Rental Car Olympics
- Thread starter The Critic
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Parking brake assisted parallel parking an SUV - that's what it's all about!
Personally I find things like this insulting.
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles. Their hard earned money...
If they want to BUY these vehicles and play like children then fine. Disclose to whoever buys them of the history of use fine.
But acting like this with vehicles that are not theirs is sad.
I've been an continuous subscriber of Car and Driver for MANY decades and I think I'll end it this year. Motor Trend gets the same reviews the same month and personally their content is nothing to the Patrick Bedard and Brock Yates days.
Bill
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles. Their hard earned money...
If they want to BUY these vehicles and play like children then fine. Disclose to whoever buys them of the history of use fine.
But acting like this with vehicles that are not theirs is sad.
I've been an continuous subscriber of Car and Driver for MANY decades and I think I'll end it this year. Motor Trend gets the same reviews the same month and personally their content is nothing to the Patrick Bedard and Brock Yates days.
Bill
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles.
Although I do not support such behavior, there is not anything done in the video that was permanently damaging. A new set of brakes and tires, which these cars will probably get during used car recon, will remove any damage done by these hooligans.
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles.
Although I do not support such behavior, there is not anything done in the video that was permanently damaging. A new set of brakes and tires, which these cars will probably get during used car recon, will remove any damage done by these hooligans.
I agree that I really didn't care for the Rental Car Olympics piece they did. I'm not a big fan of abusing machinery, nor watching machinery get abused. The very notion that nobody would treat their OWN car this way, but have no qualms treating someone ELSE'S car this way, is sad to me.
I, too, plan to not renew my Car & Driver subscription this year. I've got the Motor Trend app on my phone, and I may order up a print subscription to that magazine, just for a change. Motor Trend was my magazine of choice back in the 1990s, but changed to Car & Driver, just for a change as I recall. I think it's time to go back.
I, too, plan to not renew my Car & Driver subscription this year. I've got the Motor Trend app on my phone, and I may order up a print subscription to that magazine, just for a change. Motor Trend was my magazine of choice back in the 1990s, but changed to Car & Driver, just for a change as I recall. I think it's time to go back.
Originally Posted By: The Critic
there is not anything done in the video that was permanently damaging.
I kind of agree.
Also, I'm not sure how the press off-loads their cars, but I'm pretty sure they're marked as "test cars" and offered at an attractive price, and it is up to the buyer to decide whether it makes sense to him/her to purchase it.
If you buy a used car, what guarantee do you have that the previous owner did not do anything stupid with it? If you're not willing to accept this risk, you buy new.
there is not anything done in the video that was permanently damaging.
I kind of agree.
Also, I'm not sure how the press off-loads their cars, but I'm pretty sure they're marked as "test cars" and offered at an attractive price, and it is up to the buyer to decide whether it makes sense to him/her to purchase it.
If you buy a used car, what guarantee do you have that the previous owner did not do anything stupid with it? If you're not willing to accept this risk, you buy new.
Bill,
I don't think people are unaware of the fact that rentals are beat to death.
I don't think people are unaware of the fact that rentals are beat to death.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I agree that I really didn't care for the Rental Car Olympics piece they did. I'm not a big fan of abusing machinery, nor watching machinery get abused.
Hey Jason: I thought it was a good piece. C&D is a LOT better since Eddie Alderman (SP?) took over as editor.
If you don't like the abuse of machinery, DON'T WATCH TOP GEAR on the History channel!!! (This is the American version of the long-running BBC hit.)
They do some wild stuff in various comparisons of $1000 cars. Check out episode 2 on www.history.com .
Disclaimer: I NEVER treat my cars even remotely like that.
I agree that I really didn't care for the Rental Car Olympics piece they did. I'm not a big fan of abusing machinery, nor watching machinery get abused.
Hey Jason: I thought it was a good piece. C&D is a LOT better since Eddie Alderman (SP?) took over as editor.
If you don't like the abuse of machinery, DON'T WATCH TOP GEAR on the History channel!!! (This is the American version of the long-running BBC hit.)
They do some wild stuff in various comparisons of $1000 cars. Check out episode 2 on www.history.com .
Disclaimer: I NEVER treat my cars even remotely like that.
I found the article totally hillarious! Especially the part where they were grading cleanliness upon renting and were poking around with a blacklight. I literally laughed out loud several times.
C&D is by far the best of the big three auto mags. It was even better before the op-ed writers toss-up. I really miss Pat Bedard.
It was good entertainment. Some people treat their cars in a similar abusive fashion. Even more drive that way in rentals. Anyone who doesn't belive this is kidding themselves.
