Rental agencies having a hard time upgrading customers
There has been a longstanding tradition among car rental agencies to push renters up to bigger, more expensive models. Not that it was all that difficult to do, considering that Americans tend to prefer larger vehicles when all other aspects are equal. Now, though, not all of those aspects are equal, as bigger vehicles are usually thirstier vehicles and the renter is required to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. So, the act of stepping up to a Hemi-powered Dodge Charger from a four-banger equipped Caliber no longer holds the allure that it once did.
A side effect of users sticking to their smaller vehicle choices is a compact car shortage among rental agencies. This, of course, only makes matters worse as the companies will then do nearly anything to move the larger metal. One other result of the shortage is an increase in the cost to rent a small car and a corresponding decrease in cost to rent an SUV or minivan, which could help offset the higher gas bill.
[Source: ABC News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joe 9:51PM (7/01/2008)
I recently needed to rent a car for a long distance trip. Cost was a major factor, but so was being able to haul 4 people comfortably. We went looking for a Cobalt or similar vehicle for both of those things. At Hertz we were offered a GT-H for the same price as the Cobalt.
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Murty Chitti 11:28PM (7/01/2008)
test
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Chris 10:05AM (7/02/2008)
I've actually seen a "hybrid private/sedan service" in the Washington D.C. area called CoachRider. It seems like a great idea and long overdue in the city.
http://www.coachrider.com/
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Calguy 10:30AM (7/02/2008)
Clearly the rental companies are in bed with auto manufacturers ( which is natural and fine) but when they are the only ones buying crap vehicles like Chevy Outlanders... it's a rare time for the customer to flex a little muscle and opine for better product.
Renting cars is expensive.. but the return for your buck is fleeting. When we speak up instead of putting up, we get what we want.
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rar 11:08AM (7/02/2008)
What is a Chevy Outlander? Chevy makes a Uplander mini van and Mitsubishi makes a Outlander SUV.
rar 11:31AM (7/02/2008)
What is a Chevy Outlander? Chevy makes a Uplander mini van and Mitsubishi makes a Outlander SUV.