GreyPony Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Something that I have been thinking about for a while now is how Ford is wanting to get out of Fleet sales to rentals. Not too long ago someone did a hit and run on my Mustang so while it was in the shop I had a rental. They gave me a brand new Honda Civic which I immediately swiched for a Chevy Trail Blazer. It was one of the only domestics they had. I keep hearing about how people keep asking for domestics from the rental companies. Now this is my question. Do we keep asking for domestics or let Ford stop selling to rentals to keep resale values high? Do we give up the rental market to the Hyundais and Kias? And if so, when we need a rental, do we just grin and bear it and drive the ricer? :shrug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 (edited) Something that I have been thinking about for a while now is how Ford is wanting to get out of Fleet sales to rentals. Not too long ago someone did a hit and run on my Mustang so while it was in the shop I had a rental. They gave me a brand new Honda Civic which I immediately swiched for a Chevy Trail Blazer. It was one of the only domestics they had. I keep hearing about how people keep asking for domestics from the rental companies. Now this is my question. Do we keep asking for domestics or let Ford stop selling to rentals to keep resale values high? Do we give up the rental market to the Hyundais and Kias? And if so, when we need a rental, do we just grin and bear it and drive the ricer? :shrug: I've been thinking the same thing too. I guess we'll just have to suffer through driving the imports while renting a vehicle, either that or you can continue to rent a Dodge/Chrysler product. I was thinking....the import makers don't offer large (Expedition EL size) SUVs or good trucks, so there, you're likely to still get a domestic vehicle. Edited December 26, 2007 by rmc523 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPony Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 I've been thinking the same thing too. I guess we'll just have to suffer through driving the imports while renting a vehicle, either that or you can continue to rent a Dodge/Chrysler product. I was thinking....the import makers don't offer large (Expedition EL size) SUVs or good trucks, so there, you're likely to still get a domestic vehicle. Yes, but then again, we would be supplying rental fleets, thus bringing down the resale value of the SUVs and trucks. Maybe like you say Chrysler will become our domestic manufacturer for rental fleets. :huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Something that I have been thinking about for a while now is how Ford is wanting to get out of Fleet sales to rentals. Not too long ago someone did a hit and run on my Mustang so while it was in the shop I had a rental. They gave me a brand new Honda Civic which I immediately swiched for a Chevy Trail Blazer. It was one of the only domestics they had. I keep hearing about how people keep asking for domestics from the rental companies. Now this is my question. Do we keep asking for domestics or let Ford stop selling to rentals to keep resale values high? Do we give up the rental market to the Hyundais and Kias? And if so, when we need a rental, do we just grin and bear it and drive the ricer? :shrug: Ricer? Does Enterprise check the "ricer package" when they order their cars? I think you should not whine and just deal with the car they give you. Who really cares? It is, a bit, petty when someone doesn't like the RENTAL car they are driving for a few days. Most people would view it as a very extended test drive and an opportunity to broaden their automotive tastes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPony Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 Ricer? Does Enterprise check the "ricer package" when they order their cars? I think you should not whine and just deal with the car they give you. Who really cares? It is, a bit, petty when someone doesn't like the RENTAL car they are driving for a few days. Most people would view it as a very extended test drive and an opportunity to broaden their automotive tastes. Sorry, but when I am paying for a rental, I should at least choose what brand I get to drive. Maybe the rentals should go for Panthers. They could keep them for years and nobody worries about the resale value on those. Then when you get a 5 year old CV, don't be petty and complain, after all, you're only gonna drive it for a few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Sorry, but when I am paying for a rental, I should at least choose what brand I get to drive. Maybe the rentals should go for Panthers. They could keep them for years and nobody worries about the resale value on those. Then when you get a 5 year old CV, don't be petty and complain, after all, you're only gonna drive it for a few days. Hey, now that the CV is "fleet only", they could produce it for 10 more years in it's current configuration and it wouldn't bother me. You paid for the rental? Why didn't your insurance? I think you didn't want the Civic because then you would really see how cheap your Mustang interior really is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPony Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 You paid for the rental? Why didn't your insurance? I think you didn't want the Civic because then you would really see how cheap your Mustang interior really is. You are right, the company paid for the rental but, who pays for the insurance? Me! As for my interior, I don't find it cheap. I get alot more compliments from passer-bys and people that get in than I will ever get from a Civic. And it's WAY more fun to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
