"KurwaMac" (kurwamac)
05/01/2014 at 10:23 • Filed to: None
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"KurwaMac" (kurwamac)
05/01/2014 at 10:23 • Filed to: None | 0
| 11 |
Alright the big decision. Which vehicle to enjoy the roads of Europe in. I have decided that Hertz will be my best bet for renting from due to their larger selection. Here's what they have to offer that interest me. Let me know what your thoughts are.
1. Peugeot (Leaving this open as I do not know the brand so well but would love to try something not offered in the US) Including:
a. 208 Diesel
b. 308 cc
2. Audi A3 Convertible
3. Renault (open again for same reason) Including:
a. Captur
4. Opel Corsa
5. Volkwagen Golf Convertible
Now all of these are manual because I am a big fan and would love to experience it in the European way. There is more vehicles offered like a BMW 118d but unfortunately it is automatic. So what do you all think.
KirkyV
> KurwaMac
05/05/2014 at 00:20 |
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I'm a big fan of Peugeot - I drive one of their older models, and love it dearly - but from what I understand, the non-GTi 208s aren't particularly fun to drive... Though I'd still probably have one over anything else on your list. Honestly, I'd just get a Fiesta if I were you; they're widely agreed to be the most fun to drive of all the modern superminis.
Still, I understand why you might want something a bit more exotic, since they actually started selling the Fiesta in the States a few years ago. Any Citroens available? You'd probably like the DS3.
505Turbeaux
> KurwaMac
05/07/2014 at 10:25 |
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Ok, I will wear my car rental expert hat again (another OPPOnaut is in Italy currently with a Fiat 500 I helped him with).
You are never going to get the car you book, you book into a class unless you are going for high end or specialty rental. Don't even bank on getting a diesel vs gas. you can request a specific car, but only when you get into luxury are they going to look twice at it. The only thing you are guaranteed is a manual transmission, or an automatic in the lower levels
There hasn't been a Golf Cabrio in a major rental fleet in Europe for over 10 years as a case in point.
Where are you renting and when? I used to work at one of the larger brokers for European rentals (who uses Europcar,, Hertz, Avis, Sixt etc) and can assist you with knowledge or some pointers
Are you doing a one way rental, or are you picking up the car in the same place dropping off?
Which countries are you visiting? Some rental companies don't allow certain vehicles over some borders.
duurtlang
> KurwaMac
05/07/2014 at 10:25 |
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The A Class is nothing but a CLA hatch. The other way around actually, but you'll get my point. If you travel to the other side of the world, get something exotic. 208 diesel, Audi A1, Seat Ibiza wagon. All are subcompacts, so don't choose these if you're planning on using the back seat for tall people. You could choose the 308 CC if you want a convertible.
I'd get the 208 diesel, as it's the most different from what people drive in the US and still enjoyable to drive. Take a look at the dash with the tiny wheel and the gauges located above the wheel.
davedave1111
> KurwaMac
05/07/2014 at 11:24 |
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The A-Class is the boring option of the small hatches there, I'd say, but I haven't driven one so that's just by reputation. The truth is, though, that none of those are bad cars to drive and you'll have fun in any of them. Except the 2008, apparently, but again, just going by reputation.
You haven't said if there's a cost differential that matters, and there's also a pretty significant size difference between some of the cars you've listed. And a lot depends on what engines are on offer, because (for example) a hot Astra might well be more fun than a low-powered Audi A3, even if with similar performance you'd go the other way.
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KurwaMac
> 505Turbeaux
05/07/2014 at 13:05 |
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I figured I probably wouldn't get what I was hoping for with the whole "or similar" comment next to the vehicles. I am looking to get a manual and diesel or gas isn't super important to me. I am renting from Cologne for 3 days starting June 17. I am doing round trip through the netherlands and Belgium because Hertz informed me theres a 300$ location reassignment fee to one way.
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KurwaMac
> duurtlang
05/07/2014 at 13:08 |
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The intention was to get something that was different as possible. I don't see any Peugeot 308's on the list but I should check around with other rental places since my destinations have changed from the original list.
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KurwaMac
> davedave1111
05/07/2014 at 13:10 |
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Unfortunately from the looks of it, not only do I not get to pick the engine or trim of the model, but I may not even be able to preliminarily pick the model. Rather the category. Beginning to think my best bet will be to pick from the lot when I get there.
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505Turbeaux
> KurwaMac
05/07/2014 at 13:12 |
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yeah that is the language they use. just for the sake of it, try going through my old company autoeurope.com and price shop. Usually they will have a better rate than the rental companies themselves. If you were to book a class with them I can make a call and make a very strong request through some of the rental company reps I know that are implanted at auto europe for a specific car.
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davedave1111
> KurwaMac
05/07/2014 at 13:50 |
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Hang on, have you been looking at those pages where they say something like 'VW Golf (or similar)'? Because the 'or similar' actually means it'll be whatever the cheapest thing is that comes in a similar size.
Just had a look at the rest of the thread, and basically, what 505Turbeaux said is spot on. If I were you I'd either go all the way up to the 'premium' options, or get the cheapest thing large enough to get everything in.
If you're comparing comparison sites, try easycar.com - I've found the best rates on there in the past, but that was a little while ago so things may well have changed. Also beware their extremely wide definition of 'similar'.
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KurwaMac
> 505Turbeaux
05/07/2014 at 20:39 |
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That is actually exactly who I was looking at. You are correct they do have better rates than the actual rental companies which I find odd. Found the same thing booking flights. A flight from Cologne to Birmingham was about $180 on FlyBe, but only $138 on Orbitz, and it was the same FlyBe flight... So I am traveling by myself so I really don't need much room in the vehicle. My two top priorities are different and enjoyable to drive. If I'm not going to drive something interesting I might as well just take the rail. But a part of this trip is to go experience the european roads in a fun european car. Thanks greatly for the help, much appreciated.
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505Turbeaux
> KurwaMac
05/08/2014 at 09:47 |
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just let me know, if you make a reservation through them let me know and I will put the word in