Advance Car Rental Blog

Congratulations to our Arlington Manager, Patrick Ingram

2012-01-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our Arlington Manager, Patrick Ingram, on graduating last night at Marymount University from the prestigious Leadership Arlington's Young Professionals Program. His dedication, hard work and devotion to succeeding in the program paid off as he graduated with the Class of 2012 in an auditorium of friends, family, co-workers, business owners, county officials, and Leadership Arlington alumni. Patrick embraced the program and built upon key skills in leadership including team building, decision making, public speaking, conflict resolution, negotiations and influencing others. He enthusiastically prepared for every course and completed the program with perfect attendance, all while maintaining his full time career in management. We are proud of Patrick's accomplishment and are most grateful to have him as part of our company. A special thank you to Betsy Frantz and Liz Nohra of Leadership Arlington for making this program happen and to Michael Foster of MTFA Architecture for his inspiring key note address.

WELL DONE MR. INGRAM!

What do car rental companies do with all those cars when the 2012's arrive?

2012-01-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Our sales team at Advance Auto Sales & Leasing offers fantastic prices on rental cars that are leaving our fleet.

All vehicles are located on our sales lot in Tysons (Vienna, VA) and you can inspect the vehicles, receive service history reports and take a test drive.

Vehicles have been kept in excellent condition, have low miles and are 2010 and 2011 models.

They can be reached at 703-556-3388.

4WD SUV Rentals from $61 per day

2011-12-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Reward yourself with the experience of driving a new 2012 SUV this New Years!

Rates start at only $61.00 per day.

Easy to drive*Easy to park*4 Wheel Drive*Space for presents

703-528-8661 to reserve your Holiday car.

Upgrade your Ride

2011-12-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

2012 Chrysler 300 sedans, with accent lighting, leather seating, and easy handling feels like a $125 per day vehicle, which you can drive for only $75 per day. Our shipment of black on black sedans just arrived and are perfect for driving guests, clients or luxurious road trips.

Ranked #3 in Affordable Large Cars by U.S. News. The most technologically advanced in its class.

New 2012 Jeep Compass SUVs just arrived from Michigan!

2011-10-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Jeep Compass Sports are here just in time for winter weather. These 4 wheel drive vehicles are perfect for snowy conditions. With Hill Start Assist, Antilock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Brake Assist, Speed Control, and All-Season Touring Tires, it's a vehicle built with safety in mind. Interior is sporty and comes with a media center with MP3 adapter and Tilt Steering Column and Passenger Assist Handles. All of our models come equipped with the Continuously Variable Transaxle II which provides clutchless manual shifting for serious driving.

These are easy to drive and easy to park. And they look good too :)

Available to rent by day, week or month from our Arlington & Tysons locations.

Elroy Johnson II Promoted to Rental Specialist

2011-10-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Elroy Johnson II on his recent promotion to Rental Specialist. Elroy joined the company in May and during this time has gained job knowledge and demonstrated pleasant customer service. His friendly nature engages clients and his dedication shows in his work. He is enthusiastic and a joy to work with.

On your next call to Advance, ask for Elroy and he will help you with your car rental needs while traveling or staying in the Washington, D.C. area. You can also reach him via email at elroy@advancecarrental.com

CONGRATULATIONS!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the ESCALADE!

2011-09-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

OMG - This is an amazing SUV!

Seats 7, with individual captains seats in the 2nd row. Tons of luxurious options including DVD, rear view camera, leather seats, 2nd row heated bucket seats, Bose surround sound, extended (ESV) version, heated steering wheel, built in navigation system and extra storage space behind the last row of seats.

Sit up high, in total luxury and enjoy the ride.

***TIP*** If you're thinking of buying an ESCALADE ESV, rent one from us as an extended test drive to make sure it fits in all of those garages that you visit.

2010 Mercedes E350 FOR SALE

2011-09-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

2010 Mercedes E350

Excellent Condition!

4 door sedan

29,500 miles

3.5 Liter V6

Automatic 7-speed

Premium Package

Heated lather seats

Power rear-window sunshade

Panorama Sunroof

harman/kardon surround sound

GPS

Sport package with 18" wheels

Rear side airbags and MORE!

Unit # 80101

FOR SALE $43,000

Call 703-528-8661 to see/test drive this luxurious vehicle.

Fun Things To Do over Labor Day Weekend in Washington D.C.

2011-08-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

There are SO many FUN things to do over Labor Day Weekend in Washington, D.C. that it's hard to decide! Gather family and friends into a Mini-Van or Escalade and go play!