156n3rd Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Last time I rented I asked for an Avenger because I knew they had them (Thrifty) and I wanted to try one. It sucked. My alternative would have been a Kia Optima. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Yes, but then again, we would be supplying rental fleets, thus bringing down the resale value of the SUVs and trucks. Maybe like you say Chrysler will become our domestic manufacturer for rental fleets. :huh: That is true, but nobody (but Chevy) offers a truly large SUV, not even Chrysler, so rental companies really only have 2 choices. I know when I go to rental places at airports there are always several Expeditions in there, there are also Tahoes and Suburbans of course. Would it be better for Ford to leave the large SUV rental market to Chevy? maybe....maybe not, but at the same time when somebody drives a rental Expediition, they may decide they like it and buy one. I suppose the same could be said about any vehicle though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPony Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 That is true, but nobody (but Chevy) offers a truly large SUV, not even Chrysler, so rental companies really only have 2 choices. I know when I go to rental places at airports there are always several Expeditions in there, there are also Tahoes and Suburbans of course. Would it be better for Ford to leave the large SUV rental market to Chevy? maybe....maybe not, but at the same time when somebody drives a rental Expediition, they may decide they like it and buy one. I suppose the same could be said about any vehicle though. Actually, when I rented the TrailBlazer I have to say that I did enjoy it.I am thinking of taking an Explorer out for a test drive. The other option that I was thinking about is, what if the warranty is voided for rental vehicles. Think about it, if there was no warranty on a previously rented vehicle, people would think twice before purchasing a previously rented vehicle. Then it seems that maybe they would be in a league of their own and not drag down the resale values of non rented vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Actually, when I rented the TrailBlazer I have to say that I did enjoy it.I am thinking of taking an Explorer out for a test drive. The other option that I was thinking about is, what if the warranty is voided for rental vehicles. Think about it, if there was no warranty on a previously rented vehicle, people would think twice before purchasing a previously rented vehicle. Then it seems that maybe they would be in a league of their own and not drag down the resale values of non rented vehicles. Funny, when I've driven a relative's TrailBlazer, I was appalled at how horribly it drove and how cheap it felt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_spaniard Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I don't really care what I get when it's a rental, provided it isn't something tiny. The last rental I drove was a loaded MKX, and it was quite nice. I like the edge better though, I don't care for Lincoln's styling. I don't get the "suffering while driving the ricer" thing. If imports aren't your thing, I get that, but "suffering" is a little dramatic. Most of the import interiors are still better than the domestic stuff, but the gap is narrowing. Add me to the list of people that hate the current stangs interior/ I don't mind retro, but leave it for the outside. BOT, if you only drive domestics and need a rental, I'm sure there will always be domestics available somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I don't really care what I get when it's a rental, provided it isn't something tiny. The last rental I drove was a loaded MKX, and it was quite nice. I like the edge better though, I don't care for Lincoln's styling. I don't get the "suffering while driving the ricer" thing. If imports aren't your thing, I get that, but "suffering" is a little dramatic. Most of the import interiors are still better than the domestic stuff, but the gap is narrowing. Add me to the list of people that hate the current stangs interior/ I don't mind retro, but leave it for the outside. BOT, if you only drive domestics and need a rental, I'm sure there will always be domestics available somewhere. Hertz I believe still has mostly Ford vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 It really doesn't bother me unless I get a really crappy car...I went though quite a few rentals when my Mustang was down after an accident: I had the following: Suzuki Forenza: POS, felt like driving a 92 Escort, but a car that is 14 years newer should improve upon a 14 yr old car! Chevy Aveo: Major POS Dodge Caliber: Has potential, but the CVT was annoying to drive and the interior materials where horrible! VW Jetta: Damn nice car...great room, nice ride and good