Turo Oppopinions

"i86hotdogs" (i86hotdogs)
10/16/2019 at 17:30 • Filed to: None

So the missus and I are gonna head to Vegas for Thanksgiving. Never been. Not a huge gambler, but I do enjoy a buffet or two. Looking at something fun to rent while there. So I browse Turo. Looking for some opinions from you all on what I should rent. Not sure what exactly we are gonna do out there, but we’ll need a vehicle regardless. Basic criteria are:

Something I can fit in (over 6' tall); so the Alfa 4c and Abarth 500 are out

2 passenger

Preferably a manual, unless the cool factor is too cool

Something I’ll enjoy driving all weekend

I’m a sucker for a good exhaust note

Not sure how traffic is in Vegas, if it’s as bad as say, Chicago or New York, not anything too large.

Preferably not a convertible, since it will likely be cold in November.

I narrowed some down that fall in a good price range.

2018 Ford Mustang GT

I’m always skeptical about people upbadging their vehicles, or wrongfully advertising them on sites like this. But this one looks legit. Manual, PP1, Borla exhaust. T ough to beat, especially with the $85/day cost.

2013 Tesla Model S P85D

I don’t see myself buying a Tesla ever. I love them though, and would love to get behind the wheel of one and experience that instantaneous torque. My only gripe with renting one would be Charging. Where we are staying (just outside the city) , the nearest chargers and superchargers are 10 miles away. Inconvenient, but free. $86/day

2018 Tesla Model 3

This has the dual motored performance trim. Just like above, the same pro’s and con’s as the Model S. Only this one is $100/day.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Fun fact: I work in the plant that makes these engines. This is the only truck I would consider on any trip. This may entice me to find some modest trails or areas to take it off road, nothing fancy. This is where the concern for traffic and tight spaces comes up. Steal of a prince at $89/day.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Miata Is Always The Answer. Manual!! My only concern is whether or not I will fit in this darn thing. I have many doubts. Otherwise, this is a huge contender at $59/day.

2018 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

I’ve driven an ecoboost Mustang before. Although the performance is nothing to sneer at, I would like to try something else (or more power ya know?). This does have the PP1, but no manual. Very nice price at $69/day.

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon

Manual Wrangler. That’s really the only reason why I’m even considering it. This, like the Raptor, may entice me to try some unpaved roads. Wish it was a soft top and a 2 door. Decent $75/day

2014 Jaguar F-Type S

I had to make sure this was not an entry-level trim package with the V6. This has the nice V8 with some unforgettable sound. I’ve never sat in one of these, so I am not sure if I will fit in them. Hard to beat price of $99/day

2018 Honda Civic Type R

I’m meh about this car. It obviously has some power, and a great manual. Unless someone here will stand by this car as a must drive, this is near the bottom of the list. Also one of the priciest at $119/day

2016 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Shaker

Before Dodge unleashed the Scat Pack Widebody, this was my dream car. I love the shaker hood, and the 6.4 is more than enough power. Unfortunately, it’s an automatic. Good price at $87/day

2016 Ford Mustang GT

Manual, V8. Nothing else outstanding. But a very good price of $72/day.

So there ya go, let me know what you think. If you have other ideas or recommendations, there are a ton of other vehicles I overlooked. Thanks for your time!

DISCUSSION (50)

Spanfeller is a twat > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:34

I’d get the Miata, unless you’ve never driven a Tesla, then get the Model S.

Nibby > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:35

wrong, F Type R is the one with the supercharged V8. the S is just a higher output version of the stock engine

i86hotdogs > Spanfeller is a twat
10/16/2019 at 17:37

I really like the Miata. Although I fear I will not fit in it. I’ve got that long torso so headroom is always a concern in cars. I’ve sat in NB’s before and half my head is above the windshield. I’ve never driven, let alone ride in a Tesla. I may be overthinking it, but I feel the charging station being 10 miles away will be a headache.

Chariotoflove > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:37

You’re listing a lot of convertibles when you prefer not a convertible. FWIW, I don’t think it will be that cold in Vegas in November. You might actually want the top down some days.