Abbey Road on the River - 9/1/11 - 9/5/11 Beatles Tribute Festival - 50 bands from around the world....5 days of peace, love and rock and roll... at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor.

FREE Labor Day Concert - Sun 9/4/11 8:00 p.m.on the West Lawn of the Capitol at E. Capitol & First Streets by National Symphony Orchestra.

Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival 9/3/11 - 9/5/11 More than 25 local theater companies present free readings, open rehearsals, and sneak previews of plays and musicals performing in the 2011/2012 DC season.

DC Blues Festival - Sat. 9/3/11 1-7 p.m. Carter Barron Amphitheater in DC FREE blues festival featuring local and national bands

Maryland Renaissance Festival Weekends now thru 10/23 in Crownsville, MD. Visit this recreated 16th century English Village with crafts, live performances, food, games and so much more.

Glen Echo Park Art Show and Irish Festival 9/3/11 - 9/5/11 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo, MD. Art Show from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m each day representing more than 150 regional artists with Irish musicians and dancers performing folk dances and songs.

Avoid the 6 month wait for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Drive it now.

2011-08-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Porsche Cayenne may have a 6 month wait now, but our delivery arrived just in time. You can take the Cayenne on an extended test drive and experience it for yourself:

* 8 Speed Tiptronic

* Traction All Wheel Drive

* Rear Privacy Glass

* Auto Start

* Bose Sound System with 10 Speakers

* Xenon Headlights

* Premium/Sporty Upgraded Interior

* Moonroof

* Reverse Camera/Park Assist

* Front Ventilated Leather Seats

* Integrated GPS

* XM Satellite Radio

Seriously, when you sit behind the wheel, you feel like you're in the cockpit of an airplane. From the detailed interior, to the famous performance that Porsche is known for, this SUV is an exhilarating ride.

Read what All Auto Reviews recently said about the 2012 Porsche Cayenne.

"No matter what the terrain is, the 2012 Porsche Cayenne has the grit to take it on with gusto. A Computer-controlled Porsche Traction Management on the Cayenne closely monitors the self-leveling, six-position air suspension. Eliciting rave reviews for being a powerful offering from the Porsche stable, the 2012 Porsche Cayenne is efficient and remarkably fast....The Drive-Off Assistant system on the 2012 Cayenne employs the brakes automatically on inclines until the clutch is engaged."

Introductory Rates: $250 per day.......$1500 per week.......$4500 per month.

Delivery Available.

Leadership Arlington

2011-08-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

We would like to formally congratulate Patrick Ingram, manager of the Arlington office, on his acceptance into Leadership Arlington's Young Professionals Program.

Established in 1998, Leadership Arlington works to build our community, one leader at a time. The organization gives it members top-notch, experiential learning and networking that build leadership skills and focus participants on the issues facing Arlington. The Young Professionals Program is an initiative of Leadership Arlington that will provide up and coming young leaders the opportunity to develop new skills, acquire the resources and knowledge necessary to engage in their community.

GREAT JOB PATRICK!

Link to Leadership Arlington.

Sizzling Summer Giveaway

2011-07-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Every week in August we'll be asking a SIZZLING SUMMER question via Twitter. The first person to reply correctly to @advancecarrent wins ONE FREE RENTAL DAY. Start following us today and watch for our Sizzling Summer Giveaway tweets. Next question will be tweeted Monday 8/8 at 12:00 noon. GOOD LUCK!

2012 BMW 750Lix has arrived!

2011-07-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

by: Donna Estin

Just arrived from Dingolfing, Germany, the 2012 BMW 750Lix

This is the Ultimate Driving Machine.....

Black Sapphire Metallic exterior

Black Nappa Leather interior

Cold Weather package with heated seats

Luxury Seating package with power rear and side sunshades, and front ventilated seats

19" Alloy Multi-spoke wheels

Sports leather steering wheel

Rear view camera

Power trunklid

Park Distance Control

Ambiance lighting

IPod and USB adapter

Smartphone Integration

4.4 liter, V-8 engine with Twin Power Turbo technology

xDrive all wheel drive system

Xenon headlights

Power moonroof

Now available for daily, weekly or monthly rentals from Washington D.C. area locations........

Advance Car Rental is the only car rental company in the Washington D.C. metro to bring you the new 2012 750s.

Serving Washington's Elite for over 15 years.

Just Arrived! Entertainment Minivans

2011-07-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

by Donna Estin:

Ok, so these vans are awesome!

* 2nd row captain's seats

* Overhead 9" video screen

* Overhead DVD console

* Touch screen media center

* USB Port & SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/6 Speakers

* Rear back-up camera

* Video Remote Control

And extra storage space behind the third row.

