Illuminati-R-Us

[Mactep]

Rented a car. I don't often do this, but on this occasion, I was traveling to some relatively rural areas, so there wasn't much choice.

I had reserved an "intermediate" car, which in reality means a very small car. Went to the rental car office, got the paperwork done, and they told me, your car is in such-and-such a parking space. But it wasn't. Some other car that was clearly not the one I was supposed to get was there.

Back into the office, where they gave me a free upgrade. A Nissan Altima hybrid. Was given the starting instructions - because it is a hybrid, you don't put the key in the ignition, you just have it with you, put your foot on the brake, and push the start button. That's what he said, at least. It actually has nothing to do with being a hybrid, my own car (which is a Nissan product, but not a hybrid) works the same way.

In the car, put the foot on the brake, and pushed the start button. All the electronics came on, but the engine didn't start. What's wrong? Pushed the start button again, and everything shut down. Oh, that's right, it's a hybrid, the engine doesn't actually start until you need it. OK, that took some getting used to, but no matter.

On the whole, I'd have to say I didn't like it. It seemed a bit unsteady, rather jerky, when accelerating. I had the opportunity on this trip to drive someone else's Honda Accord, which seemed a lot smoother to me.

So that's my hybrid story. Not much else to it.