The Jag will be very nice to sit in and drive. Luggage space is very shallow in the back. It could be an issue. The Miata actually has the more usable trunk. That or the Mustang convertible would be my choice, after the Jag.

i86hotdogs > Nibby
10/16/2019 at 17:38

From what I looked up, it’s a naturally aspirated V8, I knew it was not the supercharged one like you mentioned. My mistake.

i86hotdogs > Chariotoflove
10/16/2019 at 17:39

I would just have the top up for majority of the trip I feel. I don’t know. I’ve never been to Vegas. So I am just predicting the weather based on what other people have told me.

i86hotdogs > Chariotoflove
10/16/2019 at 17:41

As for luggage space, we each will have one carry-on bag. So we don’t require a lot of storage. Unless the Jag is THAT tight on luggage space.

Chariotoflove > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:42

Yeah, and on the actual high way part, you’ll have it up regardless. It’s a tradeoff and calculated risk to be sure.

Chariotoflove > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:44

The issue with the Jag is not that it’s not big enough in square footage, but that it’s so shallow. If you have the standard roll-on rectangular suitcase or a duffel, you should be okay.

i86hotdogs > Chariotoflove
10/16/2019 at 17:48

We pack light!

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 17:55

Traffic in Vegas sucks especially on w eekends or h olidays. Basically it’s stop and go on the Strip anytime after 9 am and nearby highways . Be prepared for large crowds walking around trying to enjoy that time too. There is always the option of walking or cabs if you prefer to remain on Strip, because everything is dense enough that it doesn’t rack up too much in money, e specially if you wind up staying close to a cluster of hotels.

I checked during thanksgiving time frames in Vegas in Turo, why not a nice Stingray? That way you can put the top up or down since it’s a targa and there’s room for it in the trunk, although it does take some space.

Stingrays are about $100 a day, but all automatics.
https://turo.com/us/en-us/car-rental/las-vegas-nv/chevrolet/corvette/431104?searchId=HVj_5_Eb

This guy’s got a Z06 manual + Z07, but seems like he’s cancelled the last few times. Z06 guy in my part of town also cancels a lot. I don’t know how much you plan on spending? this is $299 a day.
https://turo.com/us/en-us/car-rental/las-vegas-nv/chevrolet/corvette/281245?searchId=rsnRMXW5

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove
10/16/2019 at 17:59

It definitely isnt cold during the day in November in Vegas. At night it surely will get a bit chilly though. As a note I was in Vegas in January and it was around 80 both days but the lows at night dipped into the upper 30s.

wafflesnfalafel > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:00

T hat GT with Borla catback would be awfully yummy... Or the Raptor or Jeep if you are looking to do some hiking or something.

412GTI > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:01

Based on your preferences I’d say that first Mustang looks like a winner. Sporty but not small, manual, good exhaust, and a decent price.

I’ve driven plenty of manual JL’s and while they’re fun in their own regard, I don’t think they would be in Vegas. The manual has very long gearing and doesn’t feel that spritely.

Scat Packs are very fun even with the auto, too. Nice to have choices!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
10/16/2019 at 18:01

I agree that driving in Vegas is a poor idea generally. Unless the plan is to head out to the Grand Canyon or something of that nature. The two times I have gone to Vegas (drove there from LA) the only driving I did was to the hotel parking garage and then did not move the car until leaving.

Shoop > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:02

Get the raptor, and budget for a car wash.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/16/2019 at 18:03

Same here. And the amount I had to drink, I wouldn’t have wanted to drive anyway. I drove the car up, then drove it home. Nothing in between. We even went off strip a few times and it was cabs or rideshares.

Spanfeller is a twat > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:04

It depends on how much you have to drive... the P85D has a range of 250 miles... I don’t think it’s such a hassle unless you’re going to do it all the time... Plus I’m willing to bet that the hotel has some sort of charging infrastructure.

As for the Miata, I’ 6'2" and I barely fit... But I have unusually long legs...

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:05

I like the raptor because desert adventures. Although random rental car from the airport could do the same thing in a hilarious manner. Just make sure you get the damage waiver in that case haha.

