Conference terri::cars_uk

    Try talking to your local AVIS office, they an usually advise on the
    types of car offered at most US locations.  From my own experience, I
    would expect that a US 'compact' would be at least Escort sized, but
    typically a 'saloon' rather than a hatchback.  The smallest I have ever
    had was a Reliant (Chrysler, not Robin).
                                                                      
    
    - Chris -

    I once had a Tercel as a compact car. Not as big as an escort (but it
    had a manual gearbox, which made up for a lot !). I think the Tercel is
    usually classified as a sub-compact, and that size is not usually
    offered.
    
    Andrew

    Sorry to change the subject a little here, i will be going to Florida
    in the next month - I have booked a fly drive which includes a compact
    car ( I will be upgrading to a convertible ) Anyway - the car is
    through Dollar or Avis - does anybody know if Digital has a discount scheme
    with either of these two that I can use when I get there ? either for
    cheaper CDW or cheaper upgrades ?
    
    Cheers
    
    Richard
    

    Avis should certainly be asked, just take your badge to verify that
    you're an employee.
    
    Nick

    
    
    Re .0
    
    A compact car in the states is pretty much the size of, say, a Corsa...
    Only not as much fun to drive (bearing in mind a Corsa isn't fun to
    drive IMHO).
    
    For only a few dollars more you can usually upgrade to a mid-size car,
    which is something in between a Mondeo/Scorpio type of thing.
    
    Depending on where you are going to the USA, then you'll be wanting
    air-conditioning for sure.... Some compacts do have this but it'll mean
    you won't be going up any hills sort of thing ;-)
    
    Stephen

    Well, actually my travel is also to florida, so I can give you some
    hints.
    
    I have had a long, and sometimes funny, exchange of messages inquiring
    rates to Avis. I finally got a deal for that compact car (similar to an
    Astra, btw, automatic, with air conditioning) for 240 $ (9 days). It
    seems that Digital's discount (which exists, you only have to give them
    your Wizard number) is not as good. In my case, using it the total cost
    would be more than 400 $. So I would recommend to submit an inquiry
    form from http://www.avis.com/ (and start exchanging mails)
    
    Best regards
    
    Luis

Here are a few recommendations regarding rental cars:

	Don't get a compact car, its very basic, perhaps a radio and air
condirioning (you will need air conditioning in Florida). Use AVIS and
make a reservation for a compact car and then upgrade when you pick it up, the
reason you upgrade when you pick up the car is that very often you will get the
upgrade free.

	The Avis Digital discount is the best way because you are covered for
the extra insurance (CDW and PAI). The non Digital price looks good until you
add on the insurance (at least $10/day - possibly $20 or more).

	Good luck with a convertible in Florida, its nice but its really
expensive, about $100/day and thats not a fancy convertible either.

nigel

    I imagine convertibles are rare in Florida. The reason I say that is
    that I worked for a year in Boston and then made my way down to Miami
    Beach. The day before I left for home I set about selling my car, a
    Buick Skylark convertible. I thought I'd have no trouble, but the
    conversations that ensued would have been worthy of Dave Barry's Miami
    Herald column.
    
    ...
    MAN IN GARAGE "Nobody drives a convertible here. It's too hot"
    ME "Too hot? - for a convertible?!" (I hadn't sold it in Boston because
    it was too cold there)
    M IN G "Besides, you won't sell a car here without air-conditioning"
    ME "Air-conditioning? In a convertible? A convertible IS air-conditioning!"
    ...
    
    Anyway I eventually sold it to a Rab C Nesbitt - vested character in a
    back street garage who, out of the kindness of his heart, offered me
    $950. Actually that wasn't such a bad price, this was 1970.
    
    Sorry about the completely unhelpful rathole
    
    Dick

    Dick 
    
    Thanks for the story. We need more of them in here. It makes
    interesting reading. I like the nod to DB.
    
    Royston

    I actually had a convertible from Dollar a couple of years ago when I
    was in Florida ( actually i had two since the first once died with 800
    miles on the clock ) I started with a Dodge Shadow ES and later got a
    Ford Mustang. At that time it only cost me an extra $37.00 a week ( it
    was January though ) The only reason Im considering it this time is
    that I will be 25, so no $11.95 a day surcharge for my age !!
    
    Since the hire car is already paid for ( in the cost of the FlyDrive
    holiday ) I only have to pay CDW & taxes when I get there. I was really
    wondering wether or not any Digital discount scheme could be used
    against CDW and upgrades etc.
    
    Cheers
    
    Rick
    
    

    I found that Hertz (USA) offered a better deal than AVIS (USA) even
    allowing for Digital discount at AVIS, so do shop around.   Spending is
    so troublesome these days!  Ken

    Beware that I don't believe the Digital rates include CDW as we
    self-insure in the US ie I decline their kind offer of insurance when
    asked. When on holiday you need to take this out as 3rd party liability
    can get real expensive in the US. VTX Travel (US section) has a useful
    section on this.
    
    Jim