So… I’m looking for a rental car with built-in GPS that would operate out of Houston International TX. Airport code IAH.
I reserved (for 10-7) an Alamo Premium Chevy impala, but the GPS is not built in. I can get a plug in. Might as well use my phone. I’d much rather have a GPS built into the dash/car.
We will be driving a lot, to different airports and out to the ‘country’. What rental company has premium cars that have in dash on board GPS? Alamo does not. So forget that.
Before I start calling around, (the web sites are pretty useless) where would you go for a premium 4 door that has GPS built in. Price is nearly no object. (I’ve rented a Lincoln Town car for fun)
I don’t think car rental companies are doing this much – most people would prefer to use their own phone, which they are familar with, instead of having to learn a new gPS system in each rental car. And the built in ones are often harder to use.
I like renting a fun car. I usually drive big SUV’s and pick-ups. Don’t want a sports car though. No point in it. Been there done that. And we need room for 4-5.
Some of the cheaper Garmin suction cup units are superior to any phone or built-in GPS unit for my dollar. Seriously, I just take mine in a carry-on and stick it right to the windshield of any vehicle I am in. It works great and serves as a HUD.
I have an iPhone too and would never consider using it as an automotive GPS except as an emergency backup. Having a screen always at eye level with a simple and intuitive interface is invaluable. I won’t even buy GPS options for my vehicles because it is so much easier and cheaper to use a well designed standalone unit that has freely updated maps.
Of course if the rental cars had built-in GPS receivers, the rental agency won’t make money renting the add-on GPS. From a Google search, some suggested that in the rental cars with built-in GPS receivers, the memory card that contains the mapping data is absent, perhaps stolen by previous renters, perhaps removed by the agency staff.
Pretty much all new cars come with a Navigation system. My Wifes new Subaru has one. It seems to work quite well. I can use my Android with no problems. My Wife can use her Android as well.
I’m not happy with all the touch screens in new cars. But, I need to get used to them.
Anyway, I’ve driven everything but a submarine. I like having fun with different cars. I’m used to big cars. Give me a Grand Vic or a Merc Grand Marquise and I’m right at home. My first car was a 1962 Olds '98.
One of my favorite cars was my Hi-poed VW Scirocco. But… I’m not 22 anymore.
I’ve a big Nissan SUV as my daily driver, my plowtruck is a short bed Hemi Dodge. I will be putting the chains on all four wheels of the Dodge truck and it’s snowplow on soon. Winter is fast approaching.
I’m looking for a large sedan with all the bells and whistles. I’ve no problem paying a few hundred xtra for a long weekend to get it. Had great fun renting a Lincoln Town car for my wife and I a few years ago.