Do you have a favorite car, least favorite car
Dec 18, 2017, 5:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: The LandMass
Programs: Delta - GM, Hilton - Diamond, National - EE
Posts: 65
Do you have a favorite car, least favorite car
Do any of ya'll have a favorite "go-to" car that you kind of look for at the Executive Aisle?
For me it's the Nissan Maxima. Just really like the way the drive, very comfortable ergonomics for me, great technology.
My least favorite is the Buick Lacrosse.
For me it's the Nissan Maxima. Just really like the way the drive, very comfortable ergonomics for me, great technology.
My least favorite is the Buick Lacrosse.
Dec 18, 2017, 5:16 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
Basically if it meets these criteria:
1) Not the usual suspects (Altima, Impala, etc.)
2) Something I've not driven before
3) Standout feature/perk (whether its large cargo/people room, 4WD, luxury brand, hybrid/electric, convertible, etc.)
For example I'm in a 2018 Toyota Prius...never been a Prius fan but it was the only notable car on the lot for that day so I said why not.
I've yet to score a Maxima, but that's on my list of cars to drive!
1) Not the usual suspects (Altima, Impala, etc.)
2) Something I've not driven before
3) Standout feature/perk (whether its large cargo/people room, 4WD, luxury brand, hybrid/electric, convertible, etc.)
For example I'm in a 2018 Toyota Prius...never been a Prius fan but it was the only notable car on the lot for that day so I said why not.
I've yet to score a Maxima, but that's on my list of cars to drive!
Dec 18, 2017, 8:05 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,710
I'm the same as ginmqi. That being said, I've had a Maxima for my past two rentals (including one in progress). It's nothing special (sorry, SouthernBanker) but is better than the run-of-the-mill "usual suspects".
Dec 18, 2017, 11:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: National Exec, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 599
Same here — as long as it’s something I haven’t driven before, and it meets my needs from a practical standpoint, I’m willing to try it.
Looking back at 2017, I was able to drive something different across all of my National and Enterprise rentals and not one of them was an Altima or Impala!
My favorite rental this year: this is going to sound surprising, but it actually was a 2018 Kia Soul. "Favorite" may be the wrong word -- maybe "surprised" or "impressed" would be better. It was fun to drive, carried 4 adults and shopping bags on the Vegas freeways and side streets without breaking a sweat, and had a nice infotainment screen with Apple Car Play support and a backup camera. Not bad for a lowly SCAR.
Keep in mind, I also had a couple of BMWs (a 5-series and X5), an Infiniti Q70, and an Audi Q3 this year too. I was surprised that the BMWs lacked basic
features such as a back up camera. The Q70 has a gauge cluster and infotainment screen from the late 2000s. The Q3 was actually pretty good.
For my worst rental this year...actually, I don't have one. I'd rent all of them again, if it came to that. Fortunately, both ICARs that I drove from Enterprise were upper-trim models: a Corolla SE (with Toyota Safety Sense and great looking 17" wheels) and a Sentra SR (LED headlights, nice wheels).
Looking back at 2017, I was able to drive something different across all of my National and Enterprise rentals and not one of them was an Altima or Impala!
My favorite rental this year: this is going to sound surprising, but it actually was a 2018 Kia Soul. "Favorite" may be the wrong word -- maybe "surprised" or "impressed" would be better. It was fun to drive, carried 4 adults and shopping bags on the Vegas freeways and side streets without breaking a sweat, and had a nice infotainment screen with Apple Car Play support and a backup camera. Not bad for a lowly SCAR.
Keep in mind, I also had a couple of BMWs (a 5-series and X5), an Infiniti Q70, and an Audi Q3 this year too. I was surprised that the BMWs lacked basic
features such as a back up camera. The Q70 has a gauge cluster and infotainment screen from the late 2000s. The Q3 was actually pretty good.
For my worst rental this year...actually, I don't have one. I'd rent all of them again, if it came to that. Fortunately, both ICARs that I drove from Enterprise were upper-trim models: a Corolla SE (with Toyota Safety Sense and great looking 17" wheels) and a Sentra SR (LED headlights, nice wheels).
Last edited by qs933; Dec 19, 2017 at 12:33 am
Dec 19, 2017, 1:56 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
Good to know. Challengers are already heavy to begin with and the base model V6 is not very impressive...added the lower level trim and not much options and the poor visiblity...looks like I know what car to avoid even though I haven't driven this car yet. I'll probably only take one if it has the Hemi.
Dec 19, 2017, 4:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SFO/DTW
Programs: DL PM 0.5MM, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold, Avis PC, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,988
My picks tend to depend on my need. If its just 2 people or less riding with me, I am okay with grabbing a performance car / 2-door. I'd say my favorite would be the Camero SS - quick, powerful, nimble. I've driving the Mustang, Challenger, Miata, Q60, but find the Camero SS to be my favorite.
If I need a long distance cruiser, I tend to go for a Maxima or 300C - these cars specifically as they come with more technology features. However, if there is a Infiniti or BMW on the aisle, I will also grab those as they are not the usual suspects.
I seem to end up in the Grand Cherokee Limited a lot - another one of my favorite SUVs.
I think my worst rental this year was an Impala that did not have a backup camera. That or a Caravan.
If I need a long distance cruiser, I tend to go for a Maxima or 300C - these cars specifically as they come with more technology features. However, if there is a Infiniti or BMW on the aisle, I will also grab those as they are not the usual suspects.
I seem to end up in the Grand Cherokee Limited a lot - another one of my favorite SUVs.
I think my worst rental this year was an Impala that did not have a backup camera. That or a Caravan.
