2 cars cheaper than 1 minivan?

[FishNette]

We are planning a late April 2005 trip for 8 days with my parents (for a total of 6 people). I'm wondering how it can be that 2 intermediate cars can be cheaper to rent than 1 minivan.

Are the cheaper fares just not available yet?

Any opinions on which way would be better? If one is cheaper, but the other is more convenient (in someone's opinion), I'd like to know that as well.

I'm using the Priceless code and Entertainment coupon for National & it's about $35 cheaper to do 2 cars vs. 1 minivan.

 

[dudspizza]

We actually had 10 people go last August and found it cheaper to get 3 intermediates vs 2 vans or something like that. We liked having the 3 cars because we could split up and go our own way.

Have fun!

Duds

 

[mareed]

In my experience, it is quite common for 2 cars to be cheaper than 1 minivan. I think for 5 people you'd definitely want a minivan, and most groups with 5 people would be a single family unit that would want to stick together all the time and wouldn't want the "inconvenience" of 2 cars, so they'd probably pay a bit more to get a minivan.

In your situation, with 6 people, I think 2 cars could be good. It could potentially be difficult to fit 6 people and all their luggage in a minivan if you didn't get one of the larger ones with the extra cargo space in the back. Most companies don't guarantee this, and often try to charge additional. You may get one, it's just not a guarantee. You'd definitely be able to fit everyone and all their luggage in 2 cars, and that would also provide flexibility in doing different things at different times, so my vote for you is for 2 cars!

Seeing that you're looking at National and you get to choose your vehicle there, I'd say your chances are better at getting an extended base minivan, so it really may come down to whether you'd like the option of splitting up or not. If you're driving 2 vehicles to the parks, keep in mind that you'll need to pay parking for both unless you're staying at a Disney resort or have AP's. So, this could actually increase the price of 2 vehicles.

 

[swilphil]

Make sure you figure in all the fees, etc., on each vehicle as well as the price of gas.

 

[glindamood]

I have done both, depending on the rates. We are a family of 5 but all adult size people and I am a card carrying member of the over packers association so we always have lots of luggage too. We went once with 6 people and all the luggage and got it in a Montana (mini-van but can't tell you mfg nor rental agency at this point). Gas will make some difference as will the tolls. You can always book the 2 cars and keep watching - fares do fluctuate some.

 

[SB in KY]

I would vote for the 2 vehicles....we often travel with 3 generations of family and it is really nice to be able to "divide and conquer", especially if it is cheaper. We did a Canada trip last year with 7 people and planned on one minivan, but decided with all of the seats filled we would never get that much luggage in and opted for 2 cars....it was great....I think we did 1 full size and 1 compact....we had 3 times as much luggage room as we would have had in the van, no one had to climb in and out of the 3rd seat and best of all, when some people wanted to go one direction and the rest in another we could do it. If Grandma gets tired and wants to go back to the room, or Dad wants to play golf or one of the kids needs a nap, you have the option of keeping everyone happy.