Roadtrip in Texas
Jun 20, 2017, 2:05 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 6
Roadtrip in Texas
My family and I are going to be going to Dallas in about a month to visit my Uncle who works for one of the major airlines. We are going to be driving to Houston as well for two days and will be shopping, going to places such as the mall... We are also going to be going to Waco, Texas on the way back from Houston. Considering the fact that this is a lot of driving that will no doubt add a ton of miles to whatever car we get, we decided to rent a car instead of using my Uncle's Porsche, which uses gas like there is no tomorrow. We have already made the reservation, we decided on getting a full size (or what's considered a full size car).
We have rented a few times before, so we are not new at this but it has been awhile. One question I have is: would you recommend renting the Hyundai Sonata over the Kia Optima and why would you recommend one over the other? Second, what full size car is best in terms of the number of miles you can drive highway and city on a tank of gas. Third, which car is more reliable and less likely to break down? Fourth, we are going to be renting with Sixt (haven't rented with them before). Can anyone give us an idea on how reliable they are and if they maintain their cars well.
Last, I know most rental car places have an option for GPS and Sirius XM now. I would imagine the Navigation is built into the car now like it is in most new cars that you buy on the market today but would like to confirm that is the case.
I know that was a lot of questions but look forward to all of the answers and opinions everyone has.
We have rented a few times before, so we are not new at this but it has been awhile. One question I have is: would you recommend renting the Hyundai Sonata over the Kia Optima and why would you recommend one over the other? Second, what full size car is best in terms of the number of miles you can drive highway and city on a tank of gas. Third, which car is more reliable and less likely to break down? Fourth, we are going to be renting with Sixt (haven't rented with them before). Can anyone give us an idea on how reliable they are and if they maintain their cars well.
Last, I know most rental car places have an option for GPS and Sirius XM now. I would imagine the Navigation is built into the car now like it is in most new cars that you buy on the market today but would like to confirm that is the case.
I know that was a lot of questions but look forward to all of the answers and opinions everyone has.
Jun 22, 2017, 6:32 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,522
Well.... First of all, drivers in the USA and Texas in particular enjoy very low fuel prices - a gallon (3,8 liters) of regular gas is like $1.90 in Waco or Houston right now (that Porsche will want premium, which costs 2,30 per gallon)... And Dallas-Houston is not even 300 miles - I`d say you will be driving less than 1,000 miles on this trip. At the typical 18 mpg you can reasonably expect in a non-turbo Cayenne, you'd be looking at ~$130 in fuel cost all in all - for the Porsche. The same 1,000-mile trip in a FCAR rental which gets 33 mpg will cost you about $60 in fuel - not that much in savings at all, and definitely not enough to offset the cost of the rental.
I`d definitely not turn down driving around in a Porsche over fuel expense concerns in Texas of all places.
Hyundai and Kia are sister brands. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima share a platform and have identical engines. Differences in fuel economy are minor at most.
Same goes for whatever other models Sixt will have available in the FCAR aisle - Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, or the odd VW Passat/Honda Accord/Mazda6. Expect mileage to be in the low-to-mid 30s. The Malibu has a smallish fuel tank, so range will be 50 miles or so less than in one of the Koreans.
The cars you will see on the Sixt lot will be less than six months old, and reliability isn't an issue at all.
DFW has a consolidated rental-car facility. You can walk around the garage and check what's there before proceeding to the counter and telling the agent which one you want. Trim levels vary, and on some the siriusXM satellite radio works, on others it doesn't as the trial subscription has expired.
It also is not a problem to simply exchange it should you not be happy.
Don't expect navigation. You may get lucky and come upon a top-spec trim car that has built-in nav, but don't count on it. In this class, that's a rarity.
Instead of paying through your nose for Sixt's rental portable GPS units, bring your own or use your smartphone. The Hyundai Sonata is best for this, as the 2017 model comes standard with a large 7" screen infotainment system which includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto on all trims, even the lowest one.
