Originally Posted by
apl175
So I cheaped out, and rented a "Hyundai Accent or Equivalent" from LGA this morning.
Found a German-made Chrysler Crossfire in my spot instead, with bad wiper blades and mis-aimed headlights (of course I didn't realize this until I left the Hertz facility).
Interesting thing, is that it's a 2005 model, with a VIN code suggesting it was built in October of 2004....about 16k miles on the clock (and Hertz Sirius radio).
Somehow I don't know if I was given an upgrade, a downgrade, etc. (I've received 2007 Hyundai Accents here or maybe a Kio Rio in the past)
THe VIN number will not tell you when the car was built. The 10th digit will be the last number in the model year. Therefore a 7 means 2007. The first 3 deal with the manufacturer. The next 4 to 8. Tell engine, color, tranny, etc. Then the next 3 are checks, year, and build plants. Then the next are serial numbers for the car. Dont think you can tell from the VIN the month/year of build.
I also think the Crossfire is a special deal with Hertz. Sales went to crap and Chrysler must have given Hertz some $$$ to keep them beyond the time limit for the lease. Unless all Hertz cars are on a mileage lease.
Also that may have been a risk car that Chrysler would not take back and with the low miles Hertz keeps renting it.