rental cars

[Missouri Bob]

My wife and I want to spend a weekend in the Midwest in October when the leaves are changing. Time is an issue. The plan is to fly to Saint Louis and rent a car for a long weekend.

 

From my past experiences, rental cars are joyless appliances that few people would willingly buy. Is there a way to get something that does not qualify as a penalty box? Mustangs are pretty much not available (not offered or already reserved) from any of the major rental companies.

 

Thanks.

 

Bob

 

 

[Harry_Wilshusen]

I rented a car at Enterprise in STL a couple weeks ago. They had a bunch of Camaro's on the lot.

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

SUV for viewing.

 

Camaro's on the lot.

The windows are only a few inches tall on Camaro's. At least they seem that way when I get those for rentals.

[lkraus]

SUV for viewing.

 

Camaro's on the lot.

The windows are only a few inches tall on Camaro's. At least they seem that way when I get those for rentals.

 

Which is another good reason to ride a bike. Any BMW rentals in St Louis?

[barryd]

Too much depends on what they happen to have on the lot when you get there, and none of the companies will honor a specfic request. FWIW, I've ended up in plenty of Mustangs because that's what was there at the time. I've also ended up in pickup trucks, SUVs, full size Caddy's, and minivans at various times

 

I would reserve something like a mid-size or perhaps a full size, then ask the counter person when you get there what they have available, make it clear you're willing to go up or down in car classes. Usually you will have at least a few choices. It helps if your arrival time is at a non-peak time for them.

 

If you really want to be picky, you could make multiple reservations with a few companies, then pick and choose. Unlike with hotel reservations, you don't have to guarantee the reservation.

I don't know the layout in STL, but if the lots are accessable from the terminal you could always walk out there, have a look to see what's around then go to the counter. Keep in mind, however, that to the counter person, a car is a car is a car, they are usually willing to work with you though, if things aren't really busy.

 

Another possibility would be to call the local agency a day in advance of your arrival and see what request you might be able to make. Unlikely they could promise anything really specific, but if you approach it in a friendly manner they'll likely do what they can.

 

Being a member of the co's "instant service" club might help too, the best cars are usually held for members. But, in a place like STL the car will be already sitting there with your name on it, especially Hertz or Avis. It doesn't keep you from requesting something else, but it will lengthen the process. Budget or National, I forget which, had an arrangment for the club holders where you could just go into that area of the lot, pick out whatever suited you, then they'd write it up.

Not sure if they are still doing that.

 

Long ago, at LAX you could request a "two door sport" model which was rented out as a mid-size from Avis, usually they were vanilla Mitsubishi Eclipses but they've long since quit doing it, and I've never encountered the choice anywhere else.

 

[Peter Parts]

Big dollar issue is whether your insurance (or the credit card you use) lets you take the collision waiver.

 

BTW, make sure they do a thorough record for dings before driving off. If you find one and hour later, document it quick.

 

Ben

[upflying]

SUV for viewing.

 

Camaro's on the lot.

The windows are only a few inches tall on Camaro's. At least they seem that way when I get those for rentals.

My son has one, very tricky for lane changes and backing up. If you are near a Camaro on a bike, pass carefully because the driver does not see you.

I always get "pre-purchased' rentals from Hotwire. To me rentals are like public transit u-drive. Dirty, stinky and beatup.

[Missouri Bob]

I arrived in STL late (22:00) last Wednesday night. I had reserved a mid-size sedan with Avis. However, I asked for one of the Mustangs that I saw on the lot. For an additional $15/day, I got one.

 

I was surprised at how well the six-cylinder worked. Decent power (and a great sound north of 5000 rpm) and gas mileage. Although the ride was somewhat stiff, the seats made up for it. I drove several hundred miles on well-maintained two-lane state highways south of STL and enjoyed every bit of it.

 

No traffic, good roads, perfect weather, a cool ride, and my cute wife. It doesn't get much better.

 

Bob

[BULLman]

Good for you