I wouldnt be concerned about the “large vehicle in a city” thing. While traffic in Vegas is pretty bad, a smaller car wont really help that. Parking at the casinos are generally big parking garages with plenty of space. And if you get outside of the city its all wide open desert so big vehicle with power is more preferable for entertainment there.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/16/2019 at 18:06

Very true. The desert is like that, although being in the city will surely dull the chill a tiny bit.

RPM esq. > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:06

I’d go hardtop Mustang unless you’re serious about doing some unpaved stuff (which there is plenty of near Vegas), in which case...Raptor!

You will not have traffic “like” Chicago or New York. D esert cities like Vegas and Phoenix are spread out, with low density and wide streets. You very well might hit stop-and-go on a highway or the Strip, but it won’t be like New York with the car next to you six inches off your mirror and two bike messengers and a pedestrian trying to thread the needle.

SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:10

I vote Miata for price and fun factor. — You’ll find you want the top down more than you’ll think. The best times I had in mine were 40-50* days with the top-down and seat heaters on. Lovely. The low humidity makes the cold less ‘biting’ than with the humidity out East.

Average weather for Las Vegas:

MONTH: November — HIGH: 67° F (19° C) — LOW: 43° F (6° C)

Mustang ‘vert would likely be the easiest to live with due to space, not too big, ease of fueling, etc. Jaguar would be a unique experience but I’ve never been in one; they look kinda cramped for the size of the vehicle. I wouldn’t bother with the Tesla, too easy to go test drive, questionable availability of charging, though range may be plentiful to minimize that concern.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove
10/16/2019 at 18:13

And its definitely much more preferable that way. That was like perfect weather to relax in on the way to my ski adventure where I ended up seeing -17F one morning and wished for that 80 again. Although dragging my skiis through the casino to my hotel room felt pretty funny and out of place.

The other time I went to Vegas was in June where the 110+ was a bit unpleasant to do anything other than stay indoors. Granted thats generally easy on the strip but it was a lot less pleasant in general.

Discerning > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 18:45

Traffic in Vegas is tepid, even on the strip. There are some OK driving roads too if you venture outside the city. Otherwise it is very flat and just a grid.

i86hotdogs > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
10/16/2019 at 18:46

I would like to venture outside of the strip if possible. Whether it be an afternoon cruise or find some unpaved roads with one of the trucks. I agree that if I plan on doing something in the city I’ll cab it. I’m staying in Henderson which is under 15ish miles from the strip. My budget is somewhere around $100 a day so a Sting Ray could be fun. Not sure why I never looked at those. Heck even a C6 or C7 would be fun.

i86hotdogs > SlideshowOhNO - Fixit Union, Chapter of Kinja
10/16/2019 at 18:49

That’s what I thought as well regarding the range. The nearest charger is 10 miles from where I am staying, so unless I find a supercharger and get that done conveniently, I’d rather not spend part of my trip at a charging station.

I would really have to sit in a Miata to see if I can fit in one. I am 80% certain I am too tall to sit in them.

i86hotdogs > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/16/2019 at 18:50

I would have to research some trails to really consider the Raptor. I think it would be tons of fun.

i86hotdogs > RPM esq.
10/16/2019 at 18:51

Good to know about the traffic. I probably will be cabbing into the strip, so i guess the traffic issue is not really a concern.

i86hotdogs > 412GTI
10/16/2019 at 18:53

Exactly! I love the Scat Pack, but the manual Mustang is also very enticing. I may only consider the JL if I plan on doing some minor off roading; even then, the Raptor may be the choice then.

i86hotdogs > Discerning
10/16/2019 at 18:53

Good to know. Thanks! I’d like to plan at least one small afternoon road trip.

i86hotdogs > Shoop
10/16/2019 at 18:54

Raptor would be SWEET if I can find somewhere to send it out there.

i86hotdogs > wafflesnfalafel
10/16/2019 at 18:55

It literally was the first one I saw when browsing. I don’t think I’ll do much hiking, but we still are trying to put some plans together.

i86hotdogs > Spanfeller is a twat
10/16/2019 at 18:56

Yeah, if I really am considering the Miata, I might just ask to sit in one at the dealer and see for myself.

