Or Similar… US Car Rental
Discussion
In April I’m fortunate enough to be holidaying in California; flying into San Francisco and out of San Diego a couple of weeks later.
Because I’m disorganised I’ve yet to book car rental… problem is it’s for 7 people (4 adults, 3 children). I normally get Chevy Suburbans when confronted with lots of people and bags, but it seems you can’t rent them in one place and drop off in another (or at least the usual suspects don’t seem to).
All I’m being offered are SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder ‘or similar’ or minivans such as Chrysler Pacifica ‘or similar’. Are these big enough? I’m thinking the minivan is the better bet?
Would a Suburban be classed as an ‘or similar’ to a Pathfinder? I’m thinking no - that would be a Tahoe, I think. Anyone with any recent experience of such things? Thanks.
P.S. Two smaller cars isn’t an option - I’m the only one who is comfortable driving over there and there’s unnecessarily expensive compulsory valet parking in lots of places.
Because I’m disorganised I’ve yet to book car rental… problem is it’s for 7 people (4 adults, 3 children). I normally get Chevy Suburbans when confronted with lots of people and bags, but it seems you can’t rent them in one place and drop off in another (or at least the usual suspects don’t seem to).
All I’m being offered are SUVs like the Nissan Pathfinder ‘or similar’ or minivans such as Chrysler Pacifica ‘or similar’. Are these big enough? I’m thinking the minivan is the better bet?
Would a Suburban be classed as an ‘or similar’ to a Pathfinder? I’m thinking no - that would be a Tahoe, I think. Anyone with any recent experience of such things? Thanks.
P.S. Two smaller cars isn’t an option - I’m the only one who is comfortable driving over there and there’s unnecessarily expensive compulsory valet parking in lots of places.
The Pathfinder has an OKish boot even with three rows, and we managed with 4 adults and 2 kids on a skiing holiday. IIRC the Pacifica has the rear row of seats almost up against the tailgate.
A quick dig around on Expedia suggests that a "Chevrolet Express 15-Passenger Van or similar" is about 25% more expensive than