My Takata Recall Rental Roller Coaster
07-16-2016, 02:49 PM
#1
10th Gear
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Join Date: Jan 2014
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My Takata Recall Rental Roller Coaster
Hello everyone!
So I own a 2013 TL Tech in Houston, Texas with 26k miles on it. I heard of the Takata recalls and called my local dealership to get a rental while I awaited new parts. In the beginning, I thought it would be a month or so with a rental, and I would eventually get my beloved TL back.
On April 12th, 2016, I traveled to John Eagle Acura in Katy, Texas to get my rental car. They drove me to Enterprise near the dealer, where I had the option of an old Chrysler 200 or a 2015 Ford Fusion with cloth seats and a light cigarette smoke stench. I was extremely disappointed, but opted for the Fusion. It had a bouncy rearview mirror and drove like hell.
After only a day, I decided I will not be driving it for a month, and went to the Enterprise location near my home and saw a 2016 Fusion Titanium with Illinois plates and the 2.0L EcoBoost. I said it'd be a perfect swap, and took it. It was worlds better, and I never would have guessed that a trim level and a few months newer could make such a huge difference. I started my second Fusion with 21,049 miles on April 14th, 2016.
After driving the Fusion Titanium all over the place, including a road trip to Louisiana, in early May I was visiting the Enterprise to inquire about how tolls would work. In the back, I saw them cleaning a 2016 Explorer Limited, and very kindly asked if I could be swapped into it. He told me it was more expensive, but would give it to me as a free upgrade. I was so excited, and returned the Fusion with 22,629 miles. 1,580 miles in 26 days. I started the new Explorer with 11,175 miles on May 9th, 2016.
The next day, my family used the Explorer to go to dinner, and noticed the rear left seatbelt had been chewed up by a dog and could not buckle. Great. So I returned once again to the Enterprise location, and told them of the problem. They turned around and told me someone had just returned a brand new Explorer, only 2 weeks old, and I could take it. This new Explorer also had the panoramic glass sunroof that my first one did not, so that was a plus. I started the second Explorer on May 12th, 2016 at only 2,371 miles.
As a little back story, one of my favorite cars on the road is the Infiniti QX80. I don't know why, but there is something about it I just love. It is known as the black swan of all rental cars, as it is very difficult to come across. I looked all over the city for one, but could never find one, so I eventually gave up. One day, as I was driving to pick up my father, I noticed that the Downtown Houston Enterprise had a 2016 QX80 sitting outside on their lot! I pulled in, and very casually asked if there was any way they could swap my Explorer for the QX80. They told me it would be a big favor, but they would go ahead and authorize the swap, free of charge. I returned my Explorer with 4,012 miles. 1,731 miles in 26 days.
I began my QX80 rental on June 6th, 2016, with 17,050 miles on it. As of July 16th, it has about 20k miles.
Just thought I would share the interesting story on how I climbed the rental ladder from a stinky old Fusion to a luxurious Infiniti QX80. I know many are upset about not driving their TL's, as am I. But this rental car just makes it a little harder to complain. I have attached photos of each rental to this post. Any other similar stories?
So I own a 2013 TL Tech in Houston, Texas with 26k miles on it. I heard of the Takata recalls and called my local dealership to get a rental while I awaited new parts. In the beginning, I thought it would be a month or so with a rental, and I would eventually get my beloved TL back.
On April 12th, 2016, I traveled to John Eagle Acura in Katy, Texas to get my rental car. They drove me to Enterprise near the dealer, where I had the option of an old Chrysler 200 or a 2015 Ford Fusion with cloth seats and a light cigarette smoke stench. I was extremely disappointed, but opted for the Fusion. It had a bouncy rearview mirror and drove like hell.
After only a day, I decided I will not be driving it for a month, and went to the Enterprise location near my home and saw a 2016 Fusion Titanium with Illinois plates and the 2.0L EcoBoost. I said it'd be a perfect swap, and took it. It was worlds better, and I never would have guessed that a trim level and a few months newer could make such a huge difference. I started my second Fusion with 21,049 miles on April 14th, 2016.
