I really enjoyed the Fiat Panda we had last time, though this time I think I wanna go with something a little bigger as I'm guessing it will be comfier on Britain's less great roads. I have no idea what we will get, but I'm seeing Astras and the like on the websites. I guess a better question is which cars should I avoid? I'm def not messing with anything French. After my experience with the Kia Soul I will probably avoid the Koreans too.
No, get something French. German GM cars aren't all that interesting. French cars usually drive like shit but have goofy quirks about them.
The late model 208 and 308 are very well reviewed. And the 108 is secretly a Toyota.
If anything, you should get something like a C4 Cactus - it's the darling of Europe, and quirky and cool. I've seen one in person in Detroit. And it was super cool.
Also, most Korean City cars are well reviewed too - the Picanto and i10 are tops in their segment....
Also, you may want to stick with a small car, still. My roommate has property in the UK, and she rented a Toyota Avensis (basically about the same size as the Corolla, but slightly longer) and it was like driving a house.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjfD7L9nL2Y/Uxj166NLywI/AAAAAAAAGkE/2ZTCKFXyDgQ/s1600/CITROEN_C4_CACTUS_OLIVE_BROWN_BEIGE_SHINE_DUNE.png)
I feel like you've already made up your mind to hate it tho lol
Yeah if you want quirks get french, for sure.
I'm sure there's somewhere that would let you rent an OG MINI. I know there's a place in Scotland that you can rent an old Jag XK to drive around.
You're going to be stuck in a metric shit ton of traffic. Keep that in mind for whatever you get. No matter how far off the beaten path you go, you will be following a line of cars below the speed limit between 7am and 8pm.
Hightly recommend a drive through the Cotswolds on the way to Stonehenge. It's a bit out of the way, but necessary.
Cactus
Euro + Crapbox =
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Trabant_1.1_Universal_(02).JPG)
Quote from: Rich on June 07, 2016, 11:50:10 AM
You're going to be stuck in a metric shit ton of traffic. Keep that in mind for whatever you get. No matter how far off the beaten path you go, you will be following a line of cars below the speed limit between 7am and 8pm.
This is why I'm opting for the compact over the economy car... should be more comfortable in what sounds like a less than great grind.
Not looking for quirks at all... Doug DeMuro rented a Citroen, and described it as the worst car he's ever driven. Granted, he is an idiot, but his reasons were quasi legit. There was nothing memorable about the car, and its "quirks" were just poor ergonomic choices. I'd be happy with a Mini, Golf, Focus or something along those lines.
I'm pretty sure the Cactus would be a premium car, which I'm not willing to pay for. Driving my Civic every day makes a new Golf a premium car :lol:
Anything French, really. You've got to experience it for yourself.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 07, 2016, 01:14:55 PM
This is why I'm opting for the compact over the economy car... should be more comfortable in what sounds like a less than great grind.
Not looking for quirks at all... Doug DeMuro rented a Citroen, and described it as the worst car he's ever driven. Granted, he is an idiot, but his reasons were quasi legit. There was nothing memorable about the car, and its "quirks" were just poor ergonomic choices. I'd be happy with a Mini, Golf, Focus or something along those lines.
I'm pretty sure the Cactus would be a premium car, which I'm not willing to pay for. Driving my Civic every day makes a new Golf a premium car :lol:
DeMuro rented a C-Elysse - a french car only sold in Eastern Europe. That was a budget model made in Eastern Europe and somehow ended up where he was as a rental.
It'd be like renting a basic Mexican-Spec Chevrolet Chevy (C2) and saying that all Chevrolets are junk.
Also, ther Cactus is a budget car. The Cactus is Citroen's budget line.
I mean, come on. The Focus and Golf they get there are the same at home. Live a little! Get something you can't get at home!
If they have Cactii for rent I will give it a look. But if it sucks there will be hell to pay!!!!
I wouldn't mind something diesel with decent power and a ton of torque. The ~70HP in the Panda was just enough... with a turbo and diesel torque that same power might have been a lot more enjoyable.
Quote from: Raza on June 07, 2016, 01:22:03 PM
Anything French, really. You've got to experience it for yourself.
This. Renault or Citroen.
Or, look at spending a bit more. "Premium" rentals aren't really that expensive in Europe. I've gotten 3 series, 1 series and an E-class on my trips there.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 07, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
This. Renault or Citroen.
Or, look at spending a bit more. "Premium" rentals aren't really that expensive in Europe. I've gotten 3 series, 1 series and an E-class on my trips there.
