Elite Auto Rental Blog

Despite a cult following for several of their models over the years (e.g., Beetle, Rabbit, Golf) Volkswagen has seemingly always been bedeviled by engineering, maintenance, and customer service issues.

Unfortunately, news of a voluntary Passat recall for models built from 1999-2005 will do nothing to reverse this trend. To add to the typical bad news of a recall is the fact that Volkswagen actually announced the recall based on three separate mechanical issues.

The first issue involves gasoline powered Passats with automatic transmissions. Those models will require inspection of the heat shield to determine if there is any damage present that could compromise the exhaust system.

Secondly, all Passats with a 1.8-liter engine will have their fuel line inspected, and potentially replaced, because of damage that may exist.

Finally, all Passats with the 4Motion all-wheel drive need to have their fuel tank ventilation valves inspected for damage.

Passat owners are invited to go to any VW dealer to have the problems addressed, but official notices aren’t scheduled to be released until May 30. Thus far, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of any of these issues.

No one company can or should be overly picked on for recalls. All car manufacturers have had their brushes in manufacturing imperfections. In fact, maintenance issues in general are one of the primary headaches of all car owners. This is especially true for exotic car owners.

“If you think getting your Volkswagen or Volvo worked on is stressful, imagine taking in your six figure exotic sports car for work,” states Ron Sturgeon, the owner of a Tarrant County car rental company.

“The general rule is that the more expensive the car, the more expensive the work that will ultimately have to be done on that car. That is big factor in why our clients come to us for Fort Worth luxury car rentals the first place,” says Sturgeon.

Sturgeon runs several exotic car businesses including a exotic car club in Fort Worth. “Our club allows members to enjoy the driving aspect of the exotic car experience without dealing with the inconvenience and high costs of buying or maintaining performance cars. Not to mention that DFW Elite Car Club members can drive a different exotic car whenever they choose,” says Sturgeon.

To find an exotic car sharing club in your area, check an online directory such as http://www.exoticcarclubs.com.

Sturgeon also owns an exotic car rental agency and an exotic car tour business. “Some people want to have access to an exotic car for a fun weekend or special occasion, so renting from us is a great opportunity. Others like spending a day behind the wheel of five exotic cars on scenic tours, so the exotic car tour is great for them. We just try and give each customer the best performance car driving experience for them.”

An excellent place to find a reputable exotic car rental company is an online directory such as exoticcarrental.net. “It isn’t nearly as expensive as people suppose to upgrade your next rental to something truly exciting to drive,” says Shane Atwood,owner of Precious Metals Cars, a luxury car rental company serving Hilton Head and Savannah, GA. Nothing completes a historic tour of old Savannah better than a little highway driving in a Convertible Dodge Viper rental,” insists Mr. Atwood.

Written by G.D. Gregory. If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.