Car rental companies use hard tires?

[Monkeyleg]

In the last couple of months, I've rented three different cars from Enterprise and Budget rental. Both were almost new, with one having 4700 miles on it and another 1200. One was a Nissan Altima, and the other a mid-size Mazda.

Both cars had a lot of road noise, to the point where I couldn't use my Bluetooth headset, as I couldn't hear the other person.

I couldn't figure out how two new cars could have such loud road noise, but then got to thinking that the companies may use harder rubber tires to get more miles from them.

Does anyone know it this is the case.

Just wonderin'

[drewtam]

It is typical for car companies to get special production version vehicles. A set of option combinations or options not offered at all to the consumer. It is entirely plausible that might include different tires.

[41magsnub]

My understanding is rental cars have the cheapest tires they can put on the car which are generally stiffer and have less attention paid to little things like road noise and ride.

[zxcvbob]

Check the pressure.  They might be overinflated.  (I've rented and got them underinflated before)

[Azrael256]

It is typical for car companies to get special production version vehicles. A set of option combinations or options not offered at all to the consumer. It is entirely plausible that might include different tires.

This.  Having purchased a trade in from Enterprise, there is, at least from Mitsubishi, a rental-only model.  If you call Mitsubishi and ask why their car is not physically capable of any speed in excess of 60mph, they will undo whatever they did to neuter it for free.  Lots of 'little things' different, but the most relevant to this topic is a MUCH thinner carpet and headliner and different upholstery.

To their credit, though, I got another 210k with almost no additional work from that car.

[lupinus]

Yep, cheap tires generally. As well as little cost saving things are common.

[Brad Johnson]

Rental cars are, for the most part, the most base-model vehicle the company can purchase.  Cheap usually means less of things like sound deadening, and sound absorbing things like thicker carpets and more luxo interior treatments.  Also, when tires are replaced they are replaced with the cheapest thing they can buy in that size.  Cheap usually equals hard and noisy.  Also, don't discount that the min wage shop help inflated the tires to the sidewall max pressure rating rather than the vehicle mfg's recommended tire pressure.

As for the "it's a special vehicle no one else can buy", well, only in very limited circumstances and usually dealing with cosmetic or accessory features.  For "Special Vehicle" you can effectively substitute "Higher Price".  No rental company is going to shell out a lot more for a model unless it's some kind of added-value special edition they can use for marketing or PR (read: Hertz Mustang).  Otherwise it's a bare-bones entry level version that they were able to get with specific features to attract renters.  This will be something that can be outfitted by simply pulling parts from a different bin at the factory, stuff like upgraded radio/satnav and maybe more attractive wheels that might not be offered as part of the everyday base-model package.  Anything that requires re-engineering or special tooling?  Forget it unless it's a specialty one-off (again, Hertz Mustang).

The reason you don't see such bare-bones vehicles in the showroom is that they are universally poor sellers vs a slightly better equipped model.  For example, you rarely see a rubber-floored, vinyl-seated, manual-windowed, steel-rimmed XL series F-150 on a dealer lot.  They just don't sell fast enough to justify tying up the money when they can sell four or five slightly more expensive XLTs in the same period of time.  But the check out service fleets and rental lots and you'd think the XL is the only model Ford makes.

I would be very, very wary of the claim of "special engine tuning that they will undo for free" as special engine tuning means custom service requirements.  Custom service requirements means specialty service personnel or higher service prices, both of which cost substantially more than leaving the stock tune and being able to send the car to the local dealer for service.  Again, higher price = not likely in a rental fleet.  It also introduces an element of liability for the rental company, something their attorneys would never okay.  Leave 'em stock and let the manufacturer absorb the liability.

Brad

[zxcvbob]

For example, you rarely see a rubber-floored, vinyl-seated, manual-windowed, steel-rimmed XL series F-150 on a dealer lot.

I had to really look to find a Chevy equipped like that (it has cloth seats, rubber mats, manual windows, steel wheels, small V8), and that was 12 years ago.  It was almost a special order.  I sometimes wish I had got cruise control; it would have more than paid for itself with 2 speeding tickets  

[Brad Johnson]

I had to really look to find a Chevy equipped like that (it has cloth seats), and that was 12 years ago.  It was almost a special order.  I sometimes wish I had got cruise control; it would have more than paid for itself with 2 speeding tickets 

I hear ya. The local dealer, who usually stocks no less than a hundred F-150s, will keep one or two 4wd XLs for the farm/ranch buyers in the area. Other than that he only orders them on demand.