For some reason I read this as an "E-series and 1-class"
On the low-end, Renault >> Citroen IMO. I've driven a couple C3's and they suck. All of the Renaults I've driven (Modus, Scenic, Megane) have some decent qualities about them.
Don't know if you could rent this, but it's cool in a Brit kind of way.
(http://c8.alamy.com/comp/EJP1HT/ford-pop-rat-rod-hot-rod-EJP1HT.jpg)
Quote from: 2o6 on June 07, 2016, 11:14:39 AM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjfD7L9nL2Y/Uxj166NLywI/AAAAAAAAGkE/2ZTCKFXyDgQ/s1600/CITROEN_C4_CACTUS_OLIVE_BROWN_BEIGE_SHINE_DUNE.png)
I feel like you've already made up your mind to hate it tho lol
What the hell is this abomination? Is it French? They are a weak people, get something German or Japanese. At least with a German car, the GPS will automatically lead you directly to Poland, no matter what you type in.
My parents lately did a roadtrip through the UK... they had a Volkswagen Eos, they always try to get convertibles. They said, in some villages, the roads were so narrow, that the Eos was a bit too big actually.
I'd suggest, rent as small as you can - saves you money and is definitely a "European experience". If you come to germany, get a big engine though...
Europcar has a Mini Cooper, both manual and automatic. They also have the Fiat 500 Abarth.
I feel like wifey would not like the Abarth. The Mini Cooper sounds good though. I don't know who she made the reservation through but we can probably cancel and go with Europcar. Would be nice to sample that 1.5T 3 banger and since we are gonna be in England it seems appropriate
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 08, 2016, 07:14:47 AM
I feel like wifey would not like the Abarth. The Mini Cooper sounds good though. I don't know who she made the reservation through but we can probably cancel and go with Europcar. Would be nice to sample that 1.5T 3 banger and since we are gonna be in England it seems appropriate
Abarth is just as roomy, sounds awesome, and is fantastic to drive.
MINI is bigger and more refined. I have the Civic here if I want something rambunctious. Trying to relax and be comfy on this trip
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 08, 2016, 08:06:29 AM
MINI is bigger and more refined. I have the Civic here if I want something rambunctious. Trying to relax and be comfy on this trip
Oh right, I forgot the new Mini is huge now.
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 08, 2016, 08:06:29 AM
MINI is bigger and more refined. I have the Civic here if I want something rambunctious. Trying to relax and be comfy on this trip
:wtf: :lol:
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 08, 2016, 07:14:47 AM
I feel like wifey would not like the Abarth. The Mini Cooper sounds good though. I don't know who she made the reservation through but we can probably cancel and go with Europcar. Would be nice to sample that 1.5T 3 banger and since we are gonna be in England it seems appropriate
You can get that engine here. I've driven a few Mini's with it.
A quick test drive around the block isn't the same as spending a few days with a car.
And with the coilovers + intake the Civic is a ton of fun. If any of you find yourselves in NC I will take you on my test loop. But it's not boomy + top heavy + annoying like the Abarth. I'm just not into the Abarth.
The Abarth is basically a Panda with more power.
The Abarth is as stiff as a board, so it's too fucking uncomfortable.
I feel like you'll most likely end up in a new 3cyl Focus or Fiesta.
I forgot how tall the Panda was. Still, bleh.
I found rental rates in England to be much more reasonable than in continental or mainland Europe. I rented a Ford Mondeo last time I was there and I don't remember it being outrageous in price. It felt large and wide but there are plenty of equivalent sized cars in congested London. Since you are not used to driving on the other side of the road and using your left hand to shift, and since you're not familiar with the roads, I suggest you get an automatic. Factor in rental insurance in your cost because I doubt your current auto insurance will cover a rental in England. If your car comes with a navigation (my Mondeo did) you won't have to rent a GPS too. I believe there is a congestion charge you have to pay if you drive in London during business hours on the weekday and typically it is the renter's responsibility to register their vehicle for this which is kind of a pain in the ass.
I think we are going to pick the car up outside of London, which should help. Driving in London would be too much. That should help with the price too.
I know a place you can rent a car for 50 pounds a week if you have your own insurance
Quote from: Rich on June 08, 2016, 11:37:07 AM
I know a place you can rent a car for 50 pounds a week if you have your own insurance
This kind of sounds like one of those "I know a guy down by the docks that can get you anything you need, if you don't mind it being wrapped in evidence tape" or "I know a place where they pay you to rent their car, but you have to drop off this package somewhere, no questions asked" kinds of deals.
