Elite Auto Rental Blog

One of the many benefits of exotic car rental is being able to ignore recall notices.  When you rent an exotic vehicle, you don’t have to worry about issues like maintenance.

For Toyota owners, this week has been full of mounting concerns about vehicle safety.  3.8 million Toyota cars and trucks were recalled earlier in the week, and Toyota stopped production and sales of affected autos.

The issue is a sticky accelerator pedal.  Over time, especially in cold or damp conditions, the gas pedal on certain Toyota models can cause dangerous driving situations.  There is a chance the gas pedal can be slow to return after it has been depressed by the driver’s foot.

That means that the car could accelerate at the wrong time, causing an accident.  Toyota is still working on a fix for the problem, but the Japanese automaker believes the issue is due to a faulty gas pedal assembly.  It is working to develop a replacement part.

Vehicles affected include the following Toyota cars and truck models:

1. 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
2. Some 2007-2010 Toyota Camry vehicles
3. 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
4. 2010 Toyota Highlander
5. 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
6. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia
7. 2009-2010 Toyota Rav 4
8. 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra

As of right now, Toyota claims that these vehicles are safe to drive.  The automaker says that it wants owners to be aware of potential problems and know how to respond if they encounter this issue.  Toyota recommends that if drivers experience a sticky accelerator, they immediately stop driving and contact their Toyota dealer.

Toyota is not the only automaker to issue a major recall.  In recent years, most of the big car companies have had to recall models for various safety issues.  Even exotic car companies, like Lamborghini, have recalled models in the last few years.

For exotic car fans, keeping up with all of these issues can be a bit of a hassle.  Instead of owning an exotic car and dealing with maintenance, insurance, car storage, and other ownership concerns, many are turning to options like exotic car rental, exotic car clubs, and automotive dream tours.

While Toyota works on solving the accelerator issue, they have suspended production of the affected vehicles.  The automaker has also halted sales of these cars and trucks until a new part can be developed.

If you own one of these cars, you can find out more information by calling Toyota Customer Service at (800) 331-4331.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

Rodney Ross is fed up with waiting to be paid by Dean Kruse for his Lincoln Limosine that was sold at the Labor Day Weekend Sale in Auburn Indiana.

In an attempt to draw attention to the plight of unpaid sellers, Ross decided to create a website (http://www.kruseauctionripoff.com) to publicize the stories of sellers and their experiences with Kruse Auctions International.

Rodney Ross’ beautiful Lincoln Limo that was sold at Kruse International’s Labor Day Weekend Classic Car Auction in Indiana. (Photo: Rodney Ross / Fort Worth, TX)

“Our goal is to give people a place to tell their stories and to be a clearinghouse for information that sellers need to know,” said Ross, a Fort Worth car collector.

The site contains links to recent news stories about Kruse Auctions and Dean Kruse

Read the full press release about the new website, KruseAuctionRipoff.com

The Detroit Auto Show is an exciting event for exotic car fans and automotive analysts alike, and this year didn’t disappoint.  CNNMoney.com offered an opinion on 6 Cars Worth Waiting For.

This year’s Detroit Auto Show is remarkable for featuring eco-friendly cars.  Gone are the huge SUVs and gas-guzzling vehicles of the past.  Instead, the show is filled with small autos like the Smart ForTwo.

Fuel economy is one of the major innovations for many of these six new cars.  In addition, performance is also a priority in many models.

The Honda CR-Z, a new hybrid offering from the Japanese automaker, is based on the CR-X of the 1980s.  However, while the CR-Z won’t get the incredible gas mileage of the CR-X, it will have safety and performance features that the old model didn’t have.  And at 38 miles per gallon on the highway, the fuel economy isn’t too shabby either.

Lincoln also has a new offering, the MKX.  The crossover has an impressive 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is capable of 305 horsepower.  In addition to the performance specs, the car boasts a version of Ford’s new Sync software system.  The Sync system provides voice activation and hands-free operation of music players, cell phones, and other mobile technologies.

