| Author | Message | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3742 Registered: 9-2001 |
hate to say it, but I told you so, anyway sounds like you had a fun weekend anyway | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 214 Registered: 12-2002 |
OMG... I got back from VEGAS last night. The 355 was unreal. I'll have some pictures later on and I'll tell you were we went. Luke. PS, when I went to pick up the 355 on Saturday I told myself that if the 360 was still on the lot (i.e., not rented) then they were telling the truth and if it wasn't then they were lying. Well, as I was sitting there doing my paperwork with someone I think was not involved with the scandal I saw the 360 sneak out. I said, hey, where�s it going? The guy replied that the Venetian had rented it for the weekend a high roller for (all expenses paid!) who (apparently) likes fast cars. You all were right, they screwed me. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 213 Registered: 12-2002 |
Thanks for all the thoughts, guys. Sincerely. I'll let you know how much fun I have! Luke. | ||
| Kristoffer Hansson (Maverick)
Junior Member Username: Maverick Post Number: 139 Registered: 3-2001 |
Lucas - How nuch does it cost to rent the 355? Do the RAV have a webadress? (Never mind - I found the adress myself) | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 99 Registered: 1-2003 |
Lucas: I say go with it; I think you'll find the experience worthwhile. I hate that this happened, and it sucks, but such is business, whatever their reason for doing it. A high roller or casino request should not ethically come before your reservation, but I wouldn't hold it against them too much. If I were trying to cover my a** on renting a $180K car, I might find myself doing the same thing, though I hate to admit it. That 360 is their new, and very high profile, "baby". I rented the white (NOT red!) 348 back in September of '02. It was an absolute dream...only had 12K miles. The AC didn't work, but the CD player sounded great when I wasn't listening to the engine. The guys there come across strong and scare you to death at first, but they want to protect their investments! When you come back, they're totally cool. The guy I turned the car into said "OK, uh, take all the beer and whiskey bottles out before I see them...". I said I left a joint in the ashtray and he said "Oh...you can leave that!" | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 211 Registered: 12-2002 |
Ideally, yes. And I hate getting screwed. I hate compromising my principles. Unfortunately supply vs. desire lets them get away with it. With me anyway. This time. Luke. | ||
| Nicholai Hel (Nicholai_hel)
New member Username: Nicholai_hel Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2003 |
Besides... WTF kinda name is "rent a vette"? Sounds like some kind of white trash crap. | ||
| Nicholai Hel (Nicholai_hel)
New member Username: Nicholai_hel Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2003 |
I really don't get it. They screw you around and you want to do business with them. If they really were stand up, I don't think they would make you settle for less. Stand up would be... "sorry sir but we had a person offer double what you did, and we went with him instead... however we do have this nice 355 that we will give you for a slight discount... for your inconvienence." In other words they would make you feel like a king, and not second best. If this place is renting high end cars the should act with class. You don't have to feel as if you should be greatful they let you give them money. They should be greatful you want to give them money. | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 150 Registered: 8-2001 |
M.J.: Thanks for the explanation, that's great that you guys discount the loss of use. I guess I can understand the mere presence of a high-end model on your lot as having some "merchandising" value that is not easily quantified. Luke: Have fun in the 355, I'm sure you'll still find it to be a positive experience. And please followup with us afterward and tell us all about it (preferably with pics!) | ||
| M.J. Callie (Dream_cars)
New member Username: Dream_cars Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2003 |
Luke, Have fun in the 355, sorry you didnt get the 360 but you you get a ferrari none the less. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 210 Registered: 12-2002 |
Also, with reagard to them offering Jay insurance on the Viper: they said that they only do that for cars less the $400/day. Luke. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 209 Registered: 12-2002 |
