12-Seater minivan

[AndyC]

Hi everyone

We will be a party of nine hiring a 12-seater minivan though dollar at Orlando airport, is there likely to be sufficient room in the vehicle for all 9 passengers plus a suitcase each plus 2x wheelchairs, I would be prepared to make two journeys to villa if necessary, or would the back seat fold down to make more room. I would also like to know what type of seating is expected in these vehicles as regards comfort..

all help greatly appreciated

Regards
Andy

[phaedra]

Last I read was that 12 seater bookings were being given 2 x 7 seaters due to safety problems with the 12 seaters when they are fully loaded, check with whoever you've booked it with.

[AndyC]

Thanxs Jeff, I will have to check this out soonest, especially as I will be the only driver

Andy

[blott]

I thought that just applied to the 15 seaters?

[AndyC]

Have been in touch with Dollar in Uk and they said that 12 seaters were still being used and that their 15 seaters were taken out of service as of 1st April this year.

Has anyone had any experience of driving these big beasts ie how comfortable they are, how easy it is to step up into, we will have two elderly with us one of whom is disabled.

Thanks
Andy

[blott]

I thought that problem only applied to the 15 seaters.

I drive a 7 seater in the UK, mainly because it's so easy to get in and out of. Because the seats are higher off the ground than a 'normal' car, you can stand at the open door and just swivel round as your backside is around the same height as the seats. The same thing when you get out, just swivel your legs out of the door and you're practically standing up.

Knowing American vehicles, they're likely to be much more comfortable than UK ones with all the bells and whistles on them.

[phaedra]

I admit it .... I am a complete plonker and got it totally wrong!

The 7 seaters we've had have either been a Chevy Town & Country or a Dodge Grand Caravan, almost identical and very easy to drive. I've had to give up my car here as I can't get in/out without problems and would love an MPV

The only thing with the MPVs is the fuel consumption, 20mpg!, I've been used to driving a diesel for years and anything under 45mpg is a shock!. At least the gas is cheap (to us at least!) at about £1 a gallon

[diaquarian]

The only problem with the 12 or 15 seater is for short legs, difficulty getting in and out.
We have invested in a low foot stool from walmart $5, which we keep in the owners cuboard.

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:The only thing with the MPVs is the fuel consumption, 20mpg!, I've been used to driving a diesel for years and anything under 45mpg is a shock!.[/quote] Ours is a diesel Jeff and it does do about 40 - 45 to the gallon (UK gallon that is!). In fact, it does more mpg than our previous car which was a Renault Clio!

[phaedra]

A friend here in the UK has a diesel Chrysler Voyager, very nice!.

He's also been to Florida and couldn't believe the petrol versions only get around 20mpg!