The redesigned Ford Focus is expected to wow car buyers with both its performance and fuel economy.  Up to 10% more efficient than previous iterations of the Focus, the 2011 model also features a 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with dual-clutch shifting.

Even though it’s a standby when it comes to American sports cars, the newly redesigned Ford Mustang will probably turn a few heads.  The 5.0-liter V8 engine will generate an impressive 412 horsepower, and the redesign also delivers improved steering and suspension.

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe was unveiled in November at the L.A. Auto Show, and it already has Cadillac enthusiasts excited.  The car is a lighter, leaner version of the CTS-V sedan will be available with a manual or automatic transmission.

Perhaps the most exciting new development for exotic car fans is the Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet.  The convertible coupe features a cloth top and impressive sound insulation.  It also has several design innovations to protect occupants from wind.  The 382-horsepower E550 Cabriolet will hit showrooms this spring.

Luckily, if you’re anxious to drive a Mercedes, you don’t have to wait for the E550 to go on sale.  You can avoid the expense and hassle of ownership, including car payments, insurance, and vehicle storage, if you join an exotic car sharing club, rent an exotic car, or participate in an automotive dream tour.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

Driving an exotic car doesn’t just mean turning the heads.  It also means attracting extra attention from law enforcement officials.

If an unnamed Swiss man didn’t already know this, he knows it now.  The world’s most expensive speeding ticket was handed down to a Swiss millionaire for driving his Ferrari Testarossa at 85 miles per hour.

Although 85 miles per hour is nowhere near the top speed of this car, which sports a 4.9-liter, 428 horsepower engine, it’s fast enough to cost the driver a fortune.

The driver was charged the equivalent of $290,000 for speeding through a village.  The man was going 35 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and Swiss officials assessed the fine based on his wealth.

The Ferrari driver owns a nearby villa and five exotic vehicles.  His offence angered the court, which claimed the man was acting out of a “pure desire for speed.”

Fortunately, for Texans, there are ways to drive a Ferrari that won’t get you quite as much attention for the Swiss cops.

Exotic car rental is one option that is increasing in popularity.  Instead of hassling with car payments, automobile storage, insurance, and maintenance, drivers can simply drive a dream car for a day.

You won’t find a Bentley at the Hertz counter, but you can find one to rent using any of a number of online directories of exotic car rental companies. One of the very best is http://www.rentexoticcars.net.

Another great choice is joining an exotic car club.  Car club members have access to an entire garage of exotic cars.

A third alternative is a dream car driving tour.  Automotive dream tour participants get to drive several exotic vehicles over the course of a single day.  They can compare vehicles and enjoy some of the most beautiful roads in Texas.

Learn more about a dream car tour for yourself or for a gift by visiting DFW Drive Your Dream. Public tours are given in cities throughout Texas and corporate events are offered throughout the United States. Take a peak at photos from our recent tours on DFW Elite Auto Rental.com’s Facebook page.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

There’s no denying that 2009 was a hard year for the auto industry, especially for manufacturers of exotic cars.  However, some industry analysts expect to see a slight upturn in auto sales figures for the months of December.

As consumers grappled with a credit crunch, high unemployment, and mountains of debt, many were resistant to the idea of buying a new vehicle last year.  This reluctance resulted in one of the worst years for the auto industry.

In 2009, China edged out the United States as the strongest car sales market worldwide.  The year also saw two iconic U.S. car manufacturers, General Motors and Chrysler, file for bankruptcy.

Depending on the sales figures for the month of December, 2009 was either the worst year since 1982 or 1970.

TrueCar analyst Jesse Toprak told FoxNews.com that he expects 2009 will be the worst year since 1970, but he does predict an improvement in 2010.

“I think what we are going to see in 2010 in a nutshell is steady and slow recovery,” Toprak said. “The fundamentals that fuel new car sales are improving, but there is still a lot of skepticism from consumers.”