pickup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napoleon Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hey, now that the CV is "fleet only", they could produce it for 10 more years in it's current configuration and it wouldn't bother me. You paid for the rental? Why didn't your insurance? I think you didn't want the Civic because then you would really see how cheap your Mustang interior really is. Personally I request Domestic cars as rentals because I dont feel safe in Japanese cars, from personal experience Ive seen the thinner metals used in Japanese cars(atleast back in the day) so thats where that comes from. If I have the option and the place asks me what kind of car I want I tell em I dont care as long as its a Ford I tend to be loyal to products that serve me well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Personally I request Domestic cars as rentals because I dont feel safe in Japanese cars, from personal experience Ive seen the thinner metals used in Japanese cars(atleast back in the day) so thats where that comes from. Oh please... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
156n3rd Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Usually when I rent a car, I look forward to driving something I've never driven before. That's part of the fun for me. And beleive me, if the car turns out to be a POS, I'm not one to keep it quiet. But it is funny how everyone can have a different view of one car. It just shows how individual opinoins are such a personal experience, and that's how we learn from others. It's all good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napoleon Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Oh please... Just to keep it simple and easy compare control arms on a new tundra and a new F-150, its a reacurring theme throughout japanese cars and trucks or MOST anywhere metal is used in the structure, back in the day moreso. If you can get any pictures proving me wrong please do so, I can furnish you with some pics supporting my opinion if you like. Apples to apples component comparison of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Just to keep it simple and easy compare control arms on a new tundra and a new F-150, its a reacurring theme throughout japanese cars and trucks or MOST anywhere metal is used in the structure, back in the day moreso. If you can get any pictures proving me wrong please do so, I can furnish you with some pics supporting my opinion if you like. Apples to apples component comparison of course. There is nothing wrong with the safety of Japanese cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napoleon Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 (edited) There is nothing wrong with the safety of Japanese cars. Thats the best you can come back with? Come on now throw in a googly eyed smiley face or something to emphasize your ultimate "snap" comeback reply. Maybe that dancing red jalapeño will bring it home. As I said in the beginning, I dont FEEL safe in them, maybe its their paper thin door panels, suspension components made of stamped tin foil, or the lazy unresponsive handling that MOST not all of Japanese cars that I have been in have. Whether they are or they arent I just dont plain trust them. End of story. Edited December 28, 2007 by napoleon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suv_guy_19 Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 (edited) Thats the best you can come back with? Come on now throw in a googly eyed smiley face or something to emphasize your ultimate "snap" comeback reply. Maybe that dancing red jalapeño will bring it home. As I said in the beginning, I dont FEEL safe in them, maybe its their paper thin door panels, suspension components made of stamped tin foil, or the lazy unresponsive handling that MOST not all of Japanese cars that I have been in have. Whether they are or they arent I just dont plain trust them. End of story. There is no reason not to FEEL safe in them. They are just as safe as any domestic cars. Almost all cars today are on the same safety level. Edited December 28, 2007 by suv_guy_19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 Thats the best you can come back with? Come on now throw in a googly eyed smiley face or something to emphasize your ultimate "snap" comeback reply. Maybe that dancing red jalapeño will bring it home. As I said in the beginning, I dont FEEL safe in them, maybe its their paper thin door panels, suspension components made of stamped tin foil, or the lazy unresponsive handling that MOST not all of Japanese cars that I have been in have. Whether they are or they arent I just dont plain trust them. End of story. How's this... "There is nothing wrong with the safety of Japanese cars." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 If you want safe...get a Panther... And the officer walked away with very minor injuries. Snopes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 If you want safe...get a Panther... And the officer walked away with very minor injuries. Snopes How in the world was that possible!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 Just drive it hard so it wears out quicker. Think: if you pass up the import, someone else who is more likely to be swayed might rent it and choose to buy import next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.