Not trying to start a flame war or anything, but I was just wondering why nissan would want to "degrade" their flagship car to "rental-car" status?

 

BECAUSE YOU CAN MAKE ALOT OF MONEY IN FLEET SALES. It's also advertising for your car

 

You know those quotes of #1 selling car in America made by Honda and Toyota? You don't get those by selling to ma and pa, it's all about the fleet. Think about it this way...Rental car companies like economic reliable cars, it is a compliment to the Max.

 

I've seen rental Toyotas, but I don't think I've seen any rental Hondas.

 

I've been in the San Fran area on a project weekly, for the past 3 months. I've been lucky enough to get a 2k2 SE from Hertz several times (mostly the Ford Taurus). Not only do I drool, but people who ride with me (like when I do about 85 - 95 on 101 North going into the city at night), it becomes an easy sell.

 

That means 2K2's are going to flood the market when Hertz starts pulling those out of commission and selling them. That's where I got my 2K GXE with 28,000 miles on it.

 

ohh, you bought a used rental car? do you know what people do to those cars?

 

Mine was in very good condition. They did have to repaint the bumper due to paint chips. Engine was in very good condition and after applying several TSB's (transmission, coils, rotors) engine ran much better than ever before.

 

So they upgraded you to the Max from a full size to a premium car several times what a treat? It is hard as heck to get a Max at any of those places, I do hate the fact that our beloved SE is a rental. Most of the 02's I see our rentals and our either Pearl White or Sterling Mist. Someone is going to get a good deal once they start retiring 2002's from their fleets.

 

I've seen the rental maximas around, do you all think Enterprise RAC will notice if you switched the 2002 parts with your own 2001 parts?

For example I have a 2001 SE and if I took the HID's from the 2002 and put them on my car and put my 2001 headlights on the rental maxima. That wouldn't be stealing would it?

 

no, go for it

 

Those guys who work there are used to seeing the cars so they'd prolly notice. However, I had a 2K2 rental last week (my Alty got totalled last week, story here) and the Xenons on the rental looked much bluer than mine, so I was tempted to swap the bulbs.

But I had to return that one to Budget and rent from Enterprise and they gave me a Lumina. What a horrendous piece of **** this car is. I will never again have any respect for anyone that went out and bought a Lumina with their own money. This car is such a joke. But, the sweet chick at Enterprise let me in on a secret -- they're getting a big delivery of new cars tomorrow, including 2K3 SE's and loaded Volvo S40s, so she said I can come back Friday and swap for whatever I want up to Premium level. Anyway, now that they've decided to total out the Alty I'll only have it for another week or two anyway. Then I've gotta figure out what to do until November when my G35 Coupe comes in...

 

That idea has been through my mind since the 1st time I saw a 2K2 rental rolling around. Back in the day I wouldn't have hesitated but now...hellz no. Just isn't right.

 

I seriously considered grabbing the HID's on the 2k2 to swap for my own Max -- I conscience got in the way. But, if anyone in the SF area gives me $$$$ I may just leave my rental in front of their house for a few hours while I go to dinner

-- just kidding.

 

I worked for Enterprise for 6 years. There is a good chance they will notice. The ERAC branches don't have a ton of Maximas. They especially don't get a lot of cars with HIDs! We used to be very familiar with each premium unit. It would be better to take the full insurance and claim the HIDs were stolen. Or just spend the money and not live in fear of being caught!

 

I currently work for Enterprise and I know that I would notice if the headlights got swapped out. I know a lot of the people who work for the company are car buffs and would also notice. Besides the Max is a premium car and we pay even closer attention to those. The car is just too darn nice to not constently look at it. And if you know someone who wants to buy a previous rental 2002 Max, wait another month and they will all be up for sale.