Renting a car this weekend

[jlee]

I'm looking at the 'intermediate' class (Avis) now - should come out to about $233 for 8 days with a Pontiac G6 or similar (July 5 - 13 in Phoenix).

I can save ~$10 and go with a compact (Chevrolet Cobalt or similar), or save $22.50 and go with a subcompact (Aveo or similar). I am not interested in an Aveo. I've never driven a Cobalt, nor have I driven a G6...it's going to be just me, so room isn't a huge issue. I will be doing a lot of driving, so I do want a fairly comfortable car.

An extra $22.50 will get me a standard or full size (Fusion / Impala), but I don't really want to spend that much...so I'm torn between the compact and intermediate.

Opinions? Also, any idea what "equivalent" car they'd have in those sizes? I'll probably call later & make a reservation..but it wouldn't be a proper AT post if I didn't ask here.

 

[iamwiz82]

You did look for coupons, right?

Personally, I use Priceline for rental cars, it hasn't done me wrong yet.

 

[Zenmervolt]

"Equivalent" differs by company. For example, Hertz believes that the EPA compact Toyota Corolla is "equivalent" to the EPA midsize Mazda 6. You'll need to phone Avis directly to find out which cars they consider to be "equivalent".

I've driven a Cobalt and was not impressed. The car was comfortable enough, but it felt ridiculously sluggish. I know that the test numbers are roughly on par with other cars in its class, but the way the power was delivered just made the car feel slow to me. The Civics I've driven, though not really any faster on paper, have been much more engaging to drive.

In general, I've found that it's best to stick with at least a V6 rental if possible because I'm used to more power from my own cars and the lower power of the I4 cars can be annoying.

ZV

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
"Equivalent" differs by company. For example, Hertz believes that the EPA compact Toyota Corolla is "equivalent" to the EPA midsize Mazda 6. You'll need to phone Avis directly to find out which cars they consider to be "equivalent".

I've driven a Cobalt and was not impressed. The car was comfortable enough, but it felt ridiculously sluggish. I know that the test numbers are roughly on par with other cars in its class, but the way the power was delivered just made the car feel slow to me. The Civics I've driven, though not really any faster on paper, have been much more engaging to drive.

In general, I've found that it's best to stick with at least a V6 rental if possible because I'm used to more power from my own cars and the lower power of the I4 cars can be annoying.

ZV

I will try to get a V6 then - I'd love to get a sports car, but even an inexpensive one (Solstice/etc) is wayyy out of my price range. I had a Saturn Aura (premium package, paddle shifters, leather, etc) earlier this year, but I got a hookup with a friend of my dad's..I doubt I'll want to spend that much w/o a connection..

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
You did look for coupons, right?

Personally, I use Priceline for rental cars, it hasn't done me wrong yet.

That's with BJ's corporate code and $25 coupon, yep. Cheaper than what I've found on Priceline.

 

[StageLeft]

$233 and you're torn for $20 or so over a G6 vs aveo?

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
$233 and you're torn for $20 or so over a G6 vs aveo?

I am not interested in an Aveo.
compact (Chevrolet Cobalt or similar)
intermediate (Pontiac G6 or similar)
so I'm torn between the compact and intermediate.

 

[Andrew1990]

A cobalt is the first car I drove in Drivers ed. I personally liked the way it handled and felt although I have only drove vans and trucks besides that car.

 

[caspur]

If I recall Avis now has the 2010 Camaro SS with the 6.2 V8, which is impressive because they don't have the normal "rental" V6 versions. I'd try and stick with the German sedans in the midsize range, VW Jetta/Passats, etc. The turbo 4s are fairly powerful. Avis also has the Pontiac G8 GTs which are full sizes, should be about 10 bucks more than the mid sizes. Another good full size to try are the new Dodge Challengers (mostly base V6 models, though I have seen a few R/T hemis running around.) Depends on if your local Avis does their own purchasing.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: caspur
If I recall Avis now has the 2010 Camaro SS with the 6.2 V8 . . .

The Camaro is renting for $150-$200 per day, and that's before the ridiculous government fees and taxes.

In the past few months, here are what Avis gave me for "Intermediate" size:
Chevy Impala - nice.
Chevy HHR - horrid interior
Chevy Malibu - nice. Love the ambient lighting inside.
Chrysler Town & Country - I liked.
Dodge Caravan - Decent
Ford Fusion - Very nice. Leather interior was great.
Jeep Liberty - awful interior, and I hurt my fingers on the badly-designed exterior door handle
Mitsubishi Galant - Piece of junk
Nissan Versa - surprisingly decent, better than the crappy Corolla
Subaru Forester (twice) - Utilitarian, weird handling
Subaru Impreza - I had fun with this one.
and of course, the G6.

 

[imported_hopeless]

I've never tried Avis, but I've rented from Budget a few times over the years simply because they've always been the cheepest when I needed a car.

The last couple of times I rented from them I went with the Intermediate class (G6 or similar).
Around the end of Aug 08 I got a week for about $160. I got a Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 which was a pretty nice car.
After that I did a weekend rental and got a G6. My wife drove it and I didn't really spend any time in it, but she did say that she liked the Hyundai a lot more.

 

[EvilYoda]

If you have a Costco card, I strongly suggest going through Costco Travel - I rented a compact for $10/day this past weekend and ended up with a mid-size. (Alamo)

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'd get the G6. If you're going to be doing a lot of driving get something larger and more comfortable. I'm kind of Partial to Ford vehicles for rentals and usually opt for something like a Taurus or an Escape. A Mustang would be fun though.

 

[DVad3r]

If I was in the USA and I was renting a car it would be a Corvette. L2 rent peon!

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'd get the G6. If you're going to be doing a lot of driving get something larger and more comfortable. I'm kind of Partial to Ford vehicles for rentals and usually opt for something like a Taurus or an Escape. A Mustang would be fun though.

I will be driving quite a bit..I'll give them a call and see what exactly they have.

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
If you have a Costco card, I strongly suggest going through Costco Travel - I rented a compact for $10/day this past weekend and ended up with a mid-size. (Alamo)

No Costcos up here..just BJ's & Sam's Club.

 

[BUTCH1]

The G6 should be fine, do not get the Aveo, I know it's a small car but the week I spent with one was not fun. No power, handled like crap, noisy, ect..

 

[lsd]

Where are you renting?
When I rent in a popular tourist area I always reserve the cheapest car. When I arrive they are always out of the subcompacts and they upgrade me to a compact or intermediate for free. One time I was upgraded to a durango for free

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: lsd
Where are you renting?
When I rent in a popular tourist area I always reserve the cheapest car. When I arrive they are always out of the subcompacts and they upgrade me to a compact or intermediate for free. One time I was upgraded to a durango for free

Avis - I called and the lady set me up with a full size at a pretty good price.