WWYD - SUV Question

[rlduvall]

I currently have two reservations booked out of Tampa and need some dis'er advice. At Tampa, Alamo is offsite, Thrifty is onsite. I am a QS member and have a rate with Alamo of $191. for a mid-size SUV - Chevy Trailblazer (must ride shuttle to get car). At Thrifty I have a rate of $237. for a premium SUV - Dodge Durango and signed DH up as a member of Blue Chip (whatever time that might save I don't know).

After 3 nights in Orlando going to Universal, we are driving to HH for 3 nights. We must then drive back to Tampa to fly home. DH wants the larger SUV for the higher rate for supposed more comfort. I argue let's save money and go with the Trailblazer, we're not buying the darn thing. Maybe I am letting a $46. savings overtake my common sense.

WWYD?

 

[wdwluver]

For a $46 savings, I would ride the shuttle. But for me, it would depend on whether there were small children involved and how much luggage. If I had my kids and lots of luggage, I would pay the additional $46 and go with thrifty. If minimal luggage or older kids, I would take the shuttle. Size really wouldn't matter it would be just be how much of an inconvenience.

 

[tbrenk]

I currently have two reservations booked out of Tampa and need some dis'er advice. At Tampa, Alamo is offsite, Thrifty is onsite. I am a QS member and have a rate with Alamo of $191. for a mid-size SUV - Chevy Trailblazer (must ride shuttle to get car). At Thrifty I have a rate of $237. for a premium SUV - Dodge Durango and signed DH up as a member of Blue Chip (whatever time that might save I don't know).

After 3 nights in Orlando going to Universal, we are driving to HH for 3 nights. We must then drive back to Tampa to fly home. DH wants the larger SUV for the higher rate for supposed more comfort. I argue let's save money and go with the Trailblazer, we're not buying the darn thing. Maybe I am letting a $46. savings overtake my common sense.

WWYD?

I am interested to see the opinions. I am going to be facing the same situation in April. I will pick up in Tampa and drop off in St. Pete. I am getting the best rate with Alamo right now, but would have to deal with the shuttle. We are 3 adults and 3 small children. I am wondering if the $30 difference is worth the shuttle.

I could always pick up the van and then swing around and pick everyone up.

 

[rlduvall]

Actually, I am not that concerned about shuttle vs. onsite . . . our disagreement is the size of the vehicle - standard SUV v. full size SUV. We will be doing alot of driving.

 

[rlduvall]

Bumping for the evening folks.

 

[neonurse]

Don't forget with the larger SUV is more $$ on gas with that $46!!! How much more I don't know???

 

[wdwluver]

Actually, I am not that concerned about shuttle vs. onsite . . . our disagreement is the size of the vehicle - standard SUV v. full size SUV. We will be doing alot of driving.

How many people will be in the vehicle? If it's just the two of you, I wouldn't go for the larger vehicle. If you have 5 people, I would go for the larger vehicle. It would be more comfortable. Just my opinion.

 

[rlduvall]

There will be 4 of us. Me, DH, 19 year old stepson and DS8 - with all the appropriate luggage. I think I am leaning more towards the bigger SUV. Thanks for all the input from everyone.

 

[mareed]

Are you sure about the vehicle & size? We've recently had the same options at Tampa, and when I check Alamo, the mid-size SUV is a Chevrolet Equinox. Definitely smaller than a Trailblazer and would be very tight, I think with your group & luggage. Alamo lists the Trailblazer as their standard SUV.

Really, either way, I'd stick with on-site and the larger vehicle for a small additional cost.

We also went with the Premium SUV from Thrifty, but it ended up about the same price as the smaller vehicles offsite, so it was a very easy decision. In late August, it was down to $159 weekly base rate which is great! It's now more than double that at $334!

We'll have 3 adults and 2 children, and really don't want anyone to have to sit in the middle of the back seat, so this way everyone can have their own seat. I think there's not a lot of luggage space in the Durango (Premium SUV) with the seat in use, but you should be able to easily fold them up and have tons of luggage space. (We'll only have 4 people with our luggage, and will just be adding the 5th person going to/from the parks, so we'll be fine.)

 

[rlduvall]

You're right . . . it is a standard SUV, not mid-size. Definitely a Chevy Trailblazer. It seems to me that Tampa car rental rates are so much higher than Orlando.