Rental cars

2007 and 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.6. Both cars rented from Alamo/National in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Two rentals because one agency didn't have the car available to extend my rental and could not borrow a car from another Alamo agency (don't ask...)
Car like car: good, because it doesn't stand out and therefore is less likely to be stolen or broken into. The engine is too underpowered for any serious driving (fortunately El Salvador is a smallish country with mostly good roads, but with 4 people + luggage that thing huffs and puffs uphill.) On the other hand, really, all you need is a running car with A/C over there. And yes, the Corolla runs well and has a very good A/C! Yes, I’ll rent it again: car rental choices are not that numerous in many a country.

OK, now a note about renting cars in “less urbane” foreign lands (an example from El Salvador in Central America):

• There always will be drama while renting/returning the vehicle: take it in stride...
• Speak the language: even at the Alamo/National Car Rental place at the San Salvador International airport not a soul spoke English or any language other than Spanish! But do be careful with your Latin: some people will only pretend that they don’t speak English…
• Make sure that you arrive and depart while the car rental counter is actually open: yeah, it is not certain that the car rental counter will be open during the airport’s business hours, so no late night/early morning arrivals and departures.
• Allow ample time for both rental and return (remember, there will be drama…)
• Book your vehicle with a big, international car rental outfit. Print out the confirmation email including the confirmation number, booked car type, rate/price and rental conditions (extra mileage rate, etc.) Guarantee it with a major credit card.
• Know how to drive stick: chances are that they won't have the car you have booked so be flexible but always trade up: they might/shall offer a smaller car first so insist on the vehicle you've booked or a bigger/better equipped car for the same price. Don't hesitate to call the corporate office in the States/Europe if the car rental people give you static.
• Take a good, long look at the vehicle with a magnifying glass before leaving the lot: make sure that every, even the smallest, scratch, ding, stain, insect splash - both exterior and interior - are noted on the rental agreement (they'll meticulously do the same when you turn the vehicle in.) Inspect the spare tire, all tools and equipment included with the car or you'll be responsible if that 13 mm wrench is missing.
• Make sure that your insurance covers the rental in foreign lands, buy insurance if necessary, but don't let the rental people talk you into buying more insurance than you need or want. (Only the Almighty knows the "buy the insurance" trials I've gone through at the San Salvador/Colonia San Benito Alamo counter!)
• Drive off the lot carefully and be judicious with the use of your middle finger...
  

Photo credit: Copyright © 2009 Michael Liczbanski