What size car should I rent?

[Mynamewastaken]

What size car would you rent? This is our first time renting... President's week.. 2 adults and two kids who will use booster seats. 2 large suitcases and maybe one medium size.

I have an economy car booked with hertz for 9 days 94.24 which was awesome but think it might be too small

Also have a mid-size booked for 182.00 with Dollar.

I want to pay around 8-9 a day or less and I see people get AMAZING deals on bigger cars for around the price I have booked. What am I doing wrong?

 

[GrnMtnMan]

What am I doing wrong?

Looking too soon for discounts, and traveling during a holiday week.

Best rates usually come out a month or less before your trip. But if you are traveling at a busy time, catch the cheapest rate you can, whenever you can. Its not realistic to expect to pay September prices during a school vacation week.

Regarding the size, you might be okay with the small car. Can you put any of the luggage between the kids or on the floor at their feet? Or an adult hold a bag on his/her lap?

 

[DebbieB]

I would go compact or intermediate. An economy only holds 2 small suitcases, you will be really cramped.

https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/vehi...meView.jsp&countryCode=US&category=Car/Sedan#

 

[richmo]

Economy is very tight. Next time you see a Chevy Aveo you'll get the idea. I'd go at least to compact and maybe mid-size/intermediate.

Hold your Hertz reservation, but keep looking at the larger car classes. The previous poster was right in that it is way early to find the best discounts. Usually I've found them to be 2 days to 14 days prior to arrival. You're dealing with a holiday weekend, which can change the dynamics a little, but its nowhere near the volume they have Easter and summer.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

I would agree with the others that it is likely too small. The way car rental companies classify cars seems to differ from how the rest of the world does it, their view on what will fit is in my opinion overly optimistic if not just flat out wrong.

Using Hertz as an example, as that is who I use regularly for business travel, here is a quick description of the sizes:

Economy
Kia Rio or Similar
4/5 Passengers
2 Small Suitcases

Compact
Ford Focus or Similar
4/5 Passengers
1 Large Suitcase, 1 Small Suitcase

Intermediate 2 or 4 dr.
Toyota Corolla or Similar
5 Passengers
2 Large Suitcases, 1 Small Suitcase

Standard 2 door
Nissan Altima 2-door or Similar
5 Passengers
2 Large Suitcases, 1 Small Suitcase

Full Size 4 Dr.
Chevrolet Malibu or Similar
5 Passengers
2 Large Suitcases, 1 Medium Suitcase , 2 Small Suitcases

Based on your needs and what is described I would think the minimum size that would be comfortable is an Intermediate, but watch prices as often Full size can be had for just a few dollars more per day.

 

[mkymouse40]

Do you belong to a Costco or BJs Wholesale Club? If so, you can get great prices, coupons, free upgrades and a free additional driver. Also, if you join the Alamo Insider's Club (free), you get lower rates and additional driver free also. the nice thing about Alamo in Orlando is that you get to pick out your car instead of being assigned one.

I would not recommend anything smaller than a Mid-Size/Intermediate car. Also, you can usually purchase a Standard size car for either the same price or only a few dollars more.

This may sound like a lot of work, but you have to check all of the car companies daily, because the prices do change that much. Book as many reservations as you like, and cancel as you get one at a cheaper price.

I just cancelled nine of them yesterday and I still have three reservations; all different size vehicles.

 

[mieuxmew]

I would rental a standard/full size car. No way you will fit 2 adults / 2 kids with booster seats and 3 suitcases in an econo! It is worth a few dollars more for everyone to be comfortable and safe.

Grab a decent rental price now and keep checking as your dates get closer. I rented a full size from Dollar last year presidents week for 5 days for $92, but I found that rate only 2-3 weeks before we left.