Anyone who knows me knows that I rent cars. I'm not like the folks in Atlanta who would rent a car just to go to the club and pretend it's theirs. Most of my rentals were out of town ones or traveling to a car show outside the metro Atlanta area, plus I had two unexpected rentals because my boo on four wheels (My Envoy) was being serviced or being repaired.
So I compiled a list of my top five rentals of this year with the pros and cons of each, where, why, how long it was rented, etc... I'm sure everyone can guess the number one car.
5. 2012 Dodge Avenger. Rented from Alamo for transportation for a week while transmission was being repaired.
My most recent rental, and I liked it. The Avenger is the smaller version of the Charger, which is what made me to pick it. Plus it was black on black. The interior stitching was a nice touch, and for a vehicle that had the base package, it came with useful perks- especially the audio and driving controls on the steering wheel. It served it's purpose, however would Bernie buy one: NO... Why own an Avenger if you can own a Charger?
4. 2010 Dodge Charger. Rented from Alamo for car show in Georgia for one day. Having experience with leaving tire skid marks on the road with a Charger, I decided to rent another one. I always liked the Charger, but would Bernie buy one: NO... Everyone and their mother has one. It's perfect if you want to blend in with everyone else and not stand out. You can't go to a car show without seeing at least 10 of them. I believe that everything that you do to a Charger has been done.
3. 2011 Nissan Rogue. Rented from Alamo in Los Angeles and drove to Vegas and back for four days. My first time driving a Nissan but what really surprised me is that it had the ability to go 160 MPH... and this was the base package. It was a cute CUV, but the size of it is a fraction smaller than the Murano. It was great on the road and it was able to fight through the Santa Ana Winds, Jim Jones sounded great coming out of the stock sound system, but would Bernie buy one: Nope. I'll get a Murano instead- the difference between the two is that Murano has a V6 engine (which means more horsepower. I like pickup in my vehicles), and it's a bit more high-end and a tab more cargo space. But if you don't care about a V6 engine, extra amenities, or a little less space- then the Rogue is the car for you.
2. 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Rented from Alamo in Boston and drove to Providence RI for one day. I had a serious Blond moment in this truck, but I LOVED IT. I got it because the original vehicle class I rented wasn't available, so I picked the four door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. This was the vehicle where I realized how short I was, because there is no graceful way to get in or out of it. The Wrangler really could use a running board, but it would take away from the ruggedness of it. It performed GREAT on I-95, even in the rain in Boston. Talk about a perfect vehicle. Would Bernie buy one: As awkward as I was entering and exiting this truck, I would buy one. Oh and T.I. sounded great coming out of the sound system. Yes I listened to T.I. while I was in Boston and Providence... but I didn't try to find Pauly D.
P.S. The blond moment was that I didn't know how to roll down the windows. The controls were in the middle panel by the audio system, not on the doors like in most vehicles.
1. 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT. Rented from Avis in Los Angeles and drove to Vegas for one day. I already created a post about
this experience, but the only thing that I do not like about this car is that it's a very low car and you can feel the road. I wouldn't drive this on the Cross Bronx Expressway like I was driving it on I-15. But I sure tested out the 412 Horsepower. Would Bernie buy this: Yes I would... in black. What a 30th birthday gift this would be... I really did love this car. Thank god for Avis for having that special that particular time I was there. Great vehicle for California and Vegas... you know, places that have sunshine almost all year.
I've rented seven cars this year, and the two that wasn't listed was the Dodge Caliber that my insurance company set up for me to use while my Envoy was being fixed after the accident. And the second was the 2011 Chevy HHR. Both cars can be summarized by the same statement: It was alright, but it wasn't anything to write home about.
Sadly, this wasn't the first year where I excessively rented cars. 2006 was a very good year as well. Some people do drugs, some people drink, some people gamble, some people shop. I rent cars.
A post about Car Rental Tips will be coming soon...