And, if your position is that people shouldn't be abusing cars like this to ensure a better car for some used-car purchaser numbers of years down the road really has somewhat of an self-entitlement slant. Buy new if you want to have a pristine, unmolested ride.
I wouldn't touch a used rental car with a ten foot pole. However, I will/have bought used(even well used) if it meets my criteria.
I'm surprised the Panther fans aren't pounding their chests and celebrating this test.
C&D is by far the best of the big three auto mags. It was even better before the op-ed writers toss-up. I really miss Pat Bedard.
It was good entertainment. Some people treat their cars in a similar abusive fashion. Even more drive that way in rentals. Anyone who doesn't belive this is kidding themselves.
And, if your position is that people shouldn't be abusing cars like this to ensure a better car for some used-car purchaser numbers of years down the road really has somewhat of an self-entitlement slant. Buy new if you want to have a pristine, unmolested ride.
I wouldn't touch a used rental car with a ten foot pole. However, I will/have bought used(even well used) if it meets my criteria.
I'm surprised the Panther fans aren't pounding their chests and celebrating this test.
Originally Posted By: Carbuff
Hey Jason: I thought it was a good piece. C&D is a LOT better since Eddie Alderman (SP?) took over as editor.
I rather liked it when Csaba Csere was the editor. It seems to have taken a more, I dunno, "hip/artsy" slant, where it's more about the art and photography than it is the cars. They seem to have really drawn to testing high-end/unobtanium cars also. I really enjoy the comparison tests of mid-size and compact cars, minivans, SUVs...the cars people really buy. I can't count how many Porsche and Corvette and $80k+ sedan reviews I've read lately. That stuff is fine and interesting to read, but I think they've lost the balance they had, where one month you'd see GT40s and Ferraris on the cover, and the next month the latest batch of minivans. I LIKED that.
I also liked it when C&D used to have the outline drawing of the tested car, with the shadow of the engine and drivetrain package. C&D used to seem more "technical" to me, and anymore, it's more about the "show".
Originally Posted By: Carbuff
If you don't like the abuse of machinery, DON'T WATCH TOP GEAR on the History channel!!! (This is the American version of the long-running BBC hit.)
They do some wild stuff in various comparisons of $1000 cars. Check out episode 2 on www.history.com.
I turn it off when they start doing that. Like when one of them had that old Cadillac that he launched off a dirt berm. Yeah, I don't watch that kind of stuff. But they have a lot of interesting segments. And Rutledge Wood is pretty funny...they all are, as a group. I really enjoyed their truck test in Alaska. That's what trucks are designed to do, and that was totally appropriate, in my humble opinion.
Hey Jason: I thought it was a good piece. C&D is a LOT better since Eddie Alderman (SP?) took over as editor.
I rather liked it when Csaba Csere was the editor. It seems to have taken a more, I dunno, "hip/artsy" slant, where it's more about the art and photography than it is the cars. They seem to have really drawn to testing high-end/unobtanium cars also. I really enjoy the comparison tests of mid-size and compact cars, minivans, SUVs...the cars people really buy. I can't count how many Porsche and Corvette and $80k+ sedan reviews I've read lately. That stuff is fine and interesting to read, but I think they've lost the balance they had, where one month you'd see GT40s and Ferraris on the cover, and the next month the latest batch of minivans. I LIKED that.
I also liked it when C&D used to have the outline drawing of the tested car, with the shadow of the engine and drivetrain package. C&D used to seem more "technical" to me, and anymore, it's more about the "show".
Originally Posted By: Carbuff
If you don't like the abuse of machinery, DON'T WATCH TOP GEAR on the History channel!!! (This is the American version of the long-running BBC hit.)
They do some wild stuff in various comparisons of $1000 cars. Check out episode 2 on www.history.com.
I turn it off when they start doing that. Like when one of them had that old Cadillac that he launched off a dirt berm. Yeah, I don't watch that kind of stuff. But they have a lot of interesting segments. And Rutledge Wood is pretty funny...they all are, as a group. I really enjoyed their truck test in Alaska. That's what trucks are designed to do, and that was totally appropriate, in my humble opinion.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I rather liked it when Csaba Csere was the editor. It seems to have taken a more, I dunno, "hip/artsy" slant, where it's more about the art and photography than it is the cars. They seem to have really drawn to testing high-end/unobtanium cars also. I really enjoy the comparison tests of mid-size and compact cars, minivans, SUVs...the cars people really buy. I can't count how many Porsche and Corvette and $80k+ sedan reviews I've read lately. That stuff is fine and interesting to read, but I think they've lost the balance they had, where one month you'd see GT40s and Ferraris on the cover, and the next month the latest batch of minivans. I LIKED that.