Brad

[Tallpine]

The world went to hell when all the soft people started buying pickups and four by fours 

[Hutch]

Rental cars are, for the most part, the most base-model vehicle the company can purchase.  Cheap usually means less of things like sound deadening, and sound absorbing things like thicker carpets and more luxo interior treatments.  Also, when tires are replaced they are replaced with the cheapest thing they can buy in that size.  Cheap usually equals hard and noisy.  Also, don't discount that the min wage shop help inflated the tires to the sidewall max pressure rating rather than the vehicle mfg's recommended tire pressure.

As for the "it's a special vehicle no one else can buy", well, only in very limited circumstances and usually dealing with cosmetic or accessory features.  For "Special Vehicle" you can effectively substitute "Higher Price".  No rental company is going to shell out a lot more for a model unless it's some kind of added-value special edition they can use for marketing or PR (read: Hertz Mustang).  Otherwise it's a bare-bones entry level version that they were able to get with specific features to attract renters.  This will be something that can be outfitted by simply pulling parts from a different bin at the factory, stuff like upgraded radio/satnav and maybe more attractive wheels that might not be offered as part of the everyday base-model package.  Anything that requires re-engineering or special tooling?  Forget it unless it's a specialty one-off (again, Hertz Mustang).

The reason you don't see such bare-bones vehicles in the showroom is that they are universally poor sellers vs a slightly better equipped model.  For example, you rarely see a rubber-floored, vinyl-seated, manual-windowed, steel-rimmed XL series F-150 on a dealer lot.  They just don't sell fast enough to justify tying up the money when they can sell four or five slightly more expensive XLTs in the same period of time.  But the check out service fleets and rental lots and you'd think the XL is the only model Ford makes.

I would be very, very wary of the claim of "special engine tuning that they will undo for free" as special engine tuning means custom service requirements.  Custom service requirements means specialty service personnel or higher service prices, both of which cost substantially more than leaving the stock tune and being able to send the car to the local dealer for service.  Again, higher price = not likely in a rental fleet.  It also introduces an element of liability for the rental company, something their attorneys would never okay.  Leave 'em stock and let the manufacturer absorb the liability.

Brad

Uh, are you sure?  I've rented hundreds of cars in the last 6-7 years, and they were usually fairly well equipped.  These were what my company describes as "intermediates", which means Altimas, Camrys, Impalas, and the like.  When those weren't available, small to mid sized SUV's, like RAV4, Escape, and some miserable Mopar thing I've blotted from my memory.

All of them were well equipped.  Maybe a third had sat radios.  Every one of them had power windows and locks.  I assume that is to facilitate resale.  Never saw a stripped down one.

[mtnbkr]

Uh, are you sure?  I've rented hundreds of cars in the last 6-7 years, and they were usually fairly well equipped.  These were what my company describes as "intermediates", which means Altimas, Camrys, Impalas, and the like.  When those weren't available, small to mid sized SUV's, like RAV4, Escape, and some miserable Mopar thing I've blotted from my memory.

All of them were well equipped.  Maybe a third had sat radios.  Every one of them had power windows and locks.  I assume that is to facilitate resale.  Never saw a stripped down one.

I have the same experience.  Every car I've rented in the last decade has been fairly well equipped.  Not top of the line for that model, but not a base model either.  The last car I rented had power everything, leather, sunroof, satellite radio, and the sport transmission package.  The option packages that car was equipped with added several thousand dollars to the price (I know because I just bought the same car).

Then again, I've only rented at Enterprise, so maybe they do things differently elsewhere.

Chris

[lupinus]

I have the same experience.  Every car I've rented in the last decade has been fairly well equipped.  Not top of the line for that model, but not a base model either.  The last car I rented had power everything, leather, sunroof, satellite radio, and the sport transmission package.  The option packages that car was equipped with added several thousand dollars to the price (I know because I just bought the same car).

Then again, I've only rented at Enterprise, so maybe they do things differently elsewhere.