Dec 19, 2017, 8:42 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Gulf Coast
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond; National Car Rental Executive Elite
Posts: 2,318
Most of my rentals are 500-1000 mileage over 3-4 days so I prefer vehicles that comfortably eat up highway miles and have the technology to help me make the most of my windshield time. Below are my most memorable rentals this year.
Most Favorite:
Ford Flex... perennially underrated. Vast cargo room and interior volume. Great driving characteristics. Fuel mileage of a semi truck.
Buick Lacrosse... supremely comfortable and quiet. CarPlay integration is seamless.
Fors Fusion Hybrid: surprisingly comfortable and well featured for a mid-market sedan. Averaged almost 40MPG over a 1,000 Mile trip.
Nissan Maxima... I am/was not a fan of Nissans across the board. Hiwever, I landed a highly optioned Maxima and thoroughly enjoyed it over a long trip. The infotainment system is outdated, but CarPlay integration was useful.
Least Favorite:
Chrysler 300C... best infotainment system available doesn’t make up for seats that are as flat as a board with slightly less cushioning. Fuel efficiency leaves a lot to be desired.
Nissan Rogue... Laughable features and drive quality. Seats were from a mid-90’s Honda.
BMW 430Ci... Drove like a dream, but wildly impractical. With the top down, the trunk will not accept anything larger than a briefcase. Infuriating electronics... after turning the car off, if the doors are locked, you have to pull the door handle twice to open the door. Couldn’t maintain a Bluetooth connection.
Cadillac XTS... Cue is still laughably difficult to use. Car drove like a dream, otherwise. Many, many better ways to spend $50k on a car.
Most Favorite:
Ford Flex... perennially underrated. Vast cargo room and interior volume. Great driving characteristics. Fuel mileage of a semi truck.
Buick Lacrosse... supremely comfortable and quiet. CarPlay integration is seamless.
Fors Fusion Hybrid: surprisingly comfortable and well featured for a mid-market sedan. Averaged almost 40MPG over a 1,000 Mile trip.
Nissan Maxima... I am/was not a fan of Nissans across the board. Hiwever, I landed a highly optioned Maxima and thoroughly enjoyed it over a long trip. The infotainment system is outdated, but CarPlay integration was useful.
Least Favorite:
Chrysler 300C... best infotainment system available doesn’t make up for seats that are as flat as a board with slightly less cushioning. Fuel efficiency leaves a lot to be desired.
Nissan Rogue... Laughable features and drive quality. Seats were from a mid-90’s Honda.
BMW 430Ci... Drove like a dream, but wildly impractical. With the top down, the trunk will not accept anything larger than a briefcase. Infuriating electronics... after turning the car off, if the doors are locked, you have to pull the door handle twice to open the door. Couldn’t maintain a Bluetooth connection.
Cadillac XTS... Cue is still laughably difficult to use. Car drove like a dream, otherwise. Many, many better ways to spend $50k on a car.
Dec 19, 2017, 11:40 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,334
Something different.....lol.....Favourites: We always have a lot of gear...as we travel for sport. The soccer Mum type vans have impressed the hell out of me...mainly because (until very recently) the better types were simply not available here...so they came as a surprise.... decent engines...under floor storage, captains chairs in back.... powered side doors/tailgate .......No need to play tetris to get get the bags in....
Least favourite: Do they still rent those god-awful PT cruisers?
Least favourite: Do they still rent those god-awful PT cruisers?
Dec 20, 2017, 1:04 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 113
Good to know. Challengers are already heavy to begin with and the base model V6 is not very impressive...added the lower level trim and not much options and the poor visiblity...looks like I know what car to avoid even though I haven't driven this car yet. I'll probably only take one if it has the Hemi.
My favourite rental was a Corvette from Hertz back in 2011. I got a great deal on it but only had it for a week. Second favourite was a Brand new Ram 2500 (30 miles on the clock) I rented for the day from Enterprise in Hoboken to drive up to Orange County Choppers. It was way too big for what needed but I enjoyed the experience.
I would like to drive a new Camero or the 2018 Mustang if I am in the USA next year.
Dec 20, 2017, 1:29 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,696
My favorite rental this year: this is going to sound surprising, but it actually was a 2018 Kia Soul. "Favorite" may be the wrong word -- maybe "surprised" or "impressed" would be better. It was fun to drive, carried 4 adults and shopping bags on the Vegas freeways and side streets without breaking a sweat, and had a nice infotainment screen with Apple Car Play support and a backup camera. Not bad for a lowly SCAR.
The Q70 has a gauge cluster and infotainment screen from the late 2000s. The Q3 was actually pretty good.
The Q70 has a gauge cluster and infotainment screen from the late 2000s. The Q3 was actually pretty good.
I rented a Infiniti QX60 and I agree that the base infotainment is bizarre, straight out of 2005. It's also strange that the QX60 is a midsize SUV, the QX70 is a small SUV, and the QX80 is a land yacht SUV. And the names are dumb too. They just released the face-lifted '18 QX80 and it's slightly less ugly.
The old Impala still haunts Hertz and Avis/Budget lots...
Dec 20, 2017, 9:03 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 760
This year I got to try some luxury cars for the first time. I really enjoyed the Infinitis that I rented, especially the Q70.
My least favorite cars are those with digital fuel gauge. They always seem to drop below F even if I refuel just before getting to the airport.
My least favorite cars are those with digital fuel gauge. They always seem to drop below F even if I refuel just before getting to the airport.
Dec 20, 2017, 11:12 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,696
ditto on the Flex...great car. Combines the benefits of a sedan and an SUV and feels like a limo inside. Unfortunately there are rumors that Ford will discontinue it in the next couple years.