I just spoke with Josh. He didn�t really have a good explanation as to why they didn't realize I wasn't covered for OOU until yesterday, but regardless he made a good case and I can understand why they'd be hesitant to take that risk. �especially if someone else offered to take it for multiple days or pay a premium.  Needless to say, I'm not happy about what happened but they seem awful nice and stand up so I'll go with the 355 and build trust for maybe next time. Luke. | ||
| M.J. Callie (Dream_cars)
New member Username: Dream_cars Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2003 |
Jay, We (exotic rental companys) do not base the loss of use on how many times the car would have been rented but, on how many times the car could have been rented. the law states that an owner of an auto (personal or business) is entitled to comp. for everyday the car is not in there control (body shop, repairs, etc...) when the damage is caused by another. Plus we loose the curb appeal of not having that car to draw people to look at and may rent another car. Most companys do discount the loss of use, I discount it 25% generaly. | ||
| Brad-Mo (007)
Junior Member Username: 007 Post Number: 60 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have heard mixed reviews of RAV for years. I live in Las Vegas part time now but when I was going back and forth I once commented to a friend in Las Vegas that I wanted to rent a Fcar on my next trip. This fellow is in the hotel casino business and He suggested that if I wanted to do that I should make my reservation through the hotel concierge and not directly. RAV will then drop off the car and bring the paperwork. He said that they are much better about availability with the concierge than the general public. I know this dosen't help you much, but this might explain why they are trying to weasle out of the 360. If a casino has a "good customer", RAV needs the repeat business, so they will service the casino customer first. The insurance thing is most likely just a way to weasle out of the obligation to honor your confirmed reservation. There are a couple of other exotic rental companies in Las Vegas but they don't have a 360. One I know of has a 348 spider and the others have the usual Boxters, Vipers, Prowlers etc. So the 360 is a hot commodity. I would be firm about your confirmed reservation, but if push comes to shove, I would back down and just enjoy the 355. BTW, the loop is a great drive, as is the road up to Mt. Charleston. Remember, whatever you wind up with, take lots of pictures and post them here! | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 149 Registered: 8-2001 |
When it comes to "loss of use" costs, here's what bothers me. They (the auto rental company) assume 100% "occupancy" of the rental vehicle when they calculate their "loss of use." However, I'm very skeptical that ANY of their cars are rented 100% of the time. As such, I think it would only be fair when calculating "loss of use" to assume the average "occupancy" of the vehicle for the prior 12 month period. So if the car is rented out 70% of the most prior 365 days, multiple the "loss of use" period times 70%. I suggested this as a written-in clause with the Rent-a-Vette guys before I signed the contract. They just rolled their eyes and said "no way." In actuality, a rental company is making MORE money when a car is OUT OF SERVICE, and they are collecting on "loss of use" at a rate that assumes 100% occupancy of the car, when we all know this is not the truth. That kind of makes them like the insurance company... it's a win-win for them either way. Am I missing something here?? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3695 Registered: 9-2001 |
I suspect someone else wanted it that weekend and offered more money, I think the insurance is just an excuse, try somewhere else | ||
| M.J. Callie (Dream_cars)
New member Username: Dream_cars Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2003 |
The "loss of use" is a problem with insurance companys. Here in florida they have to cover the cars loss of use no mater what, Im not sure about other states. If they agree to pay its like pulling teeth. I know first hand I own an exotic car rental company in florida. Most likely the 360 is a very popular car and your insurance baulked at the loss of use clause( not knowing the law in nev. if somthing happened to the car it could hurt revenue big time. I just had this happen to one of our vipers. Dont take it personaly, enjoy the 355 or call your insurance agent and sort it out your self. Ive spoken to the owner of rent-a-vette many times and they do not seem like a company that would bump you for a bigger rental. the respectable car rental companys never do that ( I wouldn't ) and they run a first class company in lv, the only one I refer my customers to. Good luck | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 1049 Registered: 10-2002 |
