Re: what to rent

[wheelman@pipeline.com (Lee M. Levitt)]

Pete Kraus writes: 
>Subject: What Car to Rent 
> 
>Benjawan Kuecharoenwong asked for advice on what to rent for his  
>forthcoming trip to the U.S. 
> 
>Five adults?  I'm going to assume so, although the recommendation is   
>good for adult/kid combinations, too. 
> 
>I regularly drive long-distance four or five up to car shows and  
>occasionally on business.  For non-enthusiast driving, you can't beat  
>a minivan for comfort and passenger/luggage carrying capacity.  Rent a  
>1996 Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager long-wheelbase model, if you can  
>find one (the short-wheelbase model doesn't provide enough luggage  
>space).  The Ford Windstar will work, too.  A long-wheelbase Ford  
>Aerostar is adequate but not much fun.  Try to avoid Chevy Lumina  
>APV/Pontiac TranSport.  I don't have firsthand experience with Mazda  
>MPV, Toyota Previa, Honda Odessy, etc., but they're probably smaller  
>than you need.   
> 
 
I missed the original post, but here's my .02. I'd agree on the minivan re
moving lots of people...for regular rentals, here's what I've found: 
 
Hertz 
  Miata 
  Ford Explorer (new only, ask for Eddie Bauer version) 
  Mazda Millenium 
  Volvo 850 
 
Avis 
  Cadillac 
 
Budget 
  Ford Explorer (see above) 
  Jaguar XJ6 
  Isuzu Trooper 
 
Enterprise 
  Land Rover Discovery 
  BMW 328 
 
I've rented most of these, except for the Bimmer. Had the most fun in the
Jag, really enjoyed the Miata, but thought it was way too small to be
practical. 
 
All of these are available for between 50-90 a day. The Jag is $69. 
 
Call the individual desk to find out what they have...I talked with the
Enterprise 800 number and 3 desks before I found the Discovery. And the
Enterprise in San Jose (downtown) was *very* helpful...have both the Disco
and the Bimmers (ask for Ginger). 
 
Anyway, one of the few joys of business travel is renting interesting
cars... 
 
Lee 
-- 
Lee M. Levitt 
wheelman@pipeline.com