Hire Cars are basically upmarket equivalents of taxis, but their operation is somewhat different (better to think of them as a very small coach):
- They can only be hired by pre-booking. You can't hail one in the street.
-They are generally upmarket vehicles. A minimum standard would would be a Statesman/Fairlane/300C/Tarago, but can go up to Merc/BMV/Volvo, and stretched versions of many makes. There are a few "exotics" and "classics" available as well.
-They are hired by the hour, on a "base to base" basis. Prices will depend on the quality/capacity of vehicle you want. Think $80-500 per hour.
- The drivers will generally be versed in the art of showering, dressing, wearing a tie, conversing in English, and having a reasonable knowledge of where you want to go.
As for "eliteness", yes some people do want quality and are prepared to pay for it. Politicians and senior public servants often use them when there are no Govt Fleet vehicles available. A lot of ordinary business people use them on a regular basis, just to travel to or from home-work.