Alamo Full-Size vs. Premium ????

[MHSweb79]

I've now got two reservations with Alamo - one is a full-size and one is premium. The difference is $20 and I'm not sure which one to cancel.

Has anyone ever rented a premium car from Alamo at MCO? Is it $20 better than a full-size? We have three adults with 3 regular suitcases and one carryon.

My feeling is that $20 would buy us lunch at Earl of Sandwich. But I'd like some other opinions before I cancel.

Thanks!

 

[gmeh1]

I've now got two reservations with Alamo - one is a full-size and one is premium. The difference is $20 and I'm not sure which one to cancel.

Has anyone ever rented a premium car from Alamo at MCO? Is it $20 better than a full-size? We have three adults with 3 regular suitcases and one carryon.

My feeling is that $20 would buy us lunch at Earl of Sandwich. But I'd like some other opinions before I cancel.

Thanks!

The Premiums at Alamo usually are: Chrysler 300, Taurus, Accord, Maxima, Merc. Grand Marq.

The Full size cars usually are: Impala, Malibu, Fusion, Camry, Chargers, Altima, Mazda 6.

Personally, I would opt for the full size car, Impalas have a HUGE trunk and lots of room inside. Plus, you may get lucky and find a Premium on the Full size row, you simply never know.

 

[sympatico]

Picked up a full size at Alamo this afternoon. There were Impalas, Camrys, Grand Marquis, Crown Vic, Chargers, Altima etc. on the full size row.

 

[dioxide45]

We are on a premium rental right now out of FLL. We had lots of luggage and four people and ended up selecting the Ford Taurus, the trunk is deep which allowed us to stand our luggage on it's side. The interior isn't fantastic, seems closed in with a huge center console. It has some cool premium features that the full size doesn't have; dual zone climate control, Sirius radio, backup camera, rear AC control, fancy keyless start. It also isn't difficult to park even with it's slightly larger size.

It was also cheaper than booking a full size for when and where we wanted it. In fact for several days about a month out, it was the cheapest car they had for the timeframe we were looking at. I guess they had a glut of them that they were trying to rent out. However, if we only had a couple pieces of luggage and the full size was cheaper, we would take the full size.

 

[gmeh1]

We are on a premium rental right now out of FLL. We had lots of luggage and four people and ended up selecting the Ford Taurus, the trunk is deep which allowed us to stand our luggage on it's side. The interior isn't fantastic, seems closed in with a huge center console. It has some cool premium features that the full size doesn't have; dual zone climate control, Sirius radio, backup camera, rear AC control, fancy keyless start. It also isn't difficult to park even with it's slightly larger size.

It was also cheaper than booking a full size for when and where we wanted it. In fact for several days about a month out, it was the cheapest car they had for the timeframe we were looking at. I guess they had a glut of them that they were trying to rent out. However, if we only had a couple pieces of luggage and the full size was cheaper, we would take the full size.

The Taurus is an AWESOME car, reminds me of the Chrysler 300. Some of our full size and standard cars do have some of the options you mentioned.
IE: the Sonata does have Sirius radio. Others have dual climate control.
Hope you enjoy the car and your vacation.

 

[1tufgt]

We rented a std SUV and I was expecting to choose from the likes of a grand cherokee or explorer but it was in the row. I think all they had were edges, and Kia's but I was lucky and found a brand new GMC terrain with 5 miles on it at the end of the row. Didn't. Get w chance to see what was in the national row since we were in hurry.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The Taurus is an AWESOME car, reminds me of the Chrysler 300. Some of our full size and standard cars do have some of the options you mentioned.
IE: the Sonata does have Sirius radio. Others have dual climate control.
Hope you enjoy the car and your vacation.

I have a 2010 Taurus, gmeh1. Surprised they have that as a premium. Though I must say Ford has upscaled that car immensely, 2010 and newer. It is made here in Chicago, same assembly line, and almost identical to, the Lincoln MKS. So I guess I can see the premium tag.

