Young thieves baffled by obsolete technology

as an anti-theft device.

Unless I have to rent, then that’s all you get.

When I went to Ireland last year, all of the rental cars had manual transmissions and most cars used diesel fuel. A car with an automatic transmission cost significantly more.

On top of that, they drive on the wrong side! (wink)

I booked to pick up an automatic econo car with Hertz before I left for London. I was to pick up the car in Plymouth. I figured, adding the problems of manual transmission with that those people don't know what side of the road to drive on.....

So I take the car out of the rental lot and the brakes aren't working. Now its one thing when your car won't start. It's another thing when your car won't stop. So I took the car back to the agency.

Clerk:---"Sorry. We don't have any more small cars with automatic. We can rent you a larger car for more money."

Me: "Well, here's the situation. I have a confirmation for a compact with auto. You see, back in the states, we have a think called small claims court. So I will take the confirmation along with the bill for the larger car and file a small claims case with the rental agency in Newark Airport for the difference between the cost of the two rentals."


Clerk: "Right." (I love the British 'Right' as a response to problems) as she toddles into a back room.

Five minutes later, she comes back with keys to the larger car and rental agreement for the booked price.

I think the last column shift I remember was my dad's '53 Ford!