True. My 348 limped home on half the cylinders and the TR had a slipping clutch, which made for interesting driving. But the 355 was perfect as it was the newest and I think they same would probably be true for a 360. When I was limping home on the 348 (this being my first F experience ever), I thought to myself: Aha, that's what this is all about. But I still loved it more than anything I've ever driven. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 208 Registered: 12-2002 |
I've hard that the condition of Dream Car Rental's cars left something to be desired. Luke. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 1047 Registered: 10-2002 |
Not sure they have a 360, but why not go with Dream Car rentals? When in Vegas I got a 348, 355 and TR from them and left as a very happy customer. I vaguely remember insurance was a question, but quickly settled. Also I deliberately rented those cars on regular weekdays in the morning so chances of getting bumped by a high roller were a lot less. Agreed, that Germany has nicer roads, but there is some spectacular driving around Vegas: Red rock canyon, or the road to the Hoover dam e.g. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 207 Registered: 12-2002 |
Jay -- I asked them on several occasions about supplemental insurance and they insist that they don�t offer any. They even seemed to suggest that if something happed to the 355 THEY would be out the "out of use" costs. So I'm assuming I'm not liable, but if when I get their they ask me to sign my life away, or worse yet, offer me additional coverage I'm going to tell them to shove the contact up there asses. Luke. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 206 Registered: 12-2002 |
I guess there are two possibilities: a) The insurance thing is for real and I should feel lucky they�re letting take out the 355 just as they alluded to. In this case I�m royally pissed that they�re just now letting me know, but am willing to honor my reservation, pocket the $1K dollar difference in rental, hope for some rhythm � extra miles, discount, etc � and prove to them that I�m 360 worthy. b) They can not or will not rent to me -- though they said OK weeks ago � because they feel insecure over me driving the car or worse yet, they promised it to someone other than me. If this is the case I want to tell then to fxuk off and make it my mission to NOT recommend RAV to any one who ever inquires about them on forums such as these. I can�t imagine that there are many people, even in Vegas, hell, ESPECIALLY in Vegas, where people come to gamble, not drive, that are willing to spend 2K/day renting a car! So for God�s sake I think they need to treat their customers with a bit more respect. I�ll let you guys know what I decided. Thanks for the advice! Luke. | ||
| david charles (Supraboytt)
New member Username: Supraboytt Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2001 |
whatever car you get take the car out to lake mead and do the loop(take the 215 follow lake mead signs- once inside lake mead follow the signs to overton) that will eventually bring you back to the 1-15 and the strip - which i think is were RAV is located i agree that normal desert driving isn't all that great - especially for a car designed to handle the twisties but the lake mead drive is anything but typical flat straights juts pick up the most recent road and track and look at the worlds fastest sedan shootout- they drive the cars right thru fire valley(which is inside the lake mead loop) i used to have supratt- now i have an audi a8- nice car - but the supra would have been a hell of a lot more fun out here : ( enjoy DC | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 459 Registered: 11-2002 |
I cannot believe that you can rent a F40, or a 288GTO (I assume, as I would be absolutely dumb founded if it was a 250GTO ... and also on a plane before I finished this post ) as well as a F50. Surely they would want to make sure you know which end of the car should go first (through the bush/fence, etc.  ) ... The cost must be huge and insurance, man it would bankrupt me!, if anything went wrong!!!!  Amazing ... I definitely would not let any Tom, •••• or Harry drive my Alfa let alone a F40!! Pete | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 147 Registered: 8-2001 |
That's true Rob I didn't think of that. I know for sure the F50 and GTO are off limits for first timers... they like to get to know you and your driving skills first. Not sure about the F40... I think it can be rented by a first-timer. I know for sure the 360's (coupe and spider) are all available to new customers though, because that is what I rented first time with them. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 4968 Registered: 12-2000 |
European Ferrari Rental doesn't rent some of it's cars to first time renters. You have to rent one of the lesser rentals before doing their high end cars. I'm not sure if some of these other companies have this going on too. | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 146 Registered: 8-2001 |
