Initial Inquiry & Vehicle Selection
A customer approaches the rental counter to inquire about available car types, rental rates, and basic requirements for a specific travel date and duration. The agent provides options and helps narrow down choices.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inquire
To ask for information about something, often formally. In this dialogue, John uses it to start asking about car rental options.
rental
The act of hiring something like a car for a short time in exchange for payment. It's a key term in car rental discussions.
vehicle
A general word for any machine used to transport people or goods, like a car or truck. Here, it refers to the type of car to rent.
economical
Something that saves money, especially on fuel or cost. Sarah suggests an economical car for budget-friendly driving.
SUV
Stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a type of car that's larger and good for rough roads or families. It's offered as an option in the dialogue.
compact
A small-sized car that's easy to park and drive in cities. John considers a compact sedan for city driving.
unlimited mileage
No restriction on how many miles or kilometers you can drive without extra charges. John requests this for flexibility on trips.
liability
Responsibility for damage or injury to others. Basic liability insurance is included in the rental to cover accidents.
collision damage waiver
An optional insurance that waives your responsibility for damage to the rental car in a collision. Sarah recommends it for protection.
fuel-efficient
A car that uses less gas or fuel, saving money and being better for the environment. Both cars mentioned are fuel-efficient.
availability
Whether something like a car is free to rent on certain dates. Sarah offers to check availability for the dates.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'd like to inquire about renting a car for a trip next month.
This is a polite way to start a conversation when asking for information. Use it to begin inquiries at service counters. 'I'd like to' makes it courteous, and 'inquire about' is formal for seeking details.
What type of vehicle are you looking for?
A common question to clarify customer needs. 'What type of' asks for categories, and 'are you looking for' implies searching for options. Useful for service providers to narrow down choices.
I'm thinking something practical, maybe a compact or mid-size sedan.
This expresses preferences casually. 'I'm thinking' shows consideration, and 'maybe' suggests options. It's useful when discussing choices without committing yet.
The rate is usually around $45 a day.
This explains pricing clearly. 'Usually around' indicates an approximate amount, common in quotes. Use this pattern to give cost estimates in business talks.
Would you need unlimited mileage?
A yes/no question to confirm extras. 'Would you need' is polite for offering options. It's practical for checking customer requirements in rentals or services.
Basic liability is included, but we highly recommend adding our collision damage waiver.
This contrasts what's standard with suggestions. 'Is included' states what's free, 'highly recommend' strongly advises. Useful for explaining packages and upselling.
Would you like me to check availability for a mid-size sedan from July 10th to July 17th?
Offers help proactively. 'Would you like me to' is polite for assistance, and specifying dates shows attention to detail. Use this to confirm and proceed in transactions.
What's the total estimated cost for the week with that setup?
Asks for a summary of costs. 'Total estimated' seeks an approximation, 'with that setup' refers to chosen options. Essential for finalizing deals and understanding expenses.