What size car?

[Rhoda]

I'm confused on rental cars. What size will we need for 5 people (3 children, well, that includes 1 teen who is almost 6')? We have a Taurus at home, and we can scrunch in it, but I can't imagine it with luggage too. Are we best to stick with a mini-van? FWIW, we are staying off-site, but not far, so we'll really just need it to go back and forth.

Thanks!

 

[Rpsemont]

Depends on how much luggage you take. We travel at 3 adults, and one child. We usually have 1 large suitcase, 3 small suitcases, sometimes a medium size duffle or two, and 2 backpack. We get a full size. A mid size is sometimes too smal. If you have 5 pieces of luggage plus a carry ons, I'd get a mini van

 

[Carrieberry]

I agree. I would mini van it or SUV it. We had a full size last week (Impala) very nice but was just perfect for 2 adults and 2 children 6 & 8. We could have fit one more child in there but no more luggage. The trunk was stuffed. About the same size as a taurus is what you are looking at for a full size, some are even smaller.

 

[Maddle]

Rhoda - what kind of packer are you? A light-weight/bare essentials type? or "I better bring it because I would hate to be without it" type? What kind of luggage do you use? Mostly duffles, or mostly suitcases that have a finite size? (In other words, you just can't make 'em any smaller or a different shape.)

If you get around fine in a Taurus at home, consider a full-size car, and use luggage you can squish into spaces. After all, how will you be getting to the airport from home? The luggage will have to make that trip too.

If you're just going back and forth to the parks, do you really need to pay all that extra for a mini-van? Take a look at Premium rental fees, too - they might give you the space you need, and be less expensive than a mini-van.

On the other hand, sometimes it isn't a whole lot extra for a minivan, then it might be worth it. Sometimes you will come upon a special offer. Sign up for all of the email offer programs, and keep an eye on Mousesavers, too.

Best wishes for a fun time - Maddle

 

[safetymom]

If you have a Taurus at home you should be fine with one on your vacation. The trunk does hold a lot. If you pack in soft sided luggage you shouldn't have any problems getting it to fit unless you bring lots of stuff.

I wouldn't pay for a mini van if you are only using it to go back and forth to the parks.

 

[Rpsemont]

If you have a Taurus at home you should be fine with one on your vacation

Good way to judge it, just beware that I'm not sure you can be guaranteed a taurus if you ask for full size. On National they rate a PT cruiser a full size. That has considerably less romm the Taurus

 

[safetymom]

If you rent from Hertz Taurus is considered a full size.

 

[annabelle]

I'm in the same boat. We'd definitely get a full sized if we were just park hopping... but we're taking a side trip to Anna Maria Island (near Sarasota) 3 hours away. Then we're driving 45 minutes up to the Tampa airport to fly out. We have 3 kids (2 boosters and 1 infant seat)... then we'll have a stroller, backpack baby carrier, luggage, duffels... etc etc.