Elite Auto Rental Blog

The economic downturn has been hard on some businesses and disastrous for others, but Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business, says his business has seen a less than 10 percent profit reduction this year.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make a profit in the business of exotic car rental.

Sturgeon explained to the Star-Telegram that operating costs can be pretty significant for an exotic car rental business.  The initial purchase cost of an exotic vehicle is the first hurdle, with many cars costing in the six figure range.  Then there’s maintenance.

“A scraped wheel can be a couple of thousand on one of these cars,” Sturgeon said.

But for Sturgeon, the business is also a pleasure.  He loves exotic vehicles, especially the Bentley Continental GT.  For auto enthusiasts, getting behind the wheel of a Bentley can be a dream come true.

“Cars have been my whole life,” Sturgeon said. “It’s probably 90 percent of my fun and less than 10 percent of my business.”

Sturgeon’s Dallas exotic car rental business is unusual in that they own all of their exotic vehicles.  For most exotic car rental companies, the exotic car inventory is largely borrowed.  Owning the vehicles give Sturgeon an edge when it comes to making sure vehicles are available and well maintained.

Surprisingly, the Dallas exotic car rental business hasn’t taken a lot of economic hits.  Sturgeon said they have lost one Lamborghini when it was totaled, but otherwise, the cars are returned in good shape.  The engines in the exotic vehicles can be disabled remotely, and speed reports are also available.

For exotic car enthusiasts, exotic car rental can be a great deal.  When an oil change alone can cost $1200, a couple of days of exotic car rental don’t seem all that expensive.  In general, the cost of maintaining and insuring exotic cars can be astronomical, and for many people it just makes more sense to rent a Lamborghini.

Sturgeon’s company also features automotive dream tours in DFW and throughout Texas.  Participants in these tours can drive a Lamborghini and several other exotic cars over some of the most beautiful back roads in Tarrant County.  And a price tag about $1200 is pretty reasonable for the chance to drive several exotic vehicles.

“I think the price is good,” said Sturgeon.  “Everybody is always just blown away by how much fun it is. It’s quite a treat.”

Many people may not be aware of the alternatives to owning an exotic car.  It’s a dream that just seems out of reach for many people, but Sturgeon is in the business of making that dream come true.

“I don’t think people think we exist,” he said.  “I just don’t think the average person knows you can rent a Ferrari in Dallas.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

It’s not always easy to figure out a good father day gift.  Most dads really aren’t all that keen on receiving ties or new dress shirts.  After all, there’s a lot more to today’s fathers than the classic role of provider for the family.

Why not use your father’s hobbies as a clue?  Is he an exotic car enthusiast?  Does he dream of driving a Lamborghini?  If so, exotic car rental might be the perfect Father’s Day gift.

A good Father’s Day gift helps you show your father how much you love him and appreciate him as a parent.  One of the best ways to do that is to show him that you listen to him and know him well.  If your dad spends a lot of time talking about exotic vehicles, your best choice could be exotic car rental.

Other great Father’s Day gift ideas include the following:

• Father’s Day Gift Idea #1:  A fun gadget like a GPS navigator, cell phone, or MP3 player. If your dad is a technology geek, he’ll love something along those lines.  Take stock of what he has and ask around for ideas about what kind of gadget he might need.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #2:  A gift certificate for a nice dinner. This could be a great idea for the dad who loves to cook and loves good food.  There are lots of great Dallas restaurants, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation as soon as possible.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #3:  An automotive dream tour. Dream tours are perfect for dads who love exotic cars and would enjoy driving several cars in one day.  If your dad enjoys exotic car rental, this could be the ultimate Father’s Day gift.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #4:  Gear for his favorite hobby. This could be a special fishing pole, some disc golf equipment, or whatever supplies your dad could use to participate in his favorite hobby.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #5:  Grilling equipment. A lot of dads love to grill.  Why not encourage your dad to make an even better hamburger with a new grilling cookbook or grill tools.

Whatever you choose as a Father’s Day gift, make sure it represents what you dad really enjoys.  Father’s Day is June 21, so there are only a few more shopping days left!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

So you have a date and you want to make the evening special.  How do you stand out from the crowd while still remaining true to yourself?  Planning the perfect night out in Dallas is as simple as a great pizza and exotic car rental.

(Photo courtesy of Adam Hicks - Fort Worth, TX. All rights reserved.)

Renting an exotic car gives you a chance to show your date a really good time.  After all, it’s not everyone who picks up a date in a Lamborghini.  If your date is an exotic car enthusiast, exotic car rental will ensure that you show off your good taste and fabulous style.

Exotic car rental is easy.  Your chosen vehicle can even be dropped off at DFW International Airport or your hotel room.  And exotic car rental is a great way to add a little something extra to an already wonderful evening.

For dinner, many Dallas residents recommend Louie’s.  Louie’s is well known for its thin crust pizza, which is topped with a variety of meats and vegetables and Louie’s famous pizza sauce.  You can also get drinks here, although there are no beers on tap.

Locals recommend the meatballs as a starter.  Noted for their excellent flavor and dense texture, the meatballs are served with marinara sauce.  Family-style salads are also a great pick.

Louie’s is a local favorite and has been featured on the Food Network as well.  Dallas residents report that it makes a great first date restaurant, especially if you’re going for a casual, comfortable atmosphere.

What if renting a Lamborghini isn’t your style?  Lamborghini rental isn’t the only way to go.  You can also rent a luxury car like a Mercedes S550.  There’s even a Bentley Continental available for rent!  Finding the right car is almost as important as finding the right date.

So you’ve go your dream date, and your driving your dream car.  You’ve had pizza at Louie’s.  Now you’re off to a great start and can take your date to a movie, a show, or any of the great cultural events happening in Dallas.

Just remember that if you’re going to Louie’s, you need to bring cash.  The restaurant doesn’t accept Visa and Mastercard, and there’s nothing more embarrassing than having to dash out to an ATM in the middle of dinner!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.