 

[dioxide45]

I have a 2010 Taurus, gmeh1. Surprised they have that as a premium. Though I must say Ford has upscaled that car immensely, 2010 and newer. It is made here in Chicago, same assembly line, and almost identical to, the Lincoln MKS. So I guess I can see the premium tag.

Over the past few years, Alamo has recategorized it's cars. The Malibu used to be a mid size but is now a full size. There were a number of other moves. So it doesn't surprise me that the Taurus is a premium. The only thing that makes this car a premium is the premium options.

 

[gmeh1]

I have a 2010 Taurus, gmeh1. Surprised they have that as a premium. Though I must say Ford has upscaled that car immensely, 2010 and newer. It is made here in Chicago, same assembly line, and almost identical to, the Lincoln MKS. So I guess I can see the premium tag.

I am totally impressed with the 2012 Taurus. The only complaint I have heard is that it is difficult to see out the back window. It is definitely upscaled.
As to it being considered a Premium, I can see it.

 

[gmeh1]

Over the past few years, Alamo has recategorized it's cars. The Malibu used to be a mid size but is now a full size. There were a number of other moves. So it doesn't surprise me that the Taurus is a premium. The only thing that makes this car a premium is the premium options.

Most rental companies have done the same. And, often you will see a Malibu on the midsize row.
I still have not figured out the logic of the catagories. I keep hoping they put an "ugly vehicle row" in. LOL

 

[sympatico]

Gmehi, do people ever cut the cord on the rental car keys? We have two keys and two remotes on one cord for this Impala from Alamo. I'd like to have a set and my husband the other just in case one set gets misplaced. I've never thought that you were suppose to separate them but my DH says it doesn't make sense for one person to have all the keys.

 

[gmeh1]

Gmehi, do people ever cut the cord on the rental car keys? We have two keys and two remotes on one cord for this Impala from Alamo. I'd like to have a set and my husband the other just in case one set gets misplaced. I've never thought that you were suppose to separate them but my DH says it doesn't make sense for one person to have all the keys.

Yes, people cut the cords on the keys, loose the keys, remove the UPC sticker and on and on and on. Your DH is totally correct, it does not make sense to have all the keys, but, that is how they often do it and not just my company.
If you cut the cord, just make sure both sets and the UPC scan thingie on the keys is returned when you return the car, which I am sure you will.

 

[sympatico]

Yes, people cut the cords on the keys, loose the keys, remove the UPC sticker and on and on and on. Your DH is totally correct, it does not make sense to have all the keys, but, that is how they often do it and not just my company.
If you cut the cord, just make sure both sets and the UPC scan thingie on the keys is returned when you return the car, which I am sure you will.

Thanks

 

[rlduvall]

Gmehi, do people ever cut the cord on the rental car keys? We have two keys and two remotes on one cord for this Impala from Alamo. I'd like to have a set and my husband the other just in case one set gets misplaced. I've never thought that you were suppose to separate them but my DH says it doesn't make sense for one person to have all the keys.

I always cut my cord . . .

off the rental car key. They are so bulky and I don't like to carry a backpack to the parks. Luckily I haven't misplaced anything yet.

 

[loveswdw]

We just rented a "premium" from Alamo from 10/14-10/24. We picked the car out of the "luxury" aisle (I'm assuming its the same as there was no premium aisle). We had our choice of several Cadillac STS, 2 Hyundai Genesis, 1 Ford Taurus, 2 Nissan Maximas, 1 Buick Regal... we picked one of the Maximas.

To be perfectly honest, after driving this car for a week, I wouldn't own one. I didn't feel it was "luxury" at all. Plain cloth seating, no satellite radio, or special features that I would consider luxury. I hated the "keyless start". Always had to have the key fob to open the doors or trunk but then what do you do with it? The trunk was REALLY small, barely fit all our stuff. I would've changed to one of the Caddies but we had already put in the car seat and loaded everything up. My DH was "Let's just keep it."

I wouldn't pick one out again. We almost went with the Taurus but it was black with black leather interior. I didn't think that'd be great in the Florida heat. Turns out it was only in the 70s that week! Plus, I'd heard the back up problems with the rear windshield and I'm a shortie so went with the Maxima.

