Econo Seating...Really only 2?

[Kevenswife2]

I'm looking for an economy car for my family of three. It's for me, DH, and DD6 who's in a 'carry-on size' booster. Most websites list an econo car as only having seating for 2 people. Is this true, or are they just trying to get me to 'upgrade' to a more expensive model? (I thought only sports cars came in '2-seater' models, and I'd love to get one of those!) Examples of the econo's are Chevy Metro and Geo Metro. I don't need a lot of trunk space as we travel light.

 

[Jestocost]

I guess you'd really have to know what exact car it was to say for certain, but the Metro--theoretically--was a four-seater. I say 'was' because 2000 was the last model year for the Metro. Unless you're looking at an off-brand rental car company, I can't imagine that they've actually got some old Metros sitting around, so who know what you'd actually get.

You also should know that at BEST it had a 79 hp engine and would be very loaded down with three people plus luggage. it got pretty good gas mileage though.

 

[Kevenswife2]

Actually, it was the website for Alamo and Budget. I think they are just trying to make me upgrade and pay more. We really only need the transportation between MCO and our hotel, between Disney parks and to the 'outside world' to eat at a cheapy restaurant like Wendy's. DH won't eat at McDonalds or we could go to Downtown Disney using Disney transportation.

I've thought about trying it without a rental, but the lack of freedom scares me

 

[NotUrsula]

I've never seen a 2-seater "economy" rental car. They all have 4 seats, but what some of the tinier hatchbacks don't have is a trunk. Luggage space is tight, but if you travel light and don't have any large suitcases, you should be OK.

When I looked at those websites, the charts for Economy showed 2 adults, but they also showed 2 children. Granted, there's not much legroom in the back, but it's not really true that only a child could fit in the back seat.

 

[gigi1313]

have you tried any of the coupons from mousesavers? i know the bj's coupon offers free upgrade on alamo... it might be worth looking into 'cause then you'd get a bigger car at the lower car price!

 

[NotUrsula]

Almost all "free upgrade" coupons require you to reserve a car bigger than a compact in the first place; they almost never work for upgrading from an Economy.

 

[Kevenswife2]

I just started juggling the figures to convince DH we can afford the whole trip. I haven't tried the discount codes yet...that's my next step. I can't pass up $49 a night to stay onsite...something I told him we were going to do next time...which I want to be soon!

 

[CarolA]

To be honest, I don't really think you, hubby and your child in the booster seat will fit well in an Economy. (Suzuki Swift, Metro)

Also, you should never book assuming you will get the upgrade. (I once saw a family having a HUGE fight in the Orlando airport rental car parking lot over this. Dad was sure that if he reserved an Economy he wouldn't get one "they don't really have any" Well they did and this family would not fit. Mom was cussing and dad was screaming that he was not going to pay $50 a day for the car (walk up rate!) I left before it was over, but my Money is on Mom getting the bigger car!)

 

[ducklite]

Let me give you a tip...do NOT get the cheapest "economy" car. (Subcompact)

For only a few dollars more you can get a compact which will be something like a Neon, Ion, Cavelier, etc. We made the mistake just once of getting a subcompact, and felt very uncomfortable, not only in the amount of space, but we felt that if we had been in even a minor accident we would have bene injured.

It's been our experience that the additional $5 per day for a compact was well worth the cost.

Anne