For many consumers, especially those considering exotic vehicles, this skepticism has led to outside-the-box thinking.  Instead of purchasing a six-figure exotic car, many exotic car enthusiasts choose instead to join exotic car clubs.

Touted as being environmentally responsible, as well as economical, car clubs are a great alternative to owning an exotic vehicle.  Instead of hassling with insurance, maintenance, storage, and other owner concerns, exotic car club members can just sit back and relax.

Members have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  Rather than committing to one car, they can experience the thrill of driving a Lamborghini one week and a Bentley the next.

Other options include exotic car rental and automotive dream tours.  Exotic car rental is great for those who want to have a great time on vacation or impress friends and dates.  It’s also an excellent option for special occasions like class reunions, major birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Automotive dream tours are the ultimate way to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with driving exotic vehicles.  Over the course of a few hours, participants can sit behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars in Texas.

These and other creative options may be the future of the exotic car world.  Toprak expects that it may take three more years for domestic car sales to return to normal, and it could be even longer for exotic car sales.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

The Detroit Auto Show, which begins January 16, 2010, will feature the newly redesigned Ford Mustang.  For exotic car fans, the Mustang has always been a respectable domestic standby, but this redesign may make it a true exotic vehicle.

The 2011 Ford Mustang is expected to receive a full remodel, including a new 5.0-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 412 horsepower.

Those stats may put the new Mustang on par with exotic cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo or Bentley Continental.

According to Autoweek, Ford engineers achieved the impressive performance by giving the engine room to breathe.  The new design features an aluminum engine block, and vertically-placed air intake ports.  The car also features a pair of stainless steel exhaust headers, providing even better air flow.

Wondering about the weight of an engine this size?  The new Mustang’s V8 engine weighs in at only 430 pounds.  That’s 20 percent less than the previous 5.0-liter Mustang’s engine.

Most of the weight reduction is due to the materials used.  The aluminum block and composite components cut the car’s weight.

Anyone who has driven an exotic car knows that decreased weight can mean increased thrills. If you haven’t experienced the adrenaline rush of sitting behind the wheel of a high performance automobile, you can do so without the expense of owning.

Owning an exotic car means finding secure car storage, affordable insurance, and a qualified mechanic.  With these other alternatives, all you have to do is drive.

You can participate in an automotive dream tour.  These tours are designed to give you an exceptional automotive experience.  Over the course of a few hours, you can drive five super sports cars over some of the most secluded roads in the hills of North Texas.

Another option is exotic car rental.  You can rent the car of your dreams for a special occasion like a wedding, anniversary, or class reunion, or you can just rent an exotic car for the weekend.

For hard-core exotic car fans, the best option is joining an exotic car club.  You’ll have access to an entire garage of incredible vehicles, and you can use points to drive the exotic car of your dreams.

The new Mustang will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

Wondering what to get the exotic car enthusiast in your life?  If you have the space and the budget, a Mustang pool table could be the perfect holiday gift.

The table, which is designed to look exactly like the lower part of a 1965 Ford Mustang, would make a great centerpiece for a game room or family rec room.  The table was originally produced with a Poppy Red exterior, but it is now available in a variety of colors to suit your tastes and décor.

Built using a regular pool table frame, the body of the Mustang pool table is made from solid fiberglass.  Actual molds from the 1965 Mustang were used to create the car chassis.  The top of the table is regulation sized and made from slate and felt.

The Mustang pool table is accented with chrome bumpers, wheels, a Mustang insignia, and real working headlights and taillights.  The body is finished with high quality auto paint and a protective clear coat.

At just under $15,000, the Mustang pool table costs more than five times as much as a real Mustang cost in 1965.

If you think Santa may have trouble fitting the Mustang pool table down your chimney, another great option is an automotive dream tour from DFW Drive Your Dream.