Hey Luke -- I'd be very upset too, don't blame you one bit. I rented a Viper from RAV, and I remember having THREE options with them when it came to insurance: (1) I could decline all RAV coverage, and just rely on my State Farm policy, (2) I could pay a little more for the Rental and have a MAXIMUM $500 out of pocket for any loss with the exception of "gross negligence", (3) I could pay even more for the Rental, and have basically no out of pocket for any loss with the exception of "gross negligence." I went middle of road and took number 2. Anyway, my point is, they seemed to have ways to work around limitations in your own coverage when I was there, so I think the other guys on this board are right: they probably only have one 360 Spider and rented it out already, or maybe it's been wrecked by another customer and is not available. If it were a simple matter of insurance, they have remedies for this. If I were, I'd tell 'em to take a leap, buy a ticket to Deutschland, and rent from www.EuropeanFerrariRental.com. The per diem rental rates in Europe cost LESS than in Vegas, which will pay for your flight over there. And the roads (i.e. German Autobahn and Alpine curvy roads) are far more fun to drive the Nevada desert (with all due respect to Nevada). Plus, you can drive as fast as you want and not worry about getting a ticket. The guys in Germany provide full coverage insurance with all your rentals, so you needn't worry about your American insurance company. Lastly, I know for a fact that they have four different 360 Spiders from which to choose: (1) a yellow 360 F1 Spider that is highly optioned, (2) two red 360 F1 Spiders with tan leather, and (3) a red 360 Spider 6 speed with black leather. I've rented from these guys 3 times now and each time walked away thinking it was the most fun I've ever had in my life! (last year did the F40 and it was like living a dream). With all due respect to Vegas, I've always left that place feeling like everything and everyone around me was geared 100% to separating me from my money! | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 4708 Registered: 8-2002 |
Lucas, I had the same problem renting a 360 in Texas. I had to get a 355 spider has well. Insurance is insurance. Matt | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Junior Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 150 Registered: 3-2003 |
Yeah, this out of use b.s. pisses me off. Had the same problem renting sportbikes in Hawaii, and we ended up having to sign our life away. What a crock! | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 261 Registered: 1-2002 |
Guess it depends on where else you can rent a 360 on short notice?? Maybe they double booked?? Try to get some discount for the b.s you have to deal with at least. They still have the same problem with "out of use" if you screw up the 355 an they are still renting to you so maybe some smooothness on your part might persuade them. Best of luck! | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 470 Registered: 10-2001 |
More likely a high roller, repeat customer, or problem with the car has bumped you off the list. Renting 360 spider year-round doesn't sound like the easiest business. How many do they have? | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 205 Registered: 12-2002 |
I doubt anyone remembers, but I asked here a while ago about renting from Rent-a-Vette in Vegas. All the reviews were positive so I decided to go ahead and reserve a 360 Spider for this Saturday. This was weeks ago and my reservation has been confirmed for quite a while. Also, bear in mind that in order to confirm a reservation RAV calls your insurance company to confirm coverage. Well, today - TODAY - I get a call from them saying that they world rather I didn't rent the 360 Spider because my insurance company doesn't offer "Out of Use" coverage and even though they'd pay if I wreck the car they won't ante up for any lost revenue I caused. WTF??? They tell me this today?? After weeks of anticipation and weeks of a CONFIRMED reservation???? They offered me an 355 Spider instead since its value and revenue potential is smaller. Ok, fine, but I wanted the 360! I have a feeling they are simply scarred to rent to me for some reason The entire time I was placing the reservation they kept trying to steer me toward the 355. I don't know for sure, but I doubt they just found out about this lack of coverage. I think maybe they just got up the balls to tell me they'd rather not rent to me and masked it in this excuse. Now I know renting Ferraris to strangers must be a risky business, but it is THEIR BUSINESS so they need to get over it if you ask me. What do you guys think? Am I over reacting? Should I tell 'em to fxck off? Should I be happy I'm getting the 355? Thanks for reading, Luke. |