Grand Caravan vs. Caravan minivan rental - National vs. Dollar

[metivier]

We have two minivan reservations right now for 12/5 - 12/11 -- one through Dollar at just over $200 and another through National at $211 and change. However, these are for "minivans" and not specifically for a Grand Caravan vs. "just" a Caravan. We can really use the extra room of a Grand Caravan to accomodate our double stroller.

Which rental agency am I more likely to get a Grand Caravan through -- National or Dollar? I'd like to free up one reservation, but have thought about keeping both and seeing what we get when we land at the airport.

Thanks in advance!
Karen

 

[CRCrazy]

I'd recommend keeping the National reservation, since with National, you get to choose your van from all the vans they have available on the minivan aisle. When we went - they had a TON of Grand Caravans, or Pontiac Montanas (also a good sized vehicle). If you go through the Emerald Reserve or Quick Rent - you don't even have to stop at the counter first.

Dollar does do a nice job - but everyone has to stop at the counter, even with Fastlane, and you don't get to choose your vehicle - they just assign you a car.

 

[metivier]

Thanks so much for your advice! You raise a great point about choosing from the minivan aisel -- I hadn't thought about that difference with Emerald Reserve vs. Dollar.

Thanks again!
Karen

 

[PlutosFriend]

We rented from Dolar in October and had a Grand Caravan. It was very nice Anytime I have rented a van from Dollar it has been the Grand. Just make sure you ask at the counter to make sure. The employee we had was wonderful!

 

[pumpkinboy]

OK, good info here. He have a similar situation, but we have ressies with Alamo and Dollar. We really need the Grand bcs of DS's wheelchair plus 6 ppl. Tho the Dollar ressie is $10 more, I think we'll try that one first and see if they can promise us a Grand.

 

[BigTigger]

We rented a minivan with Dollar in August. The counter clerk made it clear the rental was for a regular minivan not the extended minivan (the website did not differentiate - just said 7 passengers plus luggage). The upgrade to a Grand Caravan was only about $120 for the 10 day rental, but I've never had National, Alamo, or Avis play the two sizes of minivan grade to get more money out of me at the counter.

 

[sgtdisney]

I had a similar situation happen to me like BigTigger. Dollar's official policy according to them when I wrote to them is that they rent Caravan sized vehicles as their minivans. If you want, need or expect a Grand Caravan they can and will charge you to an upgrade at the discretion of the rental location. So, a lot of people have rented from Dollar and gotten the Grand Caravan at no extra charge and then there are others like me who had no choice but to pay for the upgrade. With Dollar you never know for sure. At least with National you get to pick your own van and in all the years I have used them I have never had to take a regular length van.

 

[zurgswife]

Rented from dollar this summer they asked if I wanted to upgrade...I said NO....got a grand anyway... no charge...

We have also gotten a regular on the aisle at Orlando...

So, neither theory is a definate...

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by zurgswife
We have also gotten a regular on the aisle at Orlando...

So, neither theory is a definate...

I think I would rather take my chances with National. I have seen the regular length on the aisle, but have never been forced to take one or upgrade at additional cost. You can always ask them to bring around another van from the other side or tell them that the choice they have isn't acceptable. When I had to pay with Dollar I had no choices. Just an observation.