They seat 7 people including the driver and are super-easy to drive and park. It's so nice to have extra room so everyone can have space and not fight. Not that anyone's families fight on road trips, but I'm just saying. It's peaceful to have the S P A C E.

Smoke Free Rental Cars in Washington, D.C.

2011-05-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

by Donna Estin:

SMOKE- FREE FLEET

We love clean air! Especially in our smoke-free vehicles. All of our cars, SUVs and mini-vans are now non-smoking.

We are committed to providing all of our clients an opportunity to drive fresh, smoke-free vehicles. Research has shown that there is no level of ventilation that completely negates the harmful effects of second hand smoke. Opening a car window while smoking does not eliminate the smoke, yet can result in air flow back into the vehicle causing smoke to be blown directly into the back seat.

For smokers wishing to rent a car from us, yes, you can rent and drive the vehicles, you just cannot smoke in the vehicle. Kindly smoke outdoors in designated public places or in the comfort of your home.

Driving a cleaner, fresher vehicle is a standard we work hard to achieve. From eliminating smoke to preventing upholstery and carpet damage caused by cigarettes, we strive to keep our vehicles in top condition for all of our renters. You deserve to drive in a healthy, safe environment, free from smoke. It's good for you and for the air we breathe. For these reasons we have adopted a smoke-free policy fleet wide. A $200 penalty will be charged upon check in for anyone in violation.

Thank you for observing this healthy policy. We hope you enjoy your rental experience with us even more.

Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC

2011-05-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

by Donna Estin:

Memorial Day Weekend 2011.... So many FREE and FUN ways to honor the nation's veterans

FREE National Memorial Day Concert - Sunday, May 29, 2011, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. held at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at First Street, N.W. Come out and see actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, plus other guest artists while listening to the sounds of the National Symphony Orchestra.

FREE National Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 30, 2011 2 p.m. along Constitution between 7th & 17th Streets, N.W. The parade includes marching bands and veterans units from all 50 states.

FREE Stars & Stripes & Spokes - Fri-Mon May 27 - 30, 2011 RFK stadium. A four day festival honoring America's Armed Forces with military vehicle displays, food, music, and motorcycle enthusiasts.

FREE Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally - Sun. May 29, 2011 Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country honor POW/MIA by departing the Pentagon 12:00 p.m. and ride through DC ending at 1:30 at the Reflecting Pool across from the Lincoln Memorial where music and the program will be held.

FREE Wreath Laying Ceremonies-

Sat. May 28, 2011 Navy Memorial. Featuring live performances

Mon. May 30, 2011 Arlington National Cemetery. Held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Mon. May 30, 2011 Fleet Reserve Association 12:00 p.m U.S. Navy Band Concert, 1 p.m. wreath laying

Mon. May 30, 2011 Air Force Memorial 9 a.m.

Mon. May 30, 2011 WWII Memorial 9 a.m.

Mon. May 30, 2011 Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1 p.m. includes Presentation of the Colors

We have special discounts for

active-duty military, reservists, national guard

and veterans

for rental cars this weekend!

We are NOW hiring

2011-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Advance Car Rental, Inc., with locations in Arlington & Tysons, has been providing luxury high end vehicles to Washington’s Elite for over 13 years. We are now hiring a team player to fill a Full Time Rental Specialist position.

The rental specialist will be responsible for making reservations, opening/closing contracts, handling phone calls, running morning and evening reports, picking up/dropping off clients, assisting with deliveries of vehicles and more.

The candidate we are looking for is a self-starter, organized and responsible. Great customer service and communication skills are required. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing with DMV. Driving record will be checked. Previous car rental experience a plus but not required. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.

Hours are Monday – Friday 9-6. Benefits include vacation and sick time, retirement plan, medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

If you’re looking for an exciting company to excel and grow with, email your resume to Donna@AdvanceCarRental.com. To see what all the excitement is about, visit our website at http://www.advancecarrental.com

Taste of Arlington

2011-04-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

By:Patrick

Taste of Arlington is a local festival in Arlington, Virginia featuring local restaurants, businesses, organizations, and entertainment. This year will showcase different restaurants from Ballston, Clarendon-Courthouse, Columbia Pike, Rosslyn, and Crystal City. The event is hosted and organized by the Ballston Partnership.

The festival is free to enter; however the taste tickets are $20 before and $25 the day of the event. Personally, I can’t wait to taste samples from Rustico and The Melting Pot. Everyone should take some time to stop by the festival, which is running 12pm to 5pm, and taste some of the delicious food that will be on display.

What you really MUST see in Washington D.C.