Haha, they cater to military and have mostly 2000/2001 Honda accords w/ a stick... some are auto. They are higher mileage, but stout pieces. There are a couple around it by the base... real no fuss places. Really laid back and work around schedule changes with a "just bring it in when you're done with it." They don't add late fees or anything.
If you rent a Mini, it's probably going to be a miserable Mini ONE>
Using Expedia, I priced out for a week from London Heathrow airport a Ford Fiesta, automatic, for $24 a day and a Ford Focus, automatic for $30 a day. If you stick with manual shift yourself, you can get a Fiesta for $13 a day and a Focus for $19 a day. Insurance is another $11 a day.
If you fly in to Heathrow, you have to factor in the cost/headache of getting to your rental car as opposed to just renting from the airport. Both getting there and returning.
I think it's a no brainer to get the larger car that fits your budget and an automatic in an unfamiliar driving environment/set-up, especially with your wife with you. For a passenger, a larger car is more comfortable in terms of room and ride. Luggage is less of a pain. Also you can't enjoy hijinks in terms of aggressive driving with your wife as your passenger (I'm guessing.) It would be different if you were by yourself and on the autobahn or something. Why mess around with shifting with your left hand, driving on the left side of the road, getting used to passing other drivers on the right side, staring at your navigation screen, talking/arguing with your wife as she helps navigate, getting used to the different set-up of traffic lights and roundabouts, getting used to more narrow lanes, all at the same time while searching for that perfect off the beaten path pub or restaurant because I know you're a foodie. You're only going to be there for a short while anyways. Also, what if your wife needs to drive?
The two times I've rented a car in England/Scotland, for the first day or two my mantra while driving was "stay on the left side of the road, stay on the left side of the road, stay on the left side of the road". I had to keep repeating it to myself.
I just suggest NEVER taking vehicles to the "drive on the wrong side of the steering wheel".
Like English to continent, and continent to England.
More people smash their cars up that way!!!...... I'd just rent a different car for each situation.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on June 09, 2016, 09:35:58 AM
I just suggest NEVER taking vehicles to the "drive on the wrong side of the steering wheel".
Like English to continent, and continent to England.
More people smash their cars up that way!!!...... I'd just rent a different car for each situation.
Point taken but huge numbers of people do it all the time (Chunnel). 6000 cars go between England and France a day on it.
I forgot you were looking at foreign makes. There are plenty of those as well with similar pricing. A bunch of Vauxhalls which is a GM. Damn those VWs are expensive there. What a crock! No wonder they can afford the several billion dollar TDI fiasco.
Quote from: veeman on June 09, 2016, 10:00:18 AM
Point taken but huge numbers of people do it all the time (Chunnel). 6000 cars go between England and France a day on it.
And a disproportionate number of accidents are people driving on the wrong side of the road and can't see to pass (around moving or parked objects)... Not saying it can't be done, I just suggest not doing it. Driving a RHD Toyota SUV on the right-side of the road was goofy enough on Kandahar Airbase, where the speed limit was 20km/h (40km in a couple remote spots) ...
Quote from: shp4man on June 07, 2016, 03:07:38 PM
Don't know if you could rent this, but it's cool in a Brit kind of way.
(http://c8.alamy.com/comp/EJP1HT/ford-pop-rat-rod-hot-rod-EJP1HT.jpg)
Or this one!
(http://i.imgur.com/1nNu7kx.jpg)
Driving a RHD manual isn't that hard. The first few minutes will be awkward, but you quickly will get used to it.
The most confusing thing about driving a RHD car is not shifting with your left hand, but the position of the blinker signal stalks. Some RHD cars have them on the left, but the standard is having them on the right-hand-side where on LHD cars you usually have wiper control signal stalks.
I think the hardest part would be muscle memory. Needing to shift, reaching your right hand out, and smacking it against the door.
Car hire at Heathrow tends to be more expensive than elsewhere.
In the UK, I've always rented from Enterprise in Reading. There's a bus that goes from Heathrow to the railway station in Reading and, from there, it's a short walk to Enterprise. Better prices in Reading and a more relaxed atmosphere there, too. Plus, you won't have to deal with the insane traffic around Heathrow.
Quote from: Raza on June 10, 2016, 05:07:11 AM
I think the hardest part would be muscle memory. Needing to shift, reaching your right hand out, and smacking it against the door.
You get used to it pretty quick though.