Dream tours give exotic car enthusiasts a chance to drive several incredible automobiles.  Participants get to drive cars like the Bentley GT Coupe, the Ferrari F430, the Audi R8, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

At $697 per person, the 2,000 horsepower automotive dream tour is a great deal, and right now, when you buy one tour, you get 20% off the price of a second one.

If you still need ideas for the exotic car fan on your list, why not consider an exotic car club membership?  Perfect for people who love to rent exotic cars, these memberships provide access to an entire garage of amazing vehicles.

Exotic car rental, exotic car clubs, and automotive dream tours all present alternatives to owning an exotic vehicle.  Many exotic car owners complain that it is difficult to find secure exotic car storage and affordable insurance.

With so many gift options for exotic car fans, it may be hard to make a decision!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

While it won’t win any races against a Lamborghini Gallardo or other exotic car, the new Toyota Sienna minivan redesign includes a full style overhaul and impressive new figures for fuel economy.  Toyota’s minivan redesign will be one of the big debuts at this year’s L.A. Auto Show.

An ailing auto market has had a major impact on the type of vehicle featured at the auto show this year.  While exotic cars like the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which retails for $245,000, still have a place at the show, the focus is obviously on small cars and minivans like the Toyota Sienna.

In fact, many high-end carmakers won’t even be preset at the L.A. Auto Show this year.  After a year of fierce competition and dismal sales, several exotic car manufacturers, including Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, and Lamborghini, will be staying home to lick their wounds.

“We had no North American [product] launch, so we decided not to go,” Ferrari spokesman Matteo Sardi told the L.A. Times. “But we value the show, so we’ll definitely be back.”

In the case of this year’s L.A. Auto Show, the absence of the exotic car manufacturers gives regular car companies a chance to shine.  And according to reviews, the 2011 Toyota Sienna stands out from the rest.

As a nod toward the market’s current values of frugality and fuel economy, Toyota has designed the Sienna with a standard 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine.  The V-6 will remain an option for consumers, but this new 4-cylinder offers an improvement in fuel economy at 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

Debuting the redesigned Sienna at the L.A. Auto Show represents an aggressive marketing move for Toyota and draws admiration from some car enthusiasts.

“It’s a very straightforward way of doing things,” Dave Thomas, senior editor at  Cars.com, explained the L.A. Times. “A Toyota Sienna minivan? That’s not the type of thing you would normally debut at the L.A. Auto Show. It’s certainly not a sexy car, but it’s a big deal for Toyota.”

Some exotic car fans may be just a little disappointed at the absence of many of the big names.  Despite exotic car ownership hassles like getting an Azle TX insurance quote or finding secure car storage, we all fantasize about driving a Bentley.  Those who wish to indulge the fantasy can find an excellent exotic car rental directory at http://www.rentexoticcars.net.

Luckily, most exotic car manufacturers are not ruling out their attendance at next year’s auto show.

This year’s L.A. Auto Show runs from December 4 through December 13.

Kate Miller-Wilson is an SEO web writer and a professional freelance writer.  To view more of her work, please visit her website.

Nissan’s new all zero-emissions car, the LEAF, wowed audiences when it was unveiled on Friday in Los Angeles.  Consumers are beginning to consider 100% electric vehicles a new kind of exotic car, and Nissan is justifiably proud of its offering.

“The LEAF is a new paradigm of the car,” Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told Reuters.

“LEAF represents a totally new transformational technology that will change the way people drive, use, and power their vehicles. And the time is right for this breakthrough.”

Sales of fuel-efficient vehicles have been one of the few relatively successful areas of the auto business in recent years.  Amid economic and environmental concerns, U.S. consumers are looking for a way to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Many consider zero-emissions cars to be the way of the future.

Toyota and other car companies have been focusing on hybrid technology.  With its Prius, Camry Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid, Toyota is clearly betting on the continued success of hybrid vehicles.

Nissan has other fully-electric plans.