2011-04-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

by Donna Estin

If you are visiting DC, these museums MUST make your list....

SMITHSONIAN (located along Constitution and Independence Avenues)

* Air & Space

* Natural History

* American History

* Hirshhorn

* Sculpture Garden

* National Gallery of Art

BEYOND SMITHSONIAN

Here are our favorites!

* International Spy Museum - 800 F Street, N.W.

* Newseum - 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

* U.S. Holocaust Museum - 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, S.W.

IT'S CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME!

2011-03-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in bloom from now until April 10, 2011.

Upcoming events include:

3/30 Sustainable Sushi Tastings

4/2 Southwest Waterfront Fireworks show

4/2 Cherry Blast - OUR FAVORITE! This multi-media festival features cutting edge DJs, visual and performing artists, and ultra cool sensory experiences!

4/9 Parade along Constitution Ave.

And to help with carpooling guests into the District, we are renting Mini-Vans for only $85 per day! How cool is that?

Mr. Patrick Ingram - Promoted to Manager

2011-03-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Advance Car Rental is pleased to announce that Mr. Patrick Ingram has been promoted to Manager. Mr. Ingram, who has more than 3 years in the hospitality industry, was formerly with United Express and the Coast Guard. He brings a high level of customer service to his position and has demonstrated solid leadership skills during his tenure with Advance Car Rental. Patrick can be reached directly at 703-528-8661 or Patrick@AdvanceCarRental.com

Congratulations Patrick!

Mpg For Our Top Cars and Suvs

2011-02-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

by Daniel Herrera

Miles per gallon for Eight of Our Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Fleet Models

With gas prices on the rise who wouldn't want to save money to keep in their pockets? You can save as much as $117 a month by choosing the most efficient and fuel economic car.

Standard

Mpg for Saturn Aura Hybrid - Receives 26 city/34 highway mpg
Mpg for Chrysler Sebring - Receives 21 city/30 highway mpg
Mpg for Dodge Avenger - Receives 19 city/27 highway mpg
Mpg for Chevrolet Impala - Receives 18 city/29 highway mpg
Mpg for Dodge Charger - Receives 17 city/25 highway mpg

High End

Mpg for Mercedes E350 - Receives 18 city/25 highway mpg
Mpg for Camaro SS - Features Active Fuel Management and offers 17 city/25 highway mpg
Mpg for Porsche Cayenne - Receives 13 city/20 highway mpg

The Exorbitant Fees that Car Rentals Tack On

2011-02-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

by Patrick Ingram

Do you wonder why you check-out with your rental car with a grand total of $50.00 and return the vehicle to find out your new amount due is $105.00!?

“In a 2007 study, Travelocity found that major American airports tacked on an average of 20.04 percent to your total bill in local and state taxes (Schlicter, Sarah).” This situation arises daily at airports and even off-site locations. Individuals are charged with energy recover fees; concession recovery fees; tire fees; vehicle license fees; extension fees; early return fees; and even infant seats which can account to unexpected surprises. Seriously, who wants to continue to expect unnecessary and foolish charges.

So rather than write an angry response to corporate or a rating website look into a car rental company that only charges 10% tax. Yes, only the bare minimum (you receive a high quality product and great service).

Now, I know what you are all thinking, “ Why are you advertising on a nice Friday in the D.C., area when you should be out enjoying the weather.” Well, I attempted to call out sick today; however, my boss came out and personally dragged me into work L. So to make things right in the world I think I should do one charitable random act of kindness to humanity.

So, in conclusion Advance Car Rental has no hidden fees, offers an amazing product, and is surely excited by your potential visit to experience excellence in car rentals and customer service.

Sources: Schlicter, Sarah. "Car Rental Hidden Costs." Www.Independenttraveler.com

Tour Virginia in a Mercedes GLK for $125/day! - Virginia Is For Lovers

2011-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

Tour Virginia in a Mercedes GLK for $125/day! - Virginia Is For Lovers

Fun Things to do in DC

2011-02-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Nick Childs.

My favorites includes sports, traveling, cars, and the Redskins. Favorite Motto – If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you dream it you can become it.

Fun things to do in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.....

Fly a Plane

Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 9:00am
Manassas Regional Airport
$155

Police Life 101

Saturday, Feb 19, 2011 7:15pm-11:00pm
Rockville, MD
$45

Fat Saturday Mardi Gras Kick off Jam

Saturday, Mar 5, 2011 9:00pm-2:00am
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington D.C.
$10

Intro to SCUBA

Sunday, Mar 27, 2011 9:45am-1:00pm
Chevy Chase, MD
$40