We just flew back from California last night, from a week long vacation.
We normally rent a full size car. When we were shopping for a rental, there was very little difference between a "Full" size, and a "Premium" car. Mrs Tdbo convinced me to spend the extra 20 bucks to get a "Premium" car.
Hertz has some interesting ideas as to what a "Full" size car is. I found it interesting that a Chevy Impala qualifies as a "Premium" car, even though it was loaded with leather, and was a V6 LT.
So we flew into Oakland, and picked up the car with 33,191 miles on it. It was just like any other ridden hard rental, complete with scratches and a nice dent in the front fender. After properly documenting the abuse on video and paper, we were on our way.
It really is a large car. It handles amazingly well, given its size. I expected the car to wallow, but was amazed with how precise the car was. The car shifted well, although the V6 IMO was merely adequate. I can't believe that they seriously sell a 4 cyl. version of this car, I'll bet that that is a ton of fun to drive.
The interior tries to look upmarket, and makes a good attempt at portraying that desire. If you sit in the car, and look at the drivers view, it makes a case with the top "Leather" surface on the doors and dash and the stitching on both. That image goes away, when you look at the rest of the door with its cheap looking, poorly textured padding. The dash is a personal judgement, I can see how some would like it or hate it. It didn't personally bother me at all, although I really didn't like the ungainly steering wheel. It felt awkward to me, and the controls definitely take some time to get used to. Instrumentation was decent, although I don't really to see the need to have the center panel with the big gas pump on it. The center entertainment pod was fine, the stereo was adequate, and the feature where the pod moves up to present what looks like a cubby behind it is kind of interesting, although I did not take the time to explore the purpose of it. I also questioned the redundancy of instrumentation; for instance, the need for the compass to be on the dash and the entertainment pod both.
Interior was decent. For me, the best part was the front seats. They were probably the most comfortable front seats that I remember in any car that I have driven. From a styling perspective, I really disliked the raised rear deck. It makes backing difficult IMO, even with a camera. I sat in the back set once. Lots of legroom, but disliked how the roof slants down, cutting headroom. Not exactly a penalty box, but could be better IMO. Nice sized, usefully designed trunk.
We drove in phases, so we never really drove the tank down to below a quarter. I'll list the miles where gas was purchases, where purchases, gallons purchased and price. Haven't really broke mileage down in segments: Mileage started: 33191:
33365 Arco, Mill Valley, Ca. 8.569 2.85.9
33555 Alliance, Monterey, Ca. 9.338 2.83.9
33922 Costco, Simi Valley, Ca. 13.396 2.79.9
34205 Loves, Santa Nella, Ca. 9.041 2.59.9
34300 Shell, Oakland, Ca. 3.572 2.93.9*
*Top off prior to dropping off car to avoid Hertz's $9.99.9/gal price.
According to my calculations 43.916/gals. over 1,109 miles= 25.25 MPG overall in mixed driving.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the car. I have the feeling that it would be a hugely better deal as a CPO than a new car. Other than styling, which is subjective, GM has a decent platform. White is definitely not the color for this car though. Too bad that they are considering discontinuation of the platform. If I were in the market and the price was right, I would strongly consider it. However, I would probably end up with an Avalon though.
Good trip to a beautiful state. It was terrible to see the devastation to those in wine country. Best wishes to those affected.
We normally rent a full size car. When we were shopping for a rental, there was very little difference between a "Full" size, and a "Premium" car. Mrs Tdbo convinced me to spend the extra 20 bucks to get a "Premium" car.
Hertz has some interesting ideas as to what a "Full" size car is. I found it interesting that a Chevy Impala qualifies as a "Premium" car, even though it was loaded with leather, and was a V6 LT.
So we flew into Oakland, and picked up the car with 33,191 miles on it. It was just like any other ridden hard rental, complete with scratches and a nice dent in the front fender. After properly documenting the abuse on video and paper, we were on our way.
It really is a large car. It handles amazingly well, given its size. I expected the car to wallow, but was amazed with how precise the car was. The car shifted well, although the V6 IMO was merely adequate. I can't believe that they seriously sell a 4 cyl. version of this car, I'll bet that that is a ton of fun to drive.
The interior tries to look upmarket, and makes a good attempt at portraying that desire. If you sit in the car, and look at the drivers view, it makes a case with the top "Leather" surface on the doors and dash and the stitching on both. That image goes away, when you look at the rest of the door with its cheap looking, poorly textured padding. The dash is a personal judgement, I can see how some would like it or hate it. It didn't personally bother me at all, although I really didn't like the ungainly steering wheel. It felt awkward to me, and the controls definitely take some time to get used to. Instrumentation was decent, although I don't really to see the need to have the center panel with the big gas pump on it. The center entertainment pod was fine, the stereo was adequate, and the feature where the pod moves up to present what looks like a cubby behind it is kind of interesting, although I did not take the time to explore the purpose of it. I also questioned the redundancy of instrumentation; for instance, the need for the compass to be on the dash and the entertainment pod both.
Interior was decent. For me, the best part was the front seats. They were probably the most comfortable front seats that I remember in any car that I have driven. From a styling perspective, I really disliked the raised rear deck. It makes backing difficult IMO, even with a camera. I sat in the back set once. Lots of legroom, but disliked how the roof slants down, cutting headroom. Not exactly a penalty box, but could be better IMO. Nice sized, usefully designed trunk.
We drove in phases, so we never really drove the tank down to below a quarter. I'll list the miles where gas was purchases, where purchases, gallons purchased and price. Haven't really broke mileage down in segments: Mileage started: 33191:
33365 Arco, Mill Valley, Ca. 8.569 2.85.9
33555 Alliance, Monterey, Ca. 9.338 2.83.9
33922 Costco, Simi Valley, Ca. 13.396 2.79.9
34205 Loves, Santa Nella, Ca. 9.041 2.59.9
34300 Shell, Oakland, Ca. 3.572 2.93.9*
*Top off prior to dropping off car to avoid Hertz's $9.99.9/gal price.
According to my calculations 43.916/gals. over 1,109 miles= 25.25 MPG overall in mixed driving.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the car. I have the feeling that it would be a hugely better deal as a CPO than a new car. Other than styling, which is subjective, GM has a decent platform. White is definitely not the color for this car though. Too bad that they are considering discontinuation of the platform. If I were in the market and the price was right, I would strongly consider it. However, I would probably end up with an Avalon though.
Good trip to a beautiful state. It was terrible to see the devastation to those in wine country. Best wishes to those affected.