I`d definitely not turn down driving around in a Porsche over fuel expense concerns in Texas of all places.
Hyundai and Kia are sister brands. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima share a platform and have identical engines. Differences in fuel economy are minor at most.
Same goes for whatever other models Sixt will have available in the FCAR aisle - Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, or the odd VW Passat/Honda Accord/Mazda6. Expect mileage to be in the low-to-mid 30s. The Malibu has a smallish fuel tank, so range will be 50 miles or so less than in one of the Koreans.
The cars you will see on the Sixt lot will be less than six months old, and reliability isn't an issue at all.
DFW has a consolidated rental-car facility. You can walk around the garage and check what's there before proceeding to the counter and telling the agent which one you want. Trim levels vary, and on some the siriusXM satellite radio works, on others it doesn't as the trial subscription has expired.
It also is not a problem to simply exchange it should you not be happy.
Don't expect navigation. You may get lucky and come upon a top-spec trim car that has built-in nav, but don't count on it. In this class, that's a rarity.
Instead of paying through your nose for Sixt's rental portable GPS units, bring your own or use your smartphone. The Hyundai Sonata is best for this, as the 2017 model comes standard with a large 7" screen infotainment system which includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto on all trims, even the lowest one.
Jun 22, 2017, 3:59 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 6
I just wanted to say thank you on the outset for your reply. You have been the most detailed and reasonable so far in your response to my questions and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you for the notification about low gas prices in Waco and Houston. I know gas prices are low because oil has been crashing in the stock market but I didn't know they were that low there. I understand what you are saying about the cost of gas for the Porsche vs the cost of renting and fueling up a rental car. I have heard that the Sonata can drive up to 666 miles highway, if true, that is a ton of miles!
The Porsche is nice though because it has cooled seats and that's really nice in the Summer.
I found out Sixt doesn't actually have an Optima, I was mixing them up apparently with Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. They do have a Sonata, Camry, and probably a Fusion. We are really hoping to get the Hyundai Sonata because we have a 2016 Toyota Camry and it doesn't do so well on long distance trips and it would be nice to drive a different car. I contacted them and they were able to make a note in the reservation that we want the Sonata and they said that would greatly increase the chances of being able to rent that car.
As to navigation, we just added that and they guaranteed us built in navigation. Does that mean we are likely going to have a higher trim like the sport or limited trims? We rented a Fusion a couple years ago and it had the option for navigation (it was brand new) but we didn't add it because we didn't need it on that car - it was the Titanium trim.
As to age of the car, that's good news meaning this car will either be a late 2016 model or somewhat new 2017 model. I didn't know though that you could walk around beforehand in the garage to see what car we would like to have and specific trim.
The Porsche is nice though because it has cooled seats and that's really nice in the Summer.
I found out Sixt doesn't actually have an Optima, I was mixing them up apparently with Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. They do have a Sonata, Camry, and probably a Fusion. We are really hoping to get the Hyundai Sonata because we have a 2016 Toyota Camry and it doesn't do so well on long distance trips and it would be nice to drive a different car. I contacted them and they were able to make a note in the reservation that we want the Sonata and they said that would greatly increase the chances of being able to rent that car.
As to navigation, we just added that and they guaranteed us built in navigation. Does that mean we are likely going to have a higher trim like the sport or limited trims? We rented a Fusion a couple years ago and it had the option for navigation (it was brand new) but we didn't add it because we didn't need it on that car - it was the Titanium trim.
As to age of the car, that's good news meaning this car will either be a late 2016 model or somewhat new 2017 model. I didn't know though that you could walk around beforehand in the garage to see what car we would like to have and specific trim.
Jun 23, 2017, 5:56 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,522
I call BS on the agent guaranteeing built-in navigation in a rental Sonata. The only model to get standard built-in nav is the range-topping Limited 2.0T, and even as an option it's only available on the top limited trim as part of an expensive package together with niceties such as ventilated seats. I don't usually rent from Sixt in the US, but I have yet to see a Sonata with factory nav on any rental lot. in comparison, Ford offers navigation as a standalone option across all models and engines on the Fusion.
