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Rental car options go the extra mile

By Thurston Hatcher
CNN

(CNN) - It wasn't so long ago that a mere cassette player in your white, four-door, sedan-for-hire would leave you feeling you'd won grand prize in the rental-car roulette.

These days, CD players are often standard equipment, and just one of a growing array of options to entertain and assist drivers on their journey.

Cellular phones have been one of the most common amenities offered by many rental car companies, typically at a cost of around $6 a day plus an additional charge per minute of air time.

But now that just about everyone and her preschooler carries a cell phone, they're not quite the must-have item they once were, a car rental official says.

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Less common, but increasingly popular, are the Global Positioning System navigation devices that help drivers figure out if they're headed for Charlotte or Cheyenne.

Hertz now equips about 40,000 of its cars with its NeverLost system, a GPS-based device that provides both audio and visual directions to get drivers from point A to point B. It costs $6 extra per day.

"It's amazing," said Paula Stifler, manager of public affairs with Hertz. "I get a little chuckle every time I use it."

Avis also offers portable GPS equipment, and some of its cars are equipped with General Motors' OnStar system, which uses GPS and cellular technology to assist drivers. They can use it to get directions, advice and help in an emergency.

At its Orlando, Florida, operation, Alamo Rent-A-Car began renting two-way radios last year to help family members stay in touch at theme parks and elsewhere. The company said the service would be expanded to other cities in the future.

Child restraint seats

Along with higher-tech add-ons are some less-sophisticated but potentially more important features: child safety seats.

"Car seat usage is really increasing," said Ted Deutsch, vice president of public affairs for Avis.

Although parents already own one, renting means one less cumbersome item to bring along on the plane. Some companies even install the seats for their clients.

"We've trained our individuals out in the field on how to install car seats. When you pick up the car, the seat will always be installed for you," Hertz' Stifler said.

If you're going skiing, cars can be equipped with ski racks and snow tires. Typically, such vehicles are only available at locations to ski resorts or other snowy regions.

For the disabled, many rental car companies will provide cars equipped with hand controls.

Drive in style

Finally, if you're looking to make a statement on your adventure, or just a little extra comfort, convertibles, SUVs, minivans and luxury cars may be among your automobile options.

Hertz now includes Jaguars, Volvos and Land Rovers in its Prestige Collection at some locations.

Whatever you want, remember that the services may not be available at some locations. Also, it's important to request the feature when you reserve your vehicle to ensure its availability.

Despite the advent of bells and whistles, there remains a substantial contingent of drivers who don't want or need them.

"There are a lot of people just looking for a good quality car to get them wherever they want to go who don't want to spend a lot for it," said Deutsch.