UK to NY: Renting a big car and driving to...
 

Hi all,

Haven't posted here for ages, but still remember my time here posting daily back when I was in University. Always had a good feeling about the US as a result of how friendly you were.

Anyway... I'm planning my second trip to the US, we're going to Manhatten, NY for 5 nights. One of the days however I'd like to get out of Manhatten, rent an archetypal American car (the kind of thing you see in the movies) and go driving to see some sights. Not too far but enough to get a feel for non-Manhatten life.

So firstly what can I rent and where? I'm not too worried about model so long as it's big, American, with 6 or 8 cylinders and not too pricey. I saw a Lincoln Town Car available which seemed absolutey perfect though it was about $130 for a day which seemed a fair bit.

Secondly any suggestions where we can go? Must be within ~150 miles of Manhatten. I don't mind if its urban or scenic, but I would kinda like to see and partake of some 'real' North America. Whatever that is. Basically, stuff like in the movies if that helps which it probably doesn't. I wouldn't mind driving through somewhere with a lot of trees, a park/forest perhaps?? Finally it has to be girl-compatible - she isn't as interested in random urban stuff as I am.

Thanks all. In return I'm happy to discuss the UK if anyone's planning a trip. Always happy to hear about past trips here :).

Hmmm? Not a lot of choices. The Jersey Shore, Long Island, the Poconos, Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires, Philadelphia.

The Town Car is definitely old-school American, although don't discount the near-iconic Cadillac Escalade SUV, which is about as American as America gets....just don't try to drive it in Manhattan traffic...

rt8 in CT is about as America and New England as it gets, but your girl will probably be bored.


Long Island is always fun, Hamptons, Port Jeff, etc take your pic.

Buick Lucerne or Mercury Grand Marquis
 

One Suggestion is renting a Buick Lucerne or a Mercury Grand Marquis and drving up to West Point (US Military Academy).

You will follow the Hudson River to up state NY. Take a tour of the campus and the museum. Throw in lunch some where nice and have a great time.

I flew into Heathrow in 1999 and got bumped into a W210 E240. What a dream.

Really made a difference on the drive up and into the Lakes District.

Have a great trip!!

Why rent when you can buy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcGalk36IQ

:D:D:D


On the serious note this is the route I would take. I would describe the route as mostly scenic.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/299/routew.png

Try to find a Dodge Viper, it will be the highlight of your vacation. :D

How about a Ford Mustang convertible?

If you want to spend some money you can rent exotic's in Manhattan.

http://www.gothamdreamcars.com/

These guys are pretty serious, and put out a nice not so legal DVD a few years back.:D

Edit oh cool I can rent and SLR in FL for the week for $6k!:D:cool:

Chrysler 300. It looks big but actually scoots in and out of tight city spots easily. Seats are comfy too.

This is a very comfortable car built on more or less a mb chassis. I rented one a few years back out in the Vegas area. I enjoyed it very much. The mustang too is pretty nice I would think but the back seat would be pretty useless.

The trip upstate outlined above looks attractive. Once away from the big city New York state is pretty typical of the US I think.

Have fun!

I was more thinking about the Rolls Royce Drophead for a meager $2250 a day. Up to the Hamptons baby!

Head back over the GWB and get on Rt. 80 west. Get off at the last exit in NJ at the Delaware Water Gap. Lots of nice scenery there. Make sure you get a local map at the ranger station. It'll save you a lot of time.

You might want to take Rt. 80 to the Garden State Parkway south. Get off at exit 117 and get on Rt 36 east. Go all the way to the end (about 15 miles) to Sandy Hook National Recreation Area. From the 'Hook on a clear day you can look to the north and see the Empire State Building in Midtown about twenty miles away, as well as lots of air traffic from LaGuardia and Kennedy airports.

NJ Turnpike to exit 14B/Liberty State Park. Simply the most amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty you'll ever see.

Lots of tourist information at all three places, along with great photo possibilities, and they're all within an hour or so of the city. :)

Not to nitpick, buy you edited my post. :eek::eek:

I suggest the trip up to Westpoint as well. That highlighted one looks good. I would probably rent a Caddy of some sort. Either a DeVille or an Escalade. No reason to settle for something less if you want the real "Yank" experience.

By the way, my wife and I were in England this last summer for two weeks. Hadrians wall, Lake district, Warwick castle, Biggin Hill air show, Leeds castle, Chatham historic dock yard, Darwins home, British Museum, Changing of the guard, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London etc. Had a wonderful time.

- Peter.

The map posted- up the Pallisades parkway, stop in west Point if you want to check out US Army Acadamy history and then north is a nice ride.

I'd go from point C over to towards Litchfield (stopping in Litchfield at the little pub on the right hand side coming in from the west side for a drink) and then down rt 118 to Rt 8 to Rt 15 Merrit Parkway/Hutchinson Parkway to the Whitestone Bridge/ Brooklyn Queens Expressway (great NYC views in places if a clear day) and back into Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

But thats just me. Prepare for a long day of driving