Range is good, yes. Fuel capacity is 18,5 gallons, and with the 1,6T or the 2,4 highway mileage is around 35 mpg if you stay below 75 mph. Keep in mind that Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the nation though. Much of 45 has a posted limit of 75, and traffic flows at 80-85. At that speed, fuel economy will likely suffer a bit
.
The entrance to the garage is right past the counters. Get off the shuttle bus, go into the building towards the counters and just walk out as if you were picking up a car and have a look around.
If you want a specific car, it's also a good idea to call the station directly the day/the morning before scheduled pick-up and discuss what's available.
Range is good, yes. Fuel capacity is 18,5 gallons, and with the 1,6T or the 2,4 highway mileage is around 35 mpg if you stay below 75 mph. Keep in mind that Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the nation though. Much of 45 has a posted limit of 75, and traffic flows at 80-85. At that speed, fuel economy will likely suffer a bit
. The entrance to the garage is right past the counters. Get off the shuttle bus, go into the building towards the counters and just walk out as if you were picking up a car and have a look around.
If you want a specific car, it's also a good idea to call the station directly the day/the morning before scheduled pick-up and discuss what's available.
Jun 23, 2017, 8:33 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 6
They were able to guarantee us having the Navigation on the car because we selected specifically built in navigation when we changed the reservation so I guess that's how that would be guaranteed. When we rented a Fusion a few years ago, it had the option for navigation because it was a top of the line (and brand new) Titanium trim so I guess it's possible we could get the Limited 2.0T trim.
That's good to hear that the range is pretty good on the car. We are going to be driving around Dallas for a day and a half before we even go to Houston, probably to the Galleria mall and a couple other things. The trip to Houston is roughly 250 miles and it takes about 4 hours to get there, correct? Taking into account that the car gets pretty near 700 miles highway, we will probably have to fuel up at some time on the way back. I know there's a lot of nothing but road along the way but do you know if there are some gas stations along the route incase we need to make a stop?
I did notice that Texas has higher speed limits than where i'm from in Virginia so that's unfortunate in terms of range but you can't really go 15 miles below the speed limit just to save gas.
We will probably look at the cars then before we go to the counter to see what trims they have and we will definitely call up beforehand. If there's not a Sonata, I was looking at they said they sometimes have the Hyundai Genesis. I know it's a luxury car, it's comfortable, has a smooth drive, but do you have an opinion on the car and what is its fuel economy and range compared to the Sonata?
That's good to hear that the range is pretty good on the car. We are going to be driving around Dallas for a day and a half before we even go to Houston, probably to the Galleria mall and a couple other things. The trip to Houston is roughly 250 miles and it takes about 4 hours to get there, correct? Taking into account that the car gets pretty near 700 miles highway, we will probably have to fuel up at some time on the way back. I know there's a lot of nothing but road along the way but do you know if there are some gas stations along the route incase we need to make a stop?
I did notice that Texas has higher speed limits than where i'm from in Virginia so that's unfortunate in terms of range but you can't really go 15 miles below the speed limit just to save gas.
We will probably look at the cars then before we go to the counter to see what trims they have and we will definitely call up beforehand. If there's not a Sonata, I was looking at they said they sometimes have the Hyundai Genesis. I know it's a luxury car, it's comfortable, has a smooth drive, but do you have an opinion on the car and what is its fuel economy and range compared to the Sonata?
Jun 27, 2017, 8:12 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,522
use gasbuddy.com to check fuel prices along the route, and for when you return the car: the sole gas station leading up to Rental Car Drive at DFW airport exploits its location with grossly inflated prices that are about 50 cents/gallon higher than average in the area. Fill it up (and top off generously so the next renter still has a full tank, please!) before going back to the airport. Or check if it's worthwhile to prepay the first tank so you can return it empty.
