open road, on hills, etc. there is a certain pleasure to a smooth shifting, short throw manual transmission.


. . . And if I'm sitting in a traffic jam somewhere, fun is really far down on the list of words I'd be using, most of which I shouldn't use here :).

You may find driving a manual is fun if you only do it occasionally, but having to drive one everyday is just not fun at all!

You may find driving a manual is fun if you only do it occasionally, but having to drive one everyday is just not fun at all!

There are those who may well be masochists. I even prefer a manual when I am stuck in interminable traffic jams. Driving a six speed manual 911 in Los Angeles traffic is still nicer for me than any automatic. It's certainly not rational, with that I must agree.

It's when I'm stuck in some stop and go traffic that I really curse having the stick shift, but otherwise I enjoy it as well. In the car with a decent shift mechanism (I have an Acura Integra from 10 years ago, Honda transmissions are generally well-regarded for their shift action, and after 10 years, plus another 4 on an older Integra that was similar, the operation is rather instinctive) it is fun to use, except when you have to clutch to start and stop over and over. In a moving van or other truck, or even any other car with a clunky shifter or heavy clutch, not as much fun, certainly. ;)

The hardest thing to give up in a similar sized car if I get an auto would be the initial acceleration. When I pull away after a traffic light stop, for example, people probably think I'm mashing down on the gas. In fact, I'm giving it probably just as moderate a touch as they are, but the direct connection of the manual gears vs their slushbox means I take right off whereas their cars have a big hesitation at the same moderate throttle.

The hardest thing to give up in a similar sized car if I get an auto would be the initial acceleration. When I pull away after a traffic light stop, for example, people probably think I'm mashing down on the gas. In fact, I'm giving it probably just as moderate a touch as they are, but the direct connection of the manual gears vs their slushbox means I take right off whereas their cars have a big hesitation at the same moderate throttle.

That's interesting, because generally the way I notice the people around me driving a stick is when you have to brake to avoid running into them when the shift from first to second :). But then, I don't buy cars with undersized engines for the size of the car.

"But then, I don't buy cars with undersized engines for the size of the car.But then, I don't buy cars with undersized engines for the size of the car."

That's making one large assumption. I know more people driving sticks w/ performance engines than those trying to save gas or buy an less expensive car.

That's interesting, because generally the way I notice the people around me driving a stick is when you have to brake to avoid running into them when the shift from first to second :). But then, I don't buy cars with undersized engines for the size of the car.

A lot of people never learn to be that good with the stick from what I can see. I can shift smoother and faster than most automatics, but a good many people can't because they either don't care to get it that coordinated or haven't done it long enough (or long enough recently, in the case sometimes of people going back to sticks after years of autos). Having to brake in the scenario you describe has nothing to do with a stick or even the size of the engine. It has everything to do with the driver.

Engine being undersized is a subjective measure anyway. It can't be undersized without setting a performance level, and agreement on what should be adequate would be impossible.

For the benefit of people from outside the US who may not be familiar with the general format of our driver education system, driving a manual transmission is not one of the core skill competencies. It is optional for those who want to learn.

To elaborate, each state sets their own requirements, but none that I have seen require demonstrating any real competency to get a license. Florida is an example of the worst.
1) Driver's Ed is no longer taught at most high schools.
2) No formal training is required.
3) A few people pay for formal training, but most "learn" from relatives or friends who could stand some training themselves.
4) Pass a written test containing 20 questions and a sign test with 20 signs, each with a score of 75% or better. Example questions here (http://www.dmv.org/drivers-license-practice-test.php).
5) Pass a vision test.
6) Pass a driving test, usually on a closed course with no other vehicles and a max speed of around 20mph.