Hertz - Crossfires galore at IAH

Was returning at IAH the other day and without exagerrating can honestly say that Hertz had about 200+ brand new Crossfires lined up (I counted at least 6 rows, each with more than 25 cars) barcoded, plated and ready to be put in the fleet there. I guess they are not selling well, but would sure make a nice upgrade from pretty much anything I can think of.

They were very poor selling cars and I guess they just dumped them into rental car fleets for a great price. Really ugly interior from the last gen MB SLK. Very narrow hatch opening, so difficult to fit your luggage.

I've gotten them two out of the last three weeks I've rented at DFW, on midsize (C) reservations. Ironically enough, the convertibles still command a premium, and at LAX especially they ask for exorbitant upgrade fees. Maybe the Texas-only locations got a really good deal on the coupes? :D

I like them a lot -- not exactly the sharpest dynamics among its competitors (such as the 350Z), but overall a nice drive and I would greatly prefer getting these from now on instead of the usual F/sedan or Q/small SUV PC upgrade you get on a C booking. The cargo hold is indeed a bit oddly shaped, but fits my 26" suitcase and laptop bag with no problems once I shoehorn it in. Taller drivers may find the driving position uncomfortable, as the seat/steering adjustments are somewhat limited. Same goes for trying to get in/out of the vehicle. Interior does seem to have a few cheaper-grade materials than the SLK, and as with most Mercedes controls, ergonomics are somewhat unconventional, but they get the job done.

Taller drivers may find the driving position uncomfortable, as the seat/steering adjustments are somewhat limited. Same goes for trying to get in/out of the vehicle.


How tall is taller? I have one of these as a rental next week at LAX and at 6'3" I might need to change my plans.:confused:

You will be unconfortable in it if you're 6'3" :(

Some more Crossfire triva... I read that sales were so slow that they only imported a few 2006 roadsters into the US and Mexico. They are still showing 2005 models on their website. At one point, they tried to clear some out by listing them on Overstock.com

I foolishly upgraded to one at ISP just to try it out...I was going to write a ride report but the Crossfire can be summed up as "Sucks".

If you're 6'3" I urge you to change your rental....I am 6'2" and here's a small list of things that will annoy you:

1. Low roofline, I think that car was designed for people under 5'. If you're the first car at a stop light, you'll have to lean forward and tilt your head just to see the traffic light. (You could just wait until people behind you start honking...)

2. The seats don't go very far back and the back can't be adjusted past a certain point because the rear hatch wall is in the way.

3. Getting in and out is a hassle.

And as others have mentioned...No trunk space and the hatch is narrow. The only way I would get into one is if someone paid me....And even then, it would have to be a sizable amount.

On the positive side...The car accelerates and handles considerably well.