Update on my LCAR rental: arrived a bit early (~30mins) and was informed I got a free upgrade to an XCAR, the hate-it-or-love-it XTS. Asked about alternatives (due to the negative experiences of others), was told all LCAR were away to the shop to be washed. If I wanted to wait 30 mins I could get one of those, asked what I might get, she said she really didn't have an idea what was out for a wash. So I said ok to the XTS. She sold me on a tank of gas, and roadside service (I know I know... But didn't properly inform myself about alternatives on tire/windshield/towing beforehand).

As we're being walked to the car we pass by some (I think) CTS'es, ask her if they are, she does this weird thing where she pretends she doesn't hear me, then after repeating the question goes on to tell me those are PCARs. At the time 24hrs of travel must have clouded my mind, because there's no logic in ATS being LCAR and CTS being PCAR. So, because no other XCARs were available I took the XTS.

In hindsight, I think the CTS being PCAR thing was a blatant lie. Shame I only really realised afterwards. Makes me wonder what else she lied about.

On the upside, the XTS has a lot of features and what better way to travel the USA than in an American luxury car. Though it does drive a bit lazily (and at 10600 miles is also no longer a new car) its slow transmission can at least be bypassed by putting it into manual.

A bit miffed about the lie, not sure whether to ask for a swap. Not that the XTS is not a nice car (IMHO, Euro cars I'm plenty used to, so don't appeal to me as much), I just have this feeling I could have had a nicer car.