Cars at CUN
May 1, 2012, 3:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
Cars at CUN
What can I expect for an intermediate automatic or manual at CUN? Since there is only counter service, is there any different treatment for Emerald Club members? Any general tips about renting a car in Mexico?
Thanks
Thanks
May 4, 2012, 10:58 am
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
Nobody here has ever rented a car in Mexico? hmmmm
It's the first time I'm gonna rent in a contry like this so I'm a bit nervous... Even a "relax it's gonna be ok" sort of a reply will be appreciated.
It's the first time I'm gonna rent in a contry like this so I'm a bit nervous... Even a "relax it's gonna be ok" sort of a reply will be appreciated.
May 4, 2012, 11:35 am
#3
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4,396
May 9, 2012, 10:51 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New York
Programs: SK EBD, AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 95
I rented at National at CUN about three years ago. It is small, don't remember any special treatment for Emerald. Car selection is of course entirely different than US locations but the process was quite painless. Speed bumps as mentioned earlier, good tip - other than I am sure it will be fine!
May 14, 2012, 12:38 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
1) Check with your credit card on insurance coverage. You may be completely covered in Mexico. If so, get them to provide you proof so you can turn down their overpriced (and in some cases unnecessary) insurance -- despite their scare tactics
2) Do a much more thorough walkaround of the car when you pick it up. Note small nicks and scratches. Take advantage of your digital camera to document condition.
3) Don't count on getting any upgrades
Roads in the Yucatan are in good condition -- the highway to Merida is in great shape (high tolls but worth it) and the highway south to Playa and Tulum is just like driving in the US other than the speedbumps. Have fun!
2) Do a much more thorough walkaround of the car when you pick it up. Note small nicks and scratches. Take advantage of your digital camera to document condition.
3) Don't count on getting any upgrades
Roads in the Yucatan are in good condition -- the highway to Merida is in great shape (high tolls but worth it) and the highway south to Playa and Tulum is just like driving in the US other than the speedbumps. Have fun!
May 14, 2012, 1:49 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
Thanks everybody. Where exactly are those speed bumps? On the highways or in the town roads? I'm planning to go to Tulum (where I will be staying) and from there to the ruins and maybe to another town or two. I really don't want to crush into speed bumps..
also are the cars there equipped with the typical safety and convinience features that american rental cars come with, or can I get a car without say, power steering or air bags? I have only driven late model american market cars (got my liscence only 4 years ago) so a little worried that I will have tough time adjusting.
also are the cars there equipped with the typical safety and convinience features that american rental cars come with, or can I get a car without say, power steering or air bags? I have only driven late model american market cars (got my liscence only 4 years ago) so a little worried that I will have tough time adjusting.
May 14, 2012, 4:57 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
In normal conditions one will not notice the presence or absence of an airbag... 
Mexican market vehicles can be equipped more economically (maybe smaller engines or cranked windows as an example) than typical U.S. market cars. Stay away from the cheapest rental classes.
Mexican speed bumps are huge. If you're inattentive and hit one at speed you may well break something. Don't be inattentive.
Mexican market vehicles can be equipped more economically (maybe smaller engines or cranked windows as an example) than typical U.S. market cars. Stay away from the cheapest rental classes.
Mexican speed bumps are huge. If you're inattentive and hit one at speed you may well break something. Don't be inattentive.
May 15, 2012, 3:02 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
also are the cars there equipped with the typical safety and convinience features that american rental cars come with, or can I get a car without say, power steering or air bags? I have only driven late model american market cars (got my liscence only 4 years ago) so a little worried that I will have tough time adjusting.
Tulum is great. I recommend driving South into the Biosphere to explore some of the deserted beaches. When visiting the ruins, go first thing in the morning to escape the crowds. Similarly, when you go to Coba, go early to avoid the crowds and heat.
May 16, 2012, 7:21 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
I reserved intermediate (it was very cheap, much more than for the next higher class). Is this too lowly of a car class? It will be only two people and I don't mind the equivalent of an american market base kia rio for this trip since we won't be spending much time in the car.
Jun 1, 2012, 11:58 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
I'm in Mexico now. Got upgraded to full size, Volkswagen jetta clasico (early 2000's jetta with a different design). Although considered full size it doesnt have basics such as automatic windows/mirrors, cruise control and center consule storage. It does have usb port and bluetooth though. Other cars I noticed are 2012 hyundai accent., 2012 passat and a few Volkswagen gol (not golf...) hatchbacks.
Thanks guys for the speed bump warnings, they are indeed common. Luckily they usually have signs for them.
Thanks guys for the speed bump warnings, they are indeed common. Luckily they usually have signs for them.
Apr 7, 2016, 3:44 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 385
This place is a dump. I just sent National a complaint.
I'm Executive Elite and they did not upgrade my mid-size car reservation, which was a Dodge Attitude (would clearly be a compact car in the US). The car was garbage (drifted, no digital console) and had no windshield wiper fluid in it. I had to go to a convenience store to buy some. I told them at the center and they said "they'd put a note on my account."
The center is also attached to a travel agency and you have a guy try to prey on you to sign up for stuff while you're waiting for your rental car to arrive. I have no patience for .... like that, especially when getting off a long flight.
Usually have great luck with National, but this was a joke.
I'm Executive Elite and they did not upgrade my mid-size car reservation, which was a Dodge Attitude (would clearly be a compact car in the US). The car was garbage (drifted, no digital console) and had no windshield wiper fluid in it. I had to go to a convenience store to buy some. I told them at the center and they said "they'd put a note on my account."
The center is also attached to a travel agency and you have a guy try to prey on you to sign up for stuff while you're waiting for your rental car to arrive. I have no patience for .... like that, especially when getting off a long flight.
Usually have great luck with National, but this was a joke.
May 11, 2016, 7:48 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Marriott Titanium, National EE
Posts: 538
NYCRachel, thanks for helpful feedback. I'll be renting soon from Cancun and will definitive go for a higher car class. Used to the PCAR and above as an EE too. I wonder, have you seen when you were there what they have in the fleet for Standard SUV? I've read an much older review that the Cancun location does not have Standard SUV and would upgrade to a Tahoe or similar but things may have changed.
May 11, 2016, 8:20 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 385
NYCRachel, thanks for helpful feedback. I'll be renting soon from Cancun and will definitive go for a higher car class. Used to the PCAR and above as an EE too. I wonder, have you seen when you were there what they have in the fleet for Standard SUV? I've read an much older review that the Cancun location does not have Standard SUV and would upgrade to a Tahoe or similar but things may have changed.