Car rental ?...are all the companies "classes" the same???

[antkim]

Not sure if the title was clear....here's the deal.

My friend has a "premium" car rented with Hertz in a few weeks. I told her that I thought I could get her a better rate if she let me poke around a bit. Well, sure enough I was able to find a "premium" with Alamo for $200 less than what she was quoted!!! Here is the problem....Hertz advertises their premium to hold 5 adults...but only 1 large suitcase and 2 small suitcases. Alamo says their premium hold 4 adults, 1 child but 3 large suitcases and 2 small. Since they are a family of 5 with 2 adults and 3 children ages 17,16 and 14 her dh is concerned that the Alamo car will be too small.
I was always under the impression that a car class is the same not matter which company you rent from....I mean, a minivan is a minivan and a compact is a compact. Am I wrong? I do not want them to rent the car that I found only to have them come home unhappy!

Any input would be appreciated!

Kim

 

[antkim]

anyone?

 

[CarolA]

Car classes are NOT the same. The best thing to do is Look at the example car, not the baggage etc. I once had a car rental place try to convince me a Corrolla was midsize! It was to them!

Hertz premiums are very big cars! I have normally gotten the Lincoln Towncar when I am upgraded to premium.

(Also, cost isn't everything. Service is also a consideation, If Alamo is the only deal I can get I just pay more)

 

[antkim]

Isn't the Lincoln a luxury? So, if my friend wants to make sure that he/she has the bigger car then they should stick with Hertz? Is it that much bigger that it would be worth the extra $200? Just want to give her the best advice!

Thanks!

 

[CarolA]

Hertz at MCO

Premium, Car, Auto Trans, Air Con -
Crown Victoria, Bonneville or Similar

(Also says it takes 3 large suitcases and two small)

Alamo

Buick Lucerne
or similar


(Same luggage)

I will say that the Crown Vic has the biggest trunk I have seen is a LONG time.

I have no idea if these cars are the same size. I am not a car person. I am very biased. I find no amount of savings worth the "risk" of Alamo. (I realize others on here have had good experiences, but I dealt with them once and it ranks as my worst rental experience ever. Considering that I travel over 50% of the time I had lots of "horror" stories to compare to. My rule is NEVER AGAIN!)

 

[antkim]

great thanks! I will let them decide! I do NOT want to be held responsible for a terrible experience!

 

[ddesousa323]

Hertz at MCO

Premium, Car, Auto Trans, Air Con -
Crown Victoria, Bonneville or Similar

(Also says it takes 3 large suitcases and two small)

Alamo

Buick Lucerne
or similar


(Same luggage)

I will say that the Crown Vic has the biggest trunk I have seen is a LONG time.

I have no idea if these cars are the same size. I am not a car person. I am very biased. I find no amount of savings worth the "risk" of Alamo. (I realize others on here have had good experiences, but I dealt with them once and it ranks as my worst rental experience ever. Considering that I travel over 50% of the time I had lots of "horror" stories to compare to. My rule is NEVER AGAIN!)

Why dont you like Alamo, just curious i have them reserved right now

 

[CarolA]

My experience happened several years ago. Let's just say it was the longest line I have ever stood in and then they had no cars. The staff was RUDE beyond belief and flat out LIED to me about insurance. (I was on business and I don't buy the insurance on business the company covered it. The IDIOT desk clerk told me that "we don't accept company payments" WHAT THE????) I had a meeting and finally gave up, told them that to void the contract and I would take a cab. The next month I got a $200 bill on my credit card for damages... to a car I was never able to get... Luckily my company travel agent dealt with them for me. I wanted to sue. NEVER AGAIN.

As I said, I don't think my experience is representative and it is several years old.....