re: Imperial or metric on the dashboard?

- thought 'Imperial' was measured by furlongs.

If you're that concerned, better print out copies of each -- or pick up a real map beforehand from AAA or a decent bookstore.
Once you're in the car, leave the mi/km selector alone -- you'll likely find it's already set correctly, from the LAST renter.

Finally, worry less about the pickup arrangements, and *more* about the kamakazi drivers you'll find on the roads -- NYC hacks have nothing on those whackjobs