They'll give you whatever is available. I really doubt that it'll be a loaded top-trim, top-engine Sonata, but, hey, rental companies sometimes have vehicles outside of the norm. I really love these 300hp Seat Leon Cupra compact hot wagons(!) with track-ready tire/suspension/brake option packages that Avis Germany recently acquired a bunch of and likes to throw at me. These very costly tires wear faster than ice cream melts in the sun, and seeing them on rentals is highly, highly unusual.
Upgrades: This largely depends on the agent you encounter and the day's inventory situation and is very unpredictable , especially since you aren't even participating in their frequent renter program or have any sort of status. Definitely ask the agent when you're picking up, also check online for offers when managing your reservation. There may be choices for a nominal fee.
Sixt has a number of smaller European cars in their premium classes (MB CLA/GLA, Volvo V/XC 60). If you get upgraded to one of these, fuel economy won't suffer much if at all. Getting upgraded in size/level of luxury (to something like a Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon) or double-upgraded (Genesis G80, Cadillac CTS) will come with a fuel economy penalty but that will only entail minor cost consequences at TX fuel prices. Expect fuel economy in the mid-twenties instead of low thirties, especially when the drivetrain has six cylinders. Same goes for if they offer you an SUV.
The Hyundai Genesis is no more but has been rebadged as Genesis G80 with the 2016 spin-off of the luxury division into its own Genesis brand. I really doubt Sixt will have any 2016 Hyundai Genesis models left now....
They'll give you whatever is available. I really doubt that it'll be a loaded top-trim, top-engine Sonata, but, hey, rental companies sometimes have vehicles outside of the norm. I really love these 300hp Seat Leon Cupra compact hot wagons(!) with track-ready tire/suspension/brake option packages that Avis Germany recently acquired a bunch of and likes to throw at me. These very costly tires wear faster than ice cream melts in the sun, and seeing them on rentals is highly, highly unusual.
Upgrades: This largely depends on the agent you encounter and the day's inventory situation and is very unpredictable , especially since you aren't even participating in their frequent renter program or have any sort of status. Definitely ask the agent when you're picking up, also check online for offers when managing your reservation. There may be choices for a nominal fee.
Sixt has a number of smaller European cars in their premium classes (MB CLA/GLA, Volvo V/XC 60). If you get upgraded to one of these, fuel economy won't suffer much if at all. Getting upgraded in size/level of luxury (to something like a Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon) or double-upgraded (Genesis G80, Cadillac CTS) will come with a fuel economy penalty but that will only entail minor cost consequences at TX fuel prices. Expect fuel economy in the mid-twenties instead of low thirties, especially when the drivetrain has six cylinders. Same goes for if they offer you an SUV.
The Hyundai Genesis is no more but has been rebadged as Genesis G80 with the 2016 spin-off of the luxury division into its own Genesis brand. I really doubt Sixt will have any 2016 Hyundai Genesis models left now....
Jun 27, 2017, 9:29 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 6
Thanks for the information. I am aware that the Genesis now has its own brand so I guess that's not an option. I will call up about the navigation though and see what trims they usually have for the Sonata. I can't think of any other questions right now but I will let you know if I have any other questions.
Side note though: we are going to be staying at the Hyatt by the Galleria mall in Houston, specifically in an Executive Suite. Here are a couple pics:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g56003-d8131713-i215042884-Hyatt_Regency_Houston_Galleria-Houston_Texas.html#215042884"><img alt="" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/d1/48/a3/standard-bathroom-with.jpg"/></a><br/>This photo of Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria is courtesy of TripAdvisor[/IMG]
Side note though: we are going to be staying at the Hyatt by the Galleria mall in Houston, specifically in an Executive Suite. Here are a couple pics:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g56003-d8131713-i215042884-Hyatt_Regency_Houston_Galleria-Houston_Texas.html#215042884"><img alt="" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/d1/48/a3/standard-bathroom-with.jpg"/></a><br/>This photo of Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria is courtesy of TripAdvisor[/IMG]
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Jul 4, 2017, 6:54 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 880
I call BS on the agent guaranteeing built-in navigation in a rental Sonata. The only model to get standard built-in nav is the range-topping Limited 2.0T, and even as an option it's only available on the top limited trim as part of an expensive package together with niceties such as ventilated seats. I don't usually rent from Sixt in the US, but I have yet to see a Sonata with factory nav on any rental lot. in comparison, Ford offers navigation as a standalone option across all models and engines on the Fusion.
