Travel Europe Stickless

Yeah, I know. You rent a car in Europe, then cuss the stick shift you find between you and your honey that makes simple driving into hard work. Me, I like the feel of downshifting into a corner while braking--rolling my foot off the brake to blip the throttle so the shift is creamy-smooth--then rocketing out of the corner in the correct gear, engine singing like Pavarotti soaping up in the shower. But that's just me.

Renault USA has announced just the offer for you: automatic transmission for the same price as a stick shift on their leaseback cars. You can save hundreds. If you want an automatic, that is, and have a need for the car for over 17 days in Europe.

What's a leaseback? You lease a brand new car for a short term (at least 17 days). You get to pick the exact model. They give you a car that doesn't stink of smouldering tobacco, with all insurance paid for about the price (or somewhat less) of your basic rental car. I always lease a car in Europe. I like to pretend I can afford to buy a new car.

Anyway, if you're an automatic transmission kinda person, head on over to Renault USA. They'll fix you up so you can just slide that baby into "D", wedge a magazine between the spokes of the wheel to read during the straight bits, and take off like you're at home in your very own rolling living room, and all you need is for someone to call you on the cell to make things perfectly familiar.

Here's an example of the savings, according to RenaultUSA: "Megane four-door compact automatic: $1,024 for 17 days ($20 for each additional day). Total savings: $125." I like the Megane--plenty of room for four and some pretty neat technology.