So you’d like to take the family for a drive in the country. A train might take you there, but it’s so much easier to see the sights by driving around in a car. Maybe it’s time to rent a car. It’s always a good idea to check many car-rental companies to find the best price. You can search on the Internet or call the company’s 800 number. What kind of car do you want? You’ll need to decide on a type: economy, midsize, or luxury. You can choose the car that fits your needs. Be prepared to pay more for larger cars. You’ll also need to buy insurance, just in case a bear in the country decides that your compact car is lunch!
Lia: Hello. I’d like to rent a car for the weekend.
Friendly Rent-A-Car: Do you have your driver’s license with you?
Lia: Yes, I do.
Friendly Rent-A-Car: If you want an economy car, we have a nice compact outside.
Lia: Is it a four-door?
Friendly Rent-A-Car: No, it isn’t. It’s a two-door, but it has a hatchback. And it has a sunroof!
Lia: Do you have anything bigger and faster?
Friendly Rent-A-Car: Well, we have a midsized convertible, but the compact is more economical.
Lia: How about a big van? I have a large family.
Friendly Rent-A-Car: Sure, we have a van. It’s very roomy. It’s the biggest and most expensive of the three.
Lia: Well, I’d like the convertible for myself, but I guess I’ll take the van. Maybe next time…
| Tip 3 |
When you rent a car, you’ll be asked to buy insurance. This is a good idea. If anything happens to the car while you have it, the insurance will pay for any damage. If you use a credit card to rent the car, you may already have insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to check with your credit card company first; you can save a few bucks! |
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VOCABULARY
bucks: dollars
compact: the smallest size car
convertible: a car with a special soft roof that folds completely down (Driving with the top down can be great in the summer—not so much fun in the rain!)
country: far from the city, an area of trees and farms
damage: harm or injury to a person or to a car
economy: having to do with saving money
hatchback: a door at the back that lifts up and out for loading
luxury: very special, with extra conveniences
midsize: a medium-sized car, usually with four doors
rent: pay money to use something for a limited time
see the sights: visit attractions in a new place
sunroof: a window in the roof of the car that can be opened. Be careful in the rain!
van: a very large vehicle that can carry up to 12 passengers
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