Poor_Sh > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 19:00

18' Mustang. Not sure I’d want an electric rental, convertibles are a ton of fun to just cruise with the top down but I still prefer coupes, no trucks/suvs/boats (challenger lol), and even though it’s only a V6 I’d still prefer a manual FType plus that V6 sounds gorgeous. People are right about the Jags storage though.

I had a 14 Mustang GT manual which was ridiculous fun to drive, and had very ample storage, felt big compared to a miata or porsche but overall not too big to park and thrash on fun roads.

Oh and I’ve rented a miata on turo in FL. Tons of fun like I said to cruise with the top down, but unless there are some great twisty roads with elevation changes around Vegas (I don’t think so??) the Miata is completely wasted.

Can’t go wrong with a manual, V8 with a great tone, touring car.

i86hotdogs > Poor_Sh
10/16/2019 at 19:13

Good point on the twisty roads/elevation. Doubtful there is much in the desert. I really would pick the Jag for the sound and appearance, but the lack of space is a factor. I’m liking that ‘18 Mustang more and more I think about it.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 19:14

Unrelated to your Turo question, but checkout the Pinball Hall of Fame while you’re in Las Vegas . It is the very best thing to do there, especially if gambling doesn’t especially rustle your jimmies.

http://pinballmuseum.org/

i86hotdogs > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/16/2019 at 19:15

Yes, love me a good museum/exhibit! Thanks

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 19:27

Oh, this place is really the coolest arcade on earth. A building full of pinball machines, most of them classic elctro-mechanical machines from the 50's-70's, all in working order that you get to play.

i86hotdogs > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/16/2019 at 19:29

Oh and play them! I’ll bring it up to the missus!!

SiennaMan > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 20:13

As much as it pains me to say it, I’d stay away from the Miata. I’ve sat in a 2000ish and a 2017 or 18 and had 2 problems. First, the top of my head was above the windshield, so closing the top wouldn’t of been an option. Second, it was so tight down by the pedals that I’d have had to drive barefooted to not catch my shoes on neighboring pedals.. I'm 6'4".

(a coworker went an bought a 12-15 YO Miata. in the correct manual soft top form and offered to let me take a spin in it and I had to say no lest I catch my foot on a pedal.. huge disappointment)

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/16/2019 at 20:20

For sure. On the flip side, regardless of temp. you can usually count on not getting rained out.

just-a-scratch > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 20:38

ThereAre few situations where I would legit recommend one, but it would be a nice experience;

Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag.

i86hotdogs > SiennaMan
10/16/2019 at 20:55

That’s my fear. I’m not 6'4 but I have a long torso and shorter legs. Good to know on the pedal space too. I think the Miata may be out unfortunately.

i86hotdogs > just-a-scratch
10/16/2019 at 20:55

Might just say screw it, and rent a new one every day!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 21:52

Jag. Have driven them hard. They're great fun and pretty damn comfortable. Mustangs do nothing for me, and you can go test drive one anywhere. Get something less common. Raptors are also sweet.

TheJWT > i86hotdogs
10/16/2019 at 22:04

You’re 100% going to have the most fun in the Jag, those are awesome cars to drive.

i86hotdogs > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
10/16/2019 at 22:23

I’m with you on the rarity factor with the Jag.

Milky > i86hotdogs
10/17/2019 at 09:16

For what its worth I’ m just over 6 feet tall and fit perfect in my Miata, though it does depend on proportion.

Also, dropping the top in a city and looking around / up when you’re at a light is damn nice.

Will rents SUVs > i86hotdogs
10/17/2019 at 10:00

While the Raptor and Wrangler would be fun to take on a trail outside Vegas, you’ll be violating Turo’s Terms of Service. https://support.turo.com/hc/en-us/articles/203990570-Prohibited-uses

You haven’t experienced the Strip at night until you’ve cruised it in a classic. 1961 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible.
https://turo.com/us/en-us/car-rental/las-vegas-nv/cadillac/convertible/366089

Nothing on your list turns heads like the Cadi will.

i86hotdogs > Will rents SUVs
10/17/2019 at 15:03

The Caddy is awesome, but out of price range for me.