Not to sound like a snob but...

[BimmerGuy]

My employer is sending me to Mililani Hawaii for three weeks. That means I'll be out of my Bimmers and into a rental car. Yes that's right I'll be sporting a Nissan Sentra. I need to remember to keep it slow and steady on the curves!

I must apologize to any Nissan owner on our board but when you get used to fine German engineering you forget about anything other!

David

[Wimbledon]

I've only owned German cars myself and you definitely appreciate their fine engineering.

That said, of all compacts to get, the current Sentra would be near the top of my list. The steering is surprisingly good compared to most in its class, even if it is a far cry from most any BMW.

Just stay far away from the Nissan Versa, which they may try to offer you as a compact rental instead. Not only is the drive worse, but the seats are truly terrible.

Too bad the rental companies can't give us something truly entertaining in this class, like perhaps a Mazda 2 5-speed...

[BimmerGuy]

When I arrive tomorrow I'll take a quick look around their lot before I jump in my Sentra just in case one happens to be laying about.

Thanks for the heads up about the Versa. I'll fight tooth and nail to stay out of that one!

I'll let you know what I end up with tomorrow night.

David

(09-07-2010 02:48 PM)Wimbledon Wrote:  I've only owned German cars myself and you definitely appreciate their fine engineering.

That said, of all compacts to get, the current Sentra would be near the top of my list. The steering is surprisingly good compared to most in its class, even if it is a far cry from most any BMW.

Just stay far away from the Nissan Versa, which they may try to offer you as a compact rental instead. Not only is the drive worse, but the seats are truly terrible.

Too bad the rental companies can't give us something truly entertaining in this class, like perhaps a Mazda 2 5-speed...

[vwestlife]

(09-07-2010 02:48 PM)Wimbledon Wrote:  Just stay far away from the Nissan Versa, which they may try to offer you as a compact rental instead. Not only is the drive worse, but the seats are truly terrible.

The Versa is spacious, soft riding, quiet, relatively fuel efficient -- and although neither particularly comfortable or supportive, its seats are large and flat, perfect for fat American butts. But the steering and cornering are decidedly un-sporty, and the base 1.6L engine requires a lot of downshifting to maintain speed on inclines.

Overall it's a mixed bag; the Sentra is definitely more engaging to drive (although still not near the top of its class), but if I was only given a choice between a Versa and a Corolla, I'd pick the Versa without hesitation.

[Dr.Gonzo]

I have to admit that I will be making the switch from German to Japanese (cringes) at least going from an e30 to a s14 240SX hopefully will be enjoyable.

[Vman455]

That's all right--I just switched from an American fat-butt truck to a Civic, with seats that are just my size.

[BimmerGuy]

Ok the verdict....

2010 Ford Mustang convertible. I was upgraded since they didn't have my car ready as expected being a "Gold Member" with Hertz. Fully equipped with leather sport seating. I need to have sport seats with bulky bolsters to keep my skinny butt in the seat during cornering. Otherwise you can envision Madonna in the rear seat of the 740IL when being driven by Clive Olsen. He's hot by the way but I digress....ugh now I'm hot and bothered! Just kiddin' guys!

I cannot really comment on how it drives since I arrived in Honolulu at rush hour traffic. I drove approximately 8 miles and it took about 1.25 hours. I think it'll be fun.

BTW...Anyone have any to-do's for me while in Honolulu?

Thanks,

David

[grethi]

(09-08-2010 05:25 PM)BimmerGuy Wrote:  BTW...Anyone have any to-do's for me while in Honolulu?

Do you have a body for a speedo? I hear there's a decent gay beach out there somewhere. If you do, you have more guts than me. I did it only once as a joke at a friends pool party; and I wasn't the only one.
Apparently there's a fantastic state park on the far side of the island. I've never been, so I don't know to much else to say.

The Mustang is okay. I think I put it out there before; it feels like such a big bulky car at low speeds. I think that may be in part due to the live axle rear. They're cool cars, and I wouldn't mind driving a rental one again.

[Wimbledon]

Mustang Convertible is one heck of an upgrade over a Sentra! Very cool.

Is your rental the newest facelifted model?

I've been to Hawaii many times...enjoy it!

I went to Flickr to browse some Honolulu photos...a few choice selections from my search:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/32912172@N00/689727850/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paula_marin...otostream/

Nothing like the smell of the fresh Hawaii plumerias:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdf/1954546...otostream/

[BimmerGuy]

I think it is the facelifted model. It seems to have little beadie eyes. The cool thing about it though, not that I'm totally into lighting, but the cup holders, door sills and lights across the dash light up really cool at night.

I've actually put the top down twice today even though I risk burning my bald head!


grethi...LOL! I do not have the body for a Speedo. I am 42 but hold my own well for that age group, I think. I'm not opposed to going there and seeing who does though I'm probably considered the grandpa of this forum.

I found out that I'll have this weekend off and not much to do beside sight see all by myself. So that said I'll let you know about that park you're thinking of. Maybe I'll take some photographs of the views and my Mustang!

David

(09-09-2010 03:18 PM)Wimbledon Wrote:  Mustang Convertible is one heck of an upgrade over a Sentra! Very cool.

Is your rental the newest facelifted model?

I've been to Hawaii many times...enjoy it!

I went to Flickr to browse some Honolulu photos...a few choice selections from my search:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/32912172@N00/689727850/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paula_marin...otostream/

Nothing like the smell of the fresh Hawaii plumerias:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdf/1954546...otostream/

---

Wimbledon...

Thanks for the eye candy followed by a big splash of water to cool me down. Oh the Plumeria is very pretty too!

I see we have much in common!

David

(09-09-2010 04:35 PM)BimmerGuy Wrote:  I think it is the facelifted model. It seems to have little beadie eyes. The cool thing about it though, not that I'm totally into lighting, but the cup holders, door sills and lights across the dash light up really cool at night.

I've actually put the top down twice today even though I risk burning my bald head!


grethi...LOL! I do not have the body for a Speedo. I am 42 but hold my own well for that age group, I think. I'm not opposed to going there and seeing who does though I'm probably considered the grandpa of this forum.

I found out that I'll have this weekend off and not much to do beside sight see all by myself. So that said I'll let you know about that park you're thinking of. Maybe I'll take some photographs of the views and my Mustang!

David

(09-09-2010 03:18 PM)Wimbledon Wrote:  Mustang Convertible is one heck of an upgrade over a Sentra! Very cool.

Is your rental the newest facelifted model?

I've been to Hawaii many times...enjoy it!

I went to Flickr to browse some Honolulu photos...a few choice selections from my search:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/32912172@N00/689727850/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paula_marin...otostream/

Nothing like the smell of the fresh Hawaii plumerias:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdf/1954546...otostream/