What size rental?

[MommyMK]

We are a family of four, 2 kids who will be 5 & 9 on the trip both in backless boosters. Probably one big suitcase, one carry on sized suitcase and 4 backpacks. Guessing compact will be too small. But what size to choose? Intermediate? Standard? Full size? What do you normally rent?

 

[tobikaye]

Actually depending on the rental companies compact size car, you probably would be fine with a compact as long as it is 4 doors. The car should still have enough trunk space for the large suitcase, carry-on and at possibly 1 backpack. Then the rest of the backpacks could be placed in the back floor.

Now, I would only consider the compact if you are only going with all the luggage from an airport to a hotel. If you are traveling longer distance, I would at least get an intermediate.

I chose my rentals based on the pricing at the time, how much driving I will be doing and what I might have to haul. So, on a trip with my mom to Tampa to visit my cousin, I booked a standard and upgraded to small SUV. I knew we would have 2-4 people in the vehicle most of the trip and might do some shopping that we needed to put something bigger in the back.

On a trip to Orlando with 3 other adults, where we knew we would be driving to the beaches and around the area, I booked a full size so that we would be comfortable for longer day trips.

 

[Alesia]

I drive a sub-compact every day. I could easily fit all of that in my car with room to spare.

 

[MommyMK]

DH will drive the car to Disney while the kids and I and the luggage ride Magical Express as he is going to a conference and needs to head straight there. He will drive it back and forth to the conference for 3 more days and then we'll all ride with our stuff to SIL's house in Tampa. Use it to ride around Tampa for 2 days and then return it to the Tampa Airport.

 

[littlejimmy]

why cram yourselves, just get a full size, the price difference is usually pretty minimal

 

[siberian57]

Compact is usually enough since you don't have a lot of luggage, but honestly some rental companies consider a Fiat to be compact and you won't get the room you need with that. So I wouldn't chance it.

I say at least midsize/intermediate. I personally go standard or fullsize when I rent because the interior material is usually better, less chance of stains etc. The difference is usually only $2-3 a day per car class anyway.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Keep in mind that most rental car companies define a "fullsize car" to be something along the lines of a Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Nissan Altima, or Ford Fusion. While these can be nice cars (especially if they're not base models), they're not big cars by traditional American car standards.

A "compact car" can something quite small, like a Nissan Versa.

 

[curiousGal]

Keep in mind that most rental car companies define a "fullsize car" to be something along the lines of a Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Nissan Altima, or Ford Fusion. While these can be nice cars (especially if they're not base models), they're not big cars by traditional American car standards.

A "compact car" can something quite small, like a Nissan Versa.

We are 4 adults traveling (2 elder couple, 2 young couple). I am thinking to get a full size car so as to fit 4 suitcases in the trunk and go to the hotel. But for traveling in and around theme parks, I am thinking that full size car is too big. Thoughts?

 

[nacho113]

We are 4 adults traveling (2 elder couple, 2 young couple). I am thinking to get a full size car so as to fit 4 suitcases in the trunk and go to the hotel. But for traveling in and around theme parks, I am thinking that full size car is too big. Thoughts?

I always think of the car rental as a kind of treat for myself. I rent something that I would like to drive everyday (but can't afford to at home). We have a midsize (Pontiac G6) as our family car at home so I try to rent something different when we are on vacation and have a little fun with it. I like to rent a full size with Alamo, then you get to pick from the aisle. Sometimes we take a sedan (Charger, Impala, Mazda 6, Camry), sometimes they have SUVs or Crossovers in the aisle, occasionally some premium vehicles like Infiniti. If I'm in the mood for something sporty (and the prices are reasonable), we'll rent a convertible (usually Mustang or Camaro lately).
Gas prices are low right now so why cram everyone into an econo-box to save a few dollars on fuel.
Live a little and rent something that you will enjoy driving!

 

[curiousGal]

I always think of the car rental as a kind of treat for myself. I rent something that I would like to drive everyday (but can't afford to at home). We have a midsize (Pontiac G6) as our family car at home so I try to rent something different when we are on vacation and have a little fun with it. I like to rent a full size with Alamo, then you get to pick from the aisle. Sometimes we take a sedan (Charger, Impala, Mazda 6, Camry), sometimes they have SUVs or Crossovers in the aisle, occasionally some premium vehicles like Infiniti. If I'm in the mood for something sporty (and the prices are reasonable), we'll rent a convertible (usually Mustang or Camaro lately).
Gas prices are low right now so why cram everyone into an econo-box to save a few dollars on fuel.
Live a little and rent something that you will enjoy driving!

I agree. I was being more conservative not about indulging myself in a spacious car, but driving a big one leading to any scratches or dents on the way or while parking. And I am not big in getting insurance with rental. My credit card may take care of it.