Range is good, yes. Fuel capacity is 18,5 gallons, and with the 1,6T or the 2,4 highway mileage is around 35 mpg if you stay below 75 mph. Keep in mind that Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the nation though. Much of 45 has a posted limit of 75, and traffic flows at 80-85. At that speed, fuel economy will likely suffer a bit.
The entrance to the garage is right past the counters. Get off the shuttle bus, go into the building towards the counters and just walk out as if you were picking up a car and have a look around.
If you want a specific car, it's also a good idea to call the station directly the day/the morning before scheduled pick-up and discuss what's available.
Range is good, yes. Fuel capacity is 18,5 gallons, and with the 1,6T or the 2,4 highway mileage is around 35 mpg if you stay below 75 mph. Keep in mind that Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the nation though. Much of 45 has a posted limit of 75, and traffic flows at 80-85. At that speed, fuel economy will likely suffer a bit
.The entrance to the garage is right past the counters. Get off the shuttle bus, go into the building towards the counters and just walk out as if you were picking up a car and have a look around.
If you want a specific car, it's also a good idea to call the station directly the day/the morning before scheduled pick-up and discuss what's available.
The one time I rented with Sixt and from what I saw they do have higher trims and options. I saw the bmw 328i had a backup camera that they had and the CTS was a 3.6L V6 with the luxury premium trim. Never seen that at National which doesn't have that trim as far as I know
Jul 4, 2017, 9:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LAS - Las Vegas
Programs: Southwest
Posts: 131
My family and I are going to be going to Dallas in about a month to visit my Uncle who works for one of the major airlines. We are going to be driving to Houston as well for two days and will be shopping, going to places such as the mall... We are also going to be going to Waco, Texas on the way back from Houston. Considering the fact that this is a lot of driving that will no doubt add a ton of miles to whatever car we get, we decided to rent a car instead of using my Uncle's Porsche, which uses gas like there is no tomorrow. We have already made the reservation, we decided on getting a full size (or what's considered a full size car).
We have rented a few times before, so we are not new at this but it has been awhile. One question I have is: would you recommend renting the Hyundai Sonata over the Kia Optima and why would you recommend one over the other? Second, what full size car is best in terms of the number of miles you can drive highway and city on a tank of gas. Third, which car is more reliable and less likely to break down? Fourth, we are going to be renting with Sixt (haven't rented with them before). Can anyone give us an idea on how reliable they are and if they maintain their cars well.
Last, I know most rental car places have an option for GPS and Sirius XM now. I would imagine the Navigation is built into the car now like it is in most new cars that you buy on the market today but would like to confirm that is the case.
I know that was a lot of questions but look forward to all of the answers and opinions everyone has.
We have rented a few times before, so we are not new at this but it has been awhile. One question I have is: would you recommend renting the Hyundai Sonata over the Kia Optima and why would you recommend one over the other? Second, what full size car is best in terms of the number of miles you can drive highway and city on a tank of gas. Third, which car is more reliable and less likely to break down? Fourth, we are going to be renting with Sixt (haven't rented with them before). Can anyone give us an idea on how reliable they are and if they maintain their cars well.
Last, I know most rental car places have an option for GPS and Sirius XM now. I would imagine the Navigation is built into the car now like it is in most new cars that you buy on the market today but would like to confirm that is the case.
I know that was a lot of questions but look forward to all of the answers and opinions everyone has.