Alternative to Minivan for Roadtrip?

[Cyntillations]

We're planning on renting a vehicle for our road trip to WDW in March, and the minivan really puts a strain on the rest of our budget. Are there any alternatives to minivans that would cost less but still seat 2 adults, 3 teens and a toddler in a car seat?

We saw on a couple rental sites that vehicles like the Buick Lucerne or some of the SUV's will seat 6, but wanted to find out if anyone knew for sure, or had any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NJRRK]

For less than 2 hours I think you'd be able to handle the room in the Lucerne, but not more than that. I own one and I would not want to do any length of time with the numbers you have put forth.

If you're renting from home, look into local car dealers that might rent you something cheaper than the majors. But I wouldn't do a long trip in anything smaller than a minivan for your crew.

 

[Cyntillations]

Yeah, we'll be renting from home (well, Austin, actually) as it's cheaper for us than flying. It's 16 hours driving time, and our kids are doing that whole "sibling rivalry" thing.... "She's touching me again!!!" "He put his feet on meeeeeeeee!!"

Thanks for your reply

 

[mareed]

Yeah, we'll be renting from home (well, Austin, actually) as it's cheaper for us than flying. It's 16 hours driving time, and our kids are doing that whole "sibling rivalry" thing.... "She's touching me again!!!" "He put his feet on meeeeeeeee!!"

Thanks for your reply

Are you sure about the driving time? We drove from Houston, and Mapquest estimated around 15 hours, but I think it took us closer to 17-18. I'd guess it's 20 or 21 from Austin... Our drive was just under 1000 miles door-to-door.

 

[minnierocks]

I would think that if you rented an SUV instead of a minivan that any savings would be eaten up by the extra gas that an SUV will guzzle...

 

[Cyntillations]

Mareed, yeah, I kind of figured that it would take at least a little longer than Google's estimate due to traffic conditions, possible detours, and meal & bathroom breaks.

Minnierocks, you're right, an SUV would really guzzle the gas.

Thanks for the input, everybody!