I also liked it when C&D used to have the outline drawing of the tested car, with the shadow of the engine and drivetrain package. C&D used to seem more "technical" to me, and anymore, it's more about the "show".
+1. Csere was good and I prefered the mag layout they had 5-10 yrs ago.
I rather liked it when Csaba Csere was the editor. It seems to have taken a more, I dunno, "hip/artsy" slant, where it's more about the art and photography than it is the cars. They seem to have really drawn to testing high-end/unobtanium cars also. I really enjoy the comparison tests of mid-size and compact cars, minivans, SUVs...the cars people really buy. I can't count how many Porsche and Corvette and $80k+ sedan reviews I've read lately. That stuff is fine and interesting to read, but I think they've lost the balance they had, where one month you'd see GT40s and Ferraris on the cover, and the next month the latest batch of minivans. I LIKED that.
I also liked it when C&D used to have the outline drawing of the tested car, with the shadow of the engine and drivetrain package. C&D used to seem more "technical" to me, and anymore, it's more about the "show".
+1. Csere was good and I prefered the mag layout they had 5-10 yrs ago.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I agree that I really didn't care for the Rental Car Olympics piece they did. I'm not a big fan of abusing machinery, nor watching machinery get abused. The very notion that nobody would treat their OWN car this way, but have no qualms treating someone ELSE'S car this way, is sad to me.
I, too, plan to not renew my Car & Driver subscription this year. I've got the Motor Trend app on my phone, and I may order up a print subscription to that magazine, just for a change. Motor Trend was my magazine of choice back in the 1990s, but changed to Car & Driver, just for a change as I recall. I think it's time to go back.
I agree with everything Hokiefyd said...I am also not renewing Car and Driver.
I agree that I really didn't care for the Rental Car Olympics piece they did. I'm not a big fan of abusing machinery, nor watching machinery get abused. The very notion that nobody would treat their OWN car this way, but have no qualms treating someone ELSE'S car this way, is sad to me.
I, too, plan to not renew my Car & Driver subscription this year. I've got the Motor Trend app on my phone, and I may order up a print subscription to that magazine, just for a change. Motor Trend was my magazine of choice back in the 1990s, but changed to Car & Driver, just for a change as I recall. I think it's time to go back.
I agree with everything Hokiefyd said...I am also not renewing Car and Driver.
Originally Posted By: meangreen01
And, if your position is that people shouldn't be abusing cars like this to ensure a better car for some used-car purchaser numbers of years down the road really has somewhat of an self-entitlement slant. Buy new if you want to have a pristine, unmolested ride.
Well said. It's easy to preach virtuousness from behind a keyboard. Oddly reminds me of "what's in your trunk" threads where everyone tries to be the best Boy Scout with jumper leads, a 300 pc tool kit, parka, fire extinguisher, yadda yadda.
I like living vicariously through magazines and auto tv shows; If they aren't pushing the limits of machinery or good taste they just aren't interesting. If I wound up with a car that was formerly on "Top Gear" I'd be proud of that fact.
And, if your position is that people shouldn't be abusing cars like this to ensure a better car for some used-car purchaser numbers of years down the road really has somewhat of an self-entitlement slant. Buy new if you want to have a pristine, unmolested ride.
Well said. It's easy to preach virtuousness from behind a keyboard. Oddly reminds me of "what's in your trunk" threads where everyone tries to be the best Boy Scout with jumper leads, a 300 pc tool kit, parka, fire extinguisher, yadda yadda.
I like living vicariously through magazines and auto tv shows; If they aren't pushing the limits of machinery or good taste they just aren't interesting. If I wound up with a car that was formerly on "Top Gear" I'd be proud of that fact.
I can tell everyone here on BITOG that as a mechanic myself; it really p.o' off my boss when we have to replace all tires and brakes, and other damage we find that dumb rental employees do. It IS NOT A FUN DAY/WEEK EITHER! Laugh all you want about this dumb [censored], and when you buy a used car from one of the big rental car companies, just remember that I had to repair/replace and work on these beat to death cars. Also, when my company sells these cars, we take a loss on the cars also if tires arent the right spec, brakes, body damage and miles also. Food for thought, and this isnt funny either.
What about people who can not afford new? Since they can not and they buy used so blank them?
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
The Top Gear vehicles are props that never see the road again. They certainly are not sold to folks who would depend on transportation for their family.
