Just got back from the rental place. Upon drop-off, the guy asked me the one question I was truly hoping for… “Why are you exchanging this?” With a big grin, I said “let me show you!”, and directed him to the back of the car. I opened the back, and swung up the compartment cover. He was quite amused.
Exchange paper in hand, we went in to the desk clerk. He was quite unsympathetic. I explained to him that it was inconvenient for us to have to drive back to the rental office. We did spend 2 hours in stop and go traffic. Perhaps there was something they could do to make up for this disservice. He asked me what kind of car we had. I told him, a Chevy HHR. He said, “You already got a full-size car.” He was implying I had paid for a compact car, and received a full-size, therefore already had an upgrade. Seeing he wasn’t going to budge, I decided to try a different route. “OK, how about a vehicle with a GPS Navigation System then?” I asked. Without thought, he responded “No! The system will force me to charge you that. I can’t do it.” I stared at him for 5 or 6 seconds. “Yeah, I can’t do it. Look, I could have charged you $16 for gas!” I gave up.
He handed me the contract, and told me to go through the same routine as yesterday. Basically, they don’t have enough cars to meet the demand. There’s a line of people with contracts outside, and they literally get their car as it rolls out of the car-wash. It’s like some sort of crazy factory assembly line. I imagine there will be a “How It’s Made” episode to cover it soon.
Anyway, I’m pretty satisfied with the car we have now, a Chevy Cobalt, with a sun-roof! Sure, the thing is really beat up (look at the Scratches and Dents thingie). At least it didn’t come with complimentary oysters!
Good blog! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which may do the trick? Have a nice day!