Rental Car Roulette: Bigly Edition

Kinja'd!!! by "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
Published 10/23/2017 at 19:28

Tags: Ford Expedition EL
STARS: 4


Kinja'd!!!

Reserved an “intermediate” from Avis. I guess since I had a Camaro last time thru ABQ that’s what they had for me. But when they saw three 6’2” dudes in my group they panicked and gave me the biggest thing they had: a Ford Expedition EL. It’s roughly the size of a city block yet the EcoBoost moves it disturbingly quick. I’ve got this beast through Friday AM, so expect to hear more.


Replies (15)

Kinja'd!!! "Kat Callahan" (kyosuke)
10/23/2017 at 19:44, STARS: 3

SUVs not mah thing, but <3 that Duke City. 87112 represent in the JPN.

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
10/23/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 0

We had one of those a few weeks ago. I liked it more than I thought I would, and yes that ecoboost is an amazing power plant.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/23/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 0

I’m gonna be here for 4 weeks potentilly over the next 6. Mostly working but might have a little free time - anything you recommend?

Kinja'd!!! "ranwhenparked" (ranwhenparked)
10/23/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 2

That’s good, because the rental car companies’ definition of an intermediate is usually something like a Spark or maybe a Sonic, if you’re lucky.

Kinja'd!!! "Kat Callahan" (kyosuke)
10/23/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1

Why, yes.

First off, find yourself a green chile cheeseburger, stat. Sparky’s in Hatch is the undisputed king, but if you can’t get that far out of Burque, then I suggest the Oak Tree Cafe: http://www.cafeoaktree.com/menu.html

Next, make sure to go check out the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. RAWR. Seriously, I go every time I visit the family. It’s never enough for me.  http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/

Stroll around (and eat heartily in) Old Town: http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/

Take at least some time to marvel at old Route 66 destinations, especially the old motels: https://www.pinterest.com/stevenartwatson/albuquerque-vintage-motor-courts/

And do visit the University of New Mexico. The entire university is done in Pueblo style. That’s dozens and dozens of buildings.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/23/2017 at 20:41, STARS: 1

Awesome thanks!

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/23/2017 at 20:45, STARS: 0

I don’t know for sure, but I honestly think it helps to be part of Avis Preferred or equivalent rewards program. Still, intermediate is the most random category there is.

Kinja'd!!! "TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
10/23/2017 at 20:50, STARS: 0

I had one for a rental a few months ago. It was hilarious to hear audible gasps from the back when I stomped the gas to get up to speed on the on-ramp.

Kinja'd!!! "ranwhenparked" (ranwhenparked)
10/23/2017 at 21:01, STARS: 3

Prior to about the 1980s or so, “intermediate” was the standard term for a midsize car, then sort of fell out of common use. So, it should be a “Chevrolet Malibu or Similar”, but Avis and other rental car companies always bump their cars down one class from their actual size, so the Malibu becomes a full-size and their intermediate is actually a “Chevrolet Cruze or Similar”.

Actual full-size cars, usually “Dodge Charger or Similar” are typically classed as “Premium”, which isn’t even a damn size, its a market positioning.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/23/2017 at 22:24, STARS: 1

I’ve already chirped the tires and oversteered it a bit coming out of a quick U-turn ahead of oncoming traffic. It wasn’t exactly graceful but it was impressive. My colleague in the back seat was laughing his ass off.

Kinja'd!!! "doodon2whls" (doodon2whls)
10/23/2017 at 22:39, STARS: 1

Just had an Expedition EL this past week from RDU... Fun truck and all too familiar as my daily is a 2016 F150 SC/LB... Plenty of space for me and two colleagues.

I have been a National Car Rental Emerald Club Member (Executive Level) for several years now and have driven all manner of fun/entertaining cars (Camaro SS, Challenger Shaker, Mustang Convertible, etc.) for the price of an intermediate rental. That is the gig right there... The hardest part of my trips are deciding on what car to choose from the aisle !

Kinja'd!!! "doodon2whls" (doodon2whls)
10/23/2017 at 22:52, STARS: 1

Uhhhhh....

http://www.nuclearmuseum.org/

If you get really bored:

http://www.kaufmanswest.com/

Surplus City !

Kinja'd!!! "ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/24/2017 at 12:20, STARS: 0

While you’re at it, drive up to crest and/or take the tram to the crest. If you really want to do the tram right, take it up before sunset to see the mountain on the way up and come back down after dark and take in the city lights.

Kinja'd!!! "Pistol Whipped Cream" (heynickhere)
10/24/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 0

Last time I was in ABQ I grabbed the non EL Version of this. I dig the Eco Boost.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/24/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 0

I drove the rental Camaro up (see http://oppositelock.kinja.com/2017-chevrolet-camaro-v6-the-oppositelock-rental-revi-1795467223 ) but not at night. Good idea.