Also, my daily car at home is a Malibu which I love. We drove one on vacation several years ago and loved it so much that I bought one. Its smaller than the Impala (but not much). We've driven at least 3 Impalas on vacation. I'd never own one of those! So different strokes for different folks I guess!!

 

[gmeh1]

We just rented a "premium" from Alamo from 10/14-10/24. We picked the car out of the "luxury" aisle (I'm assuming its the same as there was no premium aisle). We had our choice of several Cadillac STS, 2 Hyundai Genesis, 1 Ford Taurus, 2 Nissan Maximas, 1 Buick Regal... we picked one of the Maximas.

To be perfectly honest, after driving this car for a week, I wouldn't own one. I didn't feel it was "luxury" at all. Plain cloth seating, no satellite radio, special features that I would consider luxury. The trunk was REALLY small, barely fit all our stuff. I would've changed to one of the Caddies but we had already put in the car seat and loaded everything up. My DH was "Let's just keep it."

I wouldn't pick one out again. We almost went with the Taurus but it was black with black leather interior. I didn't think that'd be great in the Florida heat. Turns out it was only in the 70s that week! Plus, I'd heard the back up problems with the rear windshield and I'm a shortie so went with the Maxima.

Also, my daily car at home is a Malibu which I love. We drove one on vacation several years ago and loved it so much that I bought one. Its smaller than the Impala (but not much). We've driven at least 3 Impalas on vacation. I'd never own one of those! So different strokes for different folks I guess!!

Not sure where you rented the car, but Orlando most definitely has a "premium row". It is right beside the convertables. Luxury row is near the customer service booth. From the description of what you saw in the row, I think you were actually in the Premium row as all the cars, except the caddie and Regal, are Premium cars.

 

[loveswdw]

Not sure where you rented the car, but Orlando most definitely has a "premium row". It is right beside the convertables. Luxury row is near the customer service booth. From the description of what you saw in the row, I think you were actually in the Premium row as all the cars, except the caddie and Regal, are Premium cars.

We were in MCO. Walked the aisles just past the booth. Guys standing outside helping customers find their rows. We didn't see a premium row at all so asked the gentleman working for Alamo. He said, "What are you looking for?" "Premium row." He said, "Pick anything from the Luxury aisle." The sign above the row said "LUXURY". Half the row up was "MID SIZE" SUV sign. I saw no PREMIUM sign anywhere. So not sure where it was. Never saw convertibles so maybe we didn't get that far. The other side of the aisle was full size cars. It was near the garage booth. The guy said pick anything from the luxury aisle. Guess the premium aisle was empty which is why he told us to pick from luxury. Though I didn't think the Maxima qualified much even as a premium.

 

[dioxide45]

Not sure where you rented the car, but Orlando most definitely has a "premium row". It is right beside the convertables. Luxury row is near the customer service booth. From the description of what you saw in the row, I think you were actually in the Premium row as all the cars, except the caddie and Regal, are Premium cars.

I thought the Regal was a Premium? Our confirmation for our Premium indicates "Buick Regal Or Similar". Perhaps I am misreading your post?

 

[dioxide45]

Yes, people cut the cords on the keys, loose the keys, remove the UPC sticker and on and on and on. Your DH is totally correct, it does not make sense to have all the keys, but, that is how they often do it and not just my company.
If you cut the cord, just make sure both sets and the UPC scan thingie on the keys is returned when you return the car, which I am sure you will.

This is good to know, thanks. We have never cut the cord on the keys. For our current Premium rental, it actually had a ring, so we were able to take one of the fobs off the ring and lock it in the in room safe. It was just so bulky with two on it. If it was a cord, we probably wouldn't have cut it to separate the keys. Didn't know you could, so we never tried.

 

[gmeh1]

I thought the Regal was a Premium? Our confirmation for our Premium indicates "Buick Regal Or Similar". Perhaps I am misreading your post?

Nope, not misreading my post, I was in error with that one. Good catch.