1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
There is no Jetta in Europe; they have the BORA. Either way, those cars suck on a long trip and more likely at rental stations you will see the Skoda or Seat versions as they cost less. These are OK cars but not very good for long trips. You will never see a 1.8t for rentals unless you are in Sweden, and it will be in a Passat or TT. They never have the 1.8t in Germany/Italy/France as they cost too much to drive. More likely you will see 1.9 TDI or 1.6 petrol.
Why no 9-3? Not stable enough at high speeds (200 k/h plus), too loud and use too much fuel. They never rent these anyhow unless you are in Holland and then it is considered a premium car and is too costly.
Following are the best cars based on my 5 years of experience driving all over Europe every few weeks. Please note that my list is based on cost for benefit, but also factors in issues such as comfort and safety. There is no order to the list, but you can guess that the more expensive cars are nicer to drive.
BMW 520 Diesel Wagon; 525 if you are loaded (the best if you can afford it)
Volvo v60 D5 wagon, really nice and safe.
BMW 320 Diesel (awsome car)
Passat TDI 1.9 Wagon w/ six speed trans. (130 kw; the fast one)
Saab 9-5 2.0t (if you are in Sweden)
Opel Astra Hatch 2dr. w/ Diesel (if you are on a budget or must drive in an old town with limited parking)
Renault Laguan Diesel (really sweet)
Why mostly Diesels? Because they drive better than the alternative which will almost always be a 1.6 to 2.0 gasoline engine. They have more torque and are geared better. Once on the motorway you will never need to downshift and in town you can poke around in 3rd or 4th gear and still pass people. In Europe petrol will cost $100 per tank and Diesel wil be about $75. You wil be able to drive at least 500 miles on a tank, sometimes 600 with any of the Diesel even at 200 KM/hour and with the gasoline engine you will not even get 300 when driving fast. Trust me, you want a Diesel.
Avoid; Golf 1.6, A4 1.6, any Fiat, Old Style Opel or Vauxhal Vectra, Passat 2.0, BMW 520 Petrol, Old Style Mercedes E Class, LArge French Cars with Gasoline Engines, any Convertable.
-Doug
Remember to get winter tires in the winter and do not let them stick you with a car that still has winter tires on it between May and October.
posted by 165.247.22...
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