Chris

I usually go through Hertz, and have the same experience. All were equipped what I'd call nicely/middle of the road equipped.

[Monkeyleg]

The last three cars I've rented have had all sorts of bells and whistles, to the point where I needed a one-month night school class to learn how to operate everything. For the life of me I couldn't figure out how to start the Altima. There was no key for the car. There was a button on the dash, but I had to ask an attendant how to get the button to work. I haven't had a dash-mounted start button since my 1959 MGA.

The Altima was nicely equipped, but the road noise was loud. Very good stereo system. The Mazda was decently equipped, but the stereo system was mediocre. The Mazda was $52 for two days, and the Altima was $101. The Mazda cost me about $60 for gas to Atlanta and back, and the Altima $97. Road noise being equal, I'll go with the Mazda again next time.

[Brad Johnson]

Uh, are you sure?  I've rented hundreds of cars in the last 6-7 years, and they were usually fairly well equipped.  These were what my company describes as "intermediates", which means Altimas, Camrys, Impalas, and the like.  When those weren't available, small to mid sized SUV's, like RAV4, Escape, and some miserable Mopar thing I've blotted from my memory.

All of them were well equipped.  Maybe a third had sat radios.  Every one of them had power windows and locks.  I assume that is to facilitate resale.  Never saw a stripped down one.

Depends on the rental company, the category, the target market, and the options available on that model.  Some mfgs have stopped offering manual anything in certain models, opting to outfit them all with what would have been considered optional luxury items not long ago (electric goodies, better stereos, etc).  It was cheaper to spend a couple extra bucks on every vehicle for the equipment vs the engineering and tooling expense to produce what is essentially a seperate model.  I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the dramatically shortened model life of cars these days.  Design one model with abetter base package and a few options.  It's going to be redesigned in a year or two anyway so there's no time to recoup the additional development, parts, and production line tooling expense.

Brad

[mtnbkr]

I don't know about "redesigned in a year or two".  Automotive generations tend to run 5-7 years depending on the company and specific model (at least that's the case with every car I've owned).  There might be a minor refresh within a generation (see early 3rd gen 4Runner compared to later examples), but they're essentially the same vehicle.  These days, I'm seeing more transmission choices at the low to middle levels (manual, automatic, automatic with selectshift, etc).  Where you see fewer transmission choices are in the vehicles that traditionally had manuals available (trucks and sports cars).  With improvements in "automatic" transmissions (automated manuals being the biggie these days), you're seeing more vehicles in those categories simple go auto without a manual option (or as an "upgrade" rather than standard offering in the case of some sports cars).

I just bought a 2013 Ford Focus.  The difference between the low end and top of the line is staggering.  Some of it is cosmetic, but you have choices in engines (flex vs regular), transmissions (DCT 6spd vs manual 5spd), 3 different stereos (HD/non-HD, with/without satellite radio, sync, etc), suspension packages, interiors (with multiple options there), keyless entry/start, sunroof, winter packages, wheels, etc.  Then there is the ST version, which is the same car, but with upgraded suspension and a very different engine and transmission.

A base model S with no options is so different from a Titanium or ST it might as well be a different car. 

Chris

[Brad Johnson]

The chassis life is many years, but model option life is, at best, two to three.  Technology changes, cosmetics, etc.  Also, option levels are, in mfg speak, different models even though it may be for the same car.  The options for that level are designed as a package, not as simple additions to the base model that can be grabbed from a different bin and plugged in on the assembly line.  As a result the different trim levels are designed as standalone packages.  Some companies even stop to retool (slightly, but they do) between model-option runs based on the changes needed for that trim level.

I found this out with my truck.  Want to put the satnav radio from the Lariat/Platinum into your XLT?  Okay.  Here's the completely different wiring harness, completely different under-dash bracketry, completely different fascia, and completely different door hardware for the completely different speakers you will have to install because the impedance is... completely different.  And when I say different wiring harness, I'm not talking about the radio plug, I mean the whole thing is different.  Sure, it's an F-150, but it might as well have been a Taurus for all the differences in that particular situation.  It was an eye-opener for an old-school gearhead who's used to everything from a particular model being reasonably universal to the vehicle regardless of trim levels.

Brad