What size of car?

**pauline** · 05-09-2004, 14:08

Hi everyone,

What size of car would you recommend for 4 large adults and 1 large child? We will probably have a lot of luggage - maybe 3 large suitcases and a few small ones or large holdalls. This is the first time we will hire a car and I think we will need one with the biggest boot and would like to know if we should consider a 4 x 4.

Thanks for any help.

**Nostromo** · 05-09-2004, 14:24

You will need at least a 7-seater, but these have somewhat limited luggage space. If you really want good luggage room, I suggest you opt for an 8-seater, which has SIGNIFICANTLY MORE boot room and only $25 or so more per week.

When you arrive at the Dollar (or other Car Hire firm) at Orlando airport, please remember two important things.

- DO NOT accept a 7-seater if you have booked & paid for an 8-seater; Car Hire firms occasionally try this trick if they are pushed in Peak Season, but stand by your rights. As I said, the luggage space in an 8-seater is MUCH larger.

- DO NOT be fooled into a 'free upgrade' for a 12-seater. These are unpopular and nothing but 8-seaters with an unwanted extra bench seat sitting in your luggage space.

Unless you intend to do some serious off-roading, I do not think a 4x4 is going to make a big difference.

Hope this helps.

**pauline** · 05-09-2004, 14:32

Thanks Nostromo

Do I really need as large as your recommend. When I said large adults (one is my 12 year old daughter who is an adult size now!), they would comfortably sit in any medium car here so is there not any car or 4 x 4 that would take our luggage if we only had a couple of holdalls.

**chrisj** · 05-09-2004, 14:33

I agree, go for a 7 seater, much more space inside and lovely to drive

**Michele L** · 05-09-2004, 16:21

Just a quick note - Are you staying in a villa? If you are you do not need to take as much luggage as you can do a wash load and dry it within 1 hour at the villa. The machines are industrial size and take no time at all. also you can then take a couple of holdalls to bring all your NEW clothes back, these can squashed in anywhere.

I have rented a cherokke jeep 4 X 4 which held 4 adults comfortably and there was enough for room for about 4 medium suitcases, not sue if you can fit in 3 large and a couple of small.

My advice cut down on clothes, you hardly need extra"going out" clothes in florida as it sooooo relaxed.

Have a great time

Michele

**heathercobbett** · 05-09-2004, 16:52

Have you yhought of having 2 smaller cars? We often do this when we go with friends. It means you can split into 2 groups and do sifferent things some days.

Have you checked the link above;we have just booked with them and never paid so little for car hire and with dollar who are on airport

**CarolAnn** · 05-09-2004, 18:06

Not sure about the 7 seater, but do be careful of the boot/trunk size we normally have an intermediate, we do travel quite light, but have been shocked at how little space you get in the boot!

**blott** · 05-09-2004, 18:57

A Luxry car, like a Chrysler Concorde, has room for three large hard type suitcases in the boot/trunk (you have to 'climb in' to reach the back of the boot!) and plenty of room for three passengers in the back, if that's any help.

**mm69340** · 05-09-2004, 18:58

We are 8 and we alwyas go Heather's route. We get two smaller cars.

For 1 it is usually much cheaper and this way we have more options for going out and back. Granted my munchkins are smaller so they tire easier and it is a blessing to be able to bring some home and let the older ones stay.

I will say that parking at Disney is a little more expensive- but the options we get are much better.

I would say if you want one car go for the 7 seater. If there are only 5 you will be able to fit luggage in the seats as well as the trunk!