Alamo car selection?

[MN Mickey]

Just wondering if anyone has rented from Alamo at MCO recently. We are going on a trip to WDW and have rented from Alamo. We have 2 categories currently reserved and not sure which to keep.

I was wondering what types of cars are offered in Compact and Midsize categories (not what Alamo says on their website). I know we are able to select a car from any in the each category, but wondering what types are actually there.

Thanks.

 

[Tara]

In June I rented a compact and the choices were mostly Chevy Aveos and Kia Rios. When I rented there was one Nissan Versa on the aisle, but it was missing keys and "wasn't ready" according to the staff. Here is my post about compacts in general after that trip: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2511331&highlight=compact+car

The big thing to remember is that most of the compacts have manual door locks and windows - which doesn't sound like a big deal until you realize how often you need to roll the window up and down when on property, or how often you have to remind a 9-year-old to physically lock the door when you're used to remote locks.

 

[skelooch]

When I rented a compact last week there were 5-6 different makes or models to select from, I don't remember what they all were, but I chose a Nissan Versa.
I do remember Chevys, Toyotas, PT Cruisers, and the Cube all in the compact aisle.

BTW all the compacts I have rented from Alamo have all had power windows and door locks.

 

[MN Mickey]

Thanks for the link and info on the cars. I didn't realize the compacts would not have the power locks. I may go for the mid-size. It sure is nice to just push the button both to lock and unlock.

I know that the types of cars vary quite a bit between companies too. Aveos and Rios are smaller than some other companies will use for Compact. Those would be Economy for other companies.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[MN Mickey]

When I rented a compact last week there were 5-6 different makes or models to select from, I don't remember what they all were, but I chose a Nissan Versa.
I do remember Chevys, Toyotas, PT Cruisers, and the Cube all in the compact aisle.

BTW all the compacts I have rented from Alamo have all had power windows and door locks.

PT Cruiser would seem big for a Compact based on the other choices. I like those because they have great storage for the luggage.

Good to hear that the cars had "power" conveniences in the Compacts.

I've rented from them before in other cities, but don't recall having cars as small as Aveos or Rios. I may just go mid-size just to have the guarantee of a slightly larger vehicle.

 

[Tara]

BTW all the compacts I have rented from Alamo have all had power windows and door locks.

My experience is that power locks and windows are not the norm for compact cars through Alamo/National.

ETA - that doesn't mean they aren't available, just more limited. Like I posted before, out of an entire full row, only 1 had power locks/windows and it wasn't available for me to take even though it was in the row.

 

[NotUrsula]

You might want to look at this thread, when several of us discussed categories and interior sizes: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2324364

The thread is aboiut a year old, but with the exception of the addition of the small Nissans to the fleet: Cube (97.7 cf), Versa (94.7 cf), things are about the same, AFAICT.

 

[Yzerbear19]

When we rented from Alamo in April we had a midsize. I think most were HHR's and PT Cruisers. There were a couple of Calibers. I think one Corolla and a Focus. We picked a Caliber.

 

[mollybeasley]

The big thing to remember is that most of the compacts have manual door locks and windows - which doesn't sound like a big deal until you realize how often you need to roll the window up and down when on property, or how often you have to remind a 9-year-old to physically lock the door when you're used to remote locks.

wow I didn't know anyone still made cars with manual locks

 

[Tara]

wow I didn't know anyone still made cars with manual locks

Me either! My 9yo son didn't know what to think of it!!

 

[MN Mickey]

Thanks for the responses everyone. We've decided to go with the mid-size (or should I say compact based on the "types" of cars they say they offer). We figured we didn't want to be cramped in a too small compact car.

 

[dudspizza]

What I really like about Alamo and National (love Emerald Club) is that YOU get to choose the car. I hate it when I am handed the keys and have to take the car they tell me to. There is something about being able to check the trunk size, mileage, smell, etc.... that makes me feel more comfortable...... plus the chances of an upgarde with Emerald Club make it worth it!

Duds

 

[skelooch]

What I really like about Alamo and National (love Emerald Club) is that YOU get to choose the car. I hate it when I am handed the keys and have to take the car they tell me to. There is something about being able to check the trunk size, mileage, smell, etc.... that makes me feel more comfortable...... plus the chances of an upgarde with Emerald Club make it worth it!

Duds

Funny you should mention smell, just last week I picked out a car at Alamo at MCO, loaded my bags in the trunk, inspected the car and was sitting in the car adjusting the mirrors and seats when I noticed a foul smell.
It was nice to be able to just go and select another vehicle.

 

[Tara]

What I really like about Alamo and National (love Emerald Club) is that YOU get to choose the car. I hate it when I am handed the keys and have to take the car they tell me to. There is something about being able to check the trunk size, mileage, smell, etc.... that makes me feel more comfortable...... plus the chances of an upgarde with Emerald Club make it worth it!

Duds

EXACTLY. I'm willing to pay more for this, too.

 

[lugnut33]

I just had a weird experience with Alamo and National. I went rate shopping as an Emerald club member and the small cars were a good price, but the SUVs wer crazy expensive. Since we are 7 I really need a big vehicle. Checked out Alamo with no coupon code or anything and It was over 200 cheaper. Matter of fact, a full size SUV was less than a crossover or midsize SUV. Then I added in a Disney Annual Pass code and save an additional $60. OK, it still works out to $60 a day, but that's not that bad.