Midsize Rental?

[ShootingStarMom2]

Hi,

We've only rented a handful of cars before we had kids. Now we're thinking of renting a Ford Fusion (or other midsize) because of the rate I found for this summer (8 days for $156). We have 2 little ones who will be in carseats and both will be forward facing (we're bringing our seats with). It says it will fit 5 adults and 3 bags.

Do you think this will be a tight fit? We're really only going to use the car for here and there driving, not really going away from the Disney area for side trips. We will have 2 medium bags and 1 double stroller that folds down super small. I think we might be able to pull it off! Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Are you planning on 5 people, including the two kids in car seats? If so, it will be tight to fit two car seats and a third person in the back seat in a Fusion.

Also, note, you are reserving a class of vehicle, which the Fusion is an example, there are no guarantees that is the vehicle you are given, you could be given something larger (or even smaller if there are oversold/reservation issues).

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

No, it will just be 2 adults in the front and 2 kids in carseats in back. Yes, I figured on what you noted about the car options. We've been upgraded before, but never downgraded. I'm sure it happens all the time. I wasn't sure what other cars would be included in the mid-size category since the website doesn't say.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

No, it will just be 2 adults in the front and 2 kids in carseats in back. Yes, I figured on what you noted about the car options. We've been upgraded before, but never downgraded. I'm sure it happens all the time. I wasn't sure what other cars would be included in the mid-size category since the website doesn't say.

Cars I've seen clumped into the same category are a Corolla and Elantra. Class creep has been even more common as of late, there are some companies that actually try to pass off a Chrysler 300C as a Luxury car too.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

Cars I've seen clumped into the same category are a Corolla and Elantra. Class creep has been even more common as of late, there are some companies that actually try to pass off a Chrysler 300C as a Luxury car too.

Arent' those econo cars? I am confused too as when you look at sites like expedia, priceline etc...different companies call the same car by different classes and then too, different co's state the passenger/baggage #'s differently. For instance, one co. said the Elantra (I think) held 5 people and 5 bags and another said 5 pp, 3 bags. How do you know which is correct??

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Arent' those econo cars? I am confused too as when you look at sites like expedia, priceline etc...different companies call the same car by different classes and then too, different co's state the passenger/baggage #'s differently. For instance, one co. said the Elantra (I think) held 5 people and 5 bags and another said 5 pp, 3 bags. How do you know which is correct??

Do I think they are Economy cars, yes, but rental companies are notorious for class creep of their vehicles.

As for how much it will fit, I think probalby 2 large bags and 2 smaller bags would fit without too much trouble in any of those vehicles.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

Do I think they are Economy cars, yes, but rental companies are notorious for class creep of their vehicles.

As for how much it will fit, I think probalby 2 large bags and 2 smaller bags would fit without too much trouble in any of those vehicles.

class creep meaning lower class vehicles 'creeping' into the next class up? wow......
I am thinking we need a midsize for our 4 people (2adults/2 kids) and our baggage for 11 nts. Am I on track or off?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

class creep meaning lower class vehicles 'creeping' into the next class up? wow......

Yes, it's a notorious issue in the rental industry. It's most common in the lower vehicle classes, but it has been seen in some of the upper ones as well (refer back to the my comment about a Chrysler 300C and Luxury).

I am thinking we need a midsize for our 4 people (2adults/2 kids) and our baggage for 11 nts. Am I on track or off?

I would think that size car would be fine, but your luggage count is what may be the variable that is tough to judge, because you may pack heavier then others.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

Yes, it's a notorious issue in the rental industry. It's most common in the lower vehicle classes, but it has been seen in some of the upper ones as well (refer back to the my comment about a Chrysler 300C and Luxury).



I would think that size car would be fine, but your luggage count is what may be the variable that is tough to judge, because you may pack heavier then others.

I guess we won't know until we go! So how can you be sure which type of car you will get? Will some companies guarantee a particular type vs. others have a 'take what you get' policy? Thanks for the info. This thread has been eye-opening. HOpe the op is getting something here too!!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I guess we won't know until we go! So how can you be sure which type of car you will get? Will some companies guarantee a particular type vs. others have a 'take what you get' policy? Thanks for the info. This thread has been eye-opening. HOpe the op is getting something here too!!

No company offers general make/model reservable vehicles because their fleets are not all one type of car. Hertz and a few others have make/model reservable cars, but they typically are higher end and are not usually eligible for some the discounts offered.

National rental also has the Emerald Aisle which gives you some flexibility on what you get because you choose your car (if you're a member) from the rows.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

Yes, I appreciate all comments or suggestions!

We've decided to the midsize as the cars to choose from would be Fusion, Sebring, or similar. That would be plenty of space for us.

 

[momof3lovebugs]

No company offers general make/model reservable vehicles because their fleets are not all one type of car. Hertz and a few others have make/model reservable cars, but they typically are higher end and are not usually eligible for some the discounts offered.

National rental also has the Emerald Aisle which gives you some flexibility on what you get because you choose your car (if you're a member) from the rows.

I was wondering about joining them (read about it on mousesavers I think) and when I went to sign up they need a cc and a drivers license #.....is that sop? Seems like you shouldn't need my cc or dl until I actually rent from you.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I was wondering about joining them (read about it on mousesavers I think) and when I went to sign up they need a cc and a drivers license #.....is that sop? Seems like you shouldn't need my cc or dl until I actually rent from you.

All of the "memberships" for rental companies require you file your DL and Credit Card information with them. This speeds up the process for them.