Reports indicate that Nissan is betting everything on zero-emissions cars, and they are doing all they can to control every step in the manufacturing of these vehicles.

“With our alliance partner, Renault, we are taking a position which is unique in our industry which is a comprehensive approach that goes beyond our vehicles alone,” said Ghosn. “Our vision includes lithium-ion battery development and lifecycle management, infrastructure support and collaborative partnerships that educate and engage the public.”

Nissan’s website claims that the LEAF “performs like a V6,” although it also lists the car’s top speed at 90 miles per hour.

As long as the car has decent performance, it may not need to offer adrenaline thrills, even for exotic car fans.  That’s because exotic car enthusiasts are discovering a new way to drive their dream cars and still take car of the environment.

You can own a fuel-efficient or zero-emissions vehicle like the LEAF for your daily commute, reducing your reliance on gasoline.  Then on the weekends, you can rent an exotic car or join an exotic car club.

It’s the best of both worlds.  In addition to saving gas and money with your commuter vehicle, you’ll be able to experience the real thrill of driving an exotic vehicle like a Lamborghini or a Bentley.

Renting an exotic car or joining an exotic car club eliminates most of the hassle that goes with owning an exotic vehicle.  In addition to finding secure exotic car storage in Dallas and affordable insurance in Azle, exotic car owners need to deal with maintenance and high car payments.

Vehicles like the Nissan LEAF may soon make it possible to save the environment and still have a great time.  The LEAF will begin appearing in showrooms in late 2010.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer specializing in parenting, cars, genealogy, and crafts. She recently completed SE friendly web content for a Fort Worth Car Storage company.

A Plano luxury car dealer has a unique approach to marketing. Eric Mass, president of Classic BMW in Plano, TX came up with the idea for Cars and Coffee.

The show takes place on the final Saturday of every month. Classic BMW provides owners a place to show off a variety of exotic vehicles, including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches. Classic cars are also welcome, and in September, the dealership hosted 520 vehicles.

Photo by Charles Williams. See more of his excellent photos in his Flickr photostream

“Our specialty is BMW, but we have an affinity for everything automotive, and we want people to know that,” Maas told the Dallas Morning News.

Hosting a show is a creative marketing ploy, to say the least. The majority of show participants are unlikely to buy a new exotic car from Classic BMW. In fact, the Cars and Coffee show doesn’t even provide advertising for Classic BMW, since the dealer isn’t mentioned in ads.

However, as the Cars and Coffee show gains a following, potential customers may trickle into the dealership on their own.

“It’s a challenging economy for everyone right now,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas car storage facility, “but for people in the auto business, it’s even more difficult. This is some great creative marketing.”

For Maas, it’s also about something even bigger. He coordinates donations for each show, often for causes like leukemia and Alzheimer’s research. He’s hoping that more participants will mean even larger donations.

“I think we could have shows where if we have 2,500 or 3,000 people showing up, we could raise $2,000,” he says. “That’s kind of an informal goal.”

With the way attendance numbers have been increasing, it’s likely that Maas will meet his donation goal. Dallas area residents are excited about exotic vehicles, and they are turning out in droves for the Cars and Coffee event.

For exotic car fans, events like Cars and Coffee are a great way to get a close look at exciting vehicles. If you want an even closer look without the expense of owning an exotic car, you can try exotic car rental.

Owing exotic cars can be costly. On top of the high purchase price, you have basic upkeep of your vehicle to consider. You also need to find a great deal on car insurance, which isn’t always easy for exotic vehicle owners.

Another great ownership alternative is joining an exotic car sharing club. Car club members have access to an entire garage of exotic cars and can use points to drive those cars whenever they like.

When it comes to exotic vehicles, Maas wants the public to know that his dealership is excited about everything.

“Our specialty is BMW,” he says, “but we have an affinity for everything automotive, and we want people to know that.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in cars, crafts, genealogy, and parenting.