Interesting...
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
The Top Gear vehicles are props that never see the road again. They certainly are not sold to folks who would depend on transportation for their family.
Interesting...
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
What about people who can not afford new? Since they can not and they buy used so blank them?
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
I don't beat on my vehicles(too hard, lol). And, the last time I rented a car was back in '08. The only abuse that RAV4 got was a good winding out of the rather anemic motor.
I, like many, often can only afford to buy used. I therefore know that used rental cars don't make up the entire inventory of used vehicles for sale in any given area, so I intentionally rule out buying a used rental. Caveat emptor.
In the five pages or so of contract legalese you sign when renting a car, it lays out additional charges for damage/excessive wear. The important thing to point out here is that the renter pays for the use of the vehicle. I'm sure C&D paid more than just the basic rental charge.
Remember, these cars are just assets these rental co's have in the name of running a profitable business. They have invntory numbers and bar codes. They know how many miles they'll be in service, and the condition they need to be kept in to have a certain resale value. Their business isn't concerned about supplying an abundant, cheap stream of used cars.
What about people who can not afford new? Since they can not and they buy used so blank them?
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
I don't beat on my vehicles(too hard, lol). And, the last time I rented a car was back in '08. The only abuse that RAV4 got was a good winding out of the rather anemic motor.
I, like many, often can only afford to buy used. I therefore know that used rental cars don't make up the entire inventory of used vehicles for sale in any given area, so I intentionally rule out buying a used rental. Caveat emptor.
In the five pages or so of contract legalese you sign when renting a car, it lays out additional charges for damage/excessive wear. The important thing to point out here is that the renter pays for the use of the vehicle. I'm sure C&D paid more than just the basic rental charge.
Remember, these cars are just assets these rental co's have in the name of running a profitable business. They have invntory numbers and bar codes. They know how many miles they'll be in service, and the condition they need to be kept in to have a certain resale value. Their business isn't concerned about supplying an abundant, cheap stream of used cars.
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
What about people who can not afford new? Since they can not and they buy used so blank them?
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
The Top Gear vehicles are props that never see the road again. They certainly are not sold to folks who would depend on transportation for their family.
Interesting...
I agree entirely. But there's nothing the rental companies can really do about it short of installing black boxes and charging you more for what they arbitrarily deem to be "excessive _____".
I do not abuse rental cars, for the record. I just had a brand new Cadillac DTS (33 miles on it) two weeks ago and I absolutely babied it the whole trip.
What about people who can not afford new? Since they can not and they buy used so blank them?
Justification since its a rental car and "everyone" knows that they are beat to death?
The Top Gear vehicles are props that never see the road again. They certainly are not sold to folks who would depend on transportation for their family.
Interesting...
I agree entirely. But there's nothing the rental companies can really do about it short of installing black boxes and charging you more for what they arbitrarily deem to be "excessive _____".
I do not abuse rental cars, for the record. I just had a brand new Cadillac DTS (33 miles on it) two weeks ago and I absolutely babied it the whole trip.
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Personally I find things like this insulting.
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles. Their hard earned money...
If they want to BUY these vehicles and play like children then fine. Disclose to whoever buys them of the history of use fine.
But acting like this with vehicles that are not theirs is sad.
I've been an continuous subscriber of Car and Driver for MANY decades and I think I'll end it this year. Motor Trend gets the same reviews the same month and personally their content is nothing to the Patrick Bedard and Brock Yates days.
Bill
While I do agree with your point, lots of people treat leased and rented vehicles horribly, they just don't put it on video.
I used to work at an auto auction and we would get 1 and 2 year old vehicles that were beat to death. Some were so bad the interiors had to be gutted for cleaning. Many of the cars already had mechanical issues due to neglect.
Personally I find things like this insulting.
Someone is going to end up with these vehicles as daily transportation for their family. Someones wife and kids are going to be in these vehicles. Their hard earned money...
If they want to BUY these vehicles and play like children then fine. Disclose to whoever buys them of the history of use fine.
But acting like this with vehicles that are not theirs is sad.
I've been an continuous subscriber of Car and Driver for MANY decades and I think I'll end it this year. Motor Trend gets the same reviews the same month and personally their content is nothing to the Patrick Bedard and Brock Yates days.
Bill
While I do agree with your point, lots of people treat leased and rented vehicles horribly, they just don't put it on video.
I used to work at an auto auction and we would get 1 and 2 year old vehicles that were beat to death. Some were so bad the interiors had to be gutted for cleaning. Many of the cars already had mechanical issues due to neglect.
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