After driving the Fusion Titanium all over the place, including a road trip to Louisiana, in early May I was visiting the Enterprise to inquire about how tolls would work. In the back, I saw them cleaning a 2016 Explorer Limited, and very kindly asked if I could be swapped into it. He told me it was more expensive, but would give it to me as a free upgrade. I was so excited, and returned the Fusion with 22,629 miles. 1,580 miles in 26 days. I started the new Explorer with 11,175 miles on May 9th, 2016.
The next day, my family used the Explorer to go to dinner, and noticed the rear left seatbelt had been chewed up by a dog and could not buckle. Great. So I returned once again to the Enterprise location, and told them of the problem. They turned around and told me someone had just returned a brand new Explorer, only 2 weeks old, and I could take it. This new Explorer also had the panoramic glass sunroof that my first one did not, so that was a plus. I started the second Explorer on May 12th, 2016 at only 2,371 miles.
As a little back story, one of my favorite cars on the road is the Infiniti QX80. I don't know why, but there is something about it I just love. It is known as the black swan of all rental cars, as it is very difficult to come across. I looked all over the city for one, but could never find one, so I eventually gave up. One day, as I was driving to pick up my father, I noticed that the Downtown Houston Enterprise had a 2016 QX80 sitting outside on their lot! I pulled in, and very casually asked if there was any way they could swap my Explorer for the QX80. They told me it would be a big favor, but they would go ahead and authorize the swap, free of charge. I returned my Explorer with 4,012 miles. 1,731 miles in 26 days.
I began my QX80 rental on June 6th, 2016, with 17,050 miles on it. As of July 16th, it has about 20k miles.
Just thought I would share the interesting story on how I climbed the rental ladder from a stinky old Fusion to a luxurious Infiniti QX80. I know many are upset about not driving their TL's, as am I. But this rental car just makes it a little harder to complain. I have attached photos of each rental to this post. Any other similar stories?
07-17-2016, 01:53 AM
#3
I had somewhat similar story. At first I was given a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with only 2000 miles on it. Not a terrible car but just not big or fast enough. Since there's a Enterprise branch next to my place, I wondered their lot pretty much every week to see what they have. One day they had a Tahoe and the guy told me he would authorize the swap if I chose to. Did not get it because it is too big for our drive way. Then 2 weeks later they had a 2016 Nissan Maximum with 3000 miles on it. I exchange the Tucson with 1500 driven by me and swapped for Maximum for the next 6 weeks. I was pretty impressed by how it drives and boy what a fun ride!! I was in a rental for a total 70 days with 4200 miles. At one point I was hoping to keep driving that Maximum for longer but I am glad that I got my TL back but so glad to try out the new Maximum.
07-17-2016, 07:53 PM
#4
The Original Shawdy
Good story and nice they allowed you to upgrade free of charge.
07-17-2016, 09:05 PM
#6
Team Owner
I can't stand the QX80 
it just looks... Odd. I like its predecessor A LOT though. Was it the QX56? That thing was sexy.
it just looks... Odd. I like its predecessor A LOT though. Was it the QX56? That thing was sexy.
07-17-2016, 10:34 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Nice rentals lol
Did your SA update you as to when the part will come? I am also from Houston with a 2013 TL too
I was put on a Ford Edge Titanium and now a Taurus Titanium. I kinda like them both. Ford has come a long way
Did your SA update you as to when the part will come? I am also from Houston with a 2013 TL too
I was put on a Ford Edge Titanium and now a Taurus Titanium. I kinda like them both. Ford has come a long way
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TheMuffinMan (07-18-2016)
07-18-2016, 11:58 AM
#9
Senior Moderator
well at least gas in TX is cheap.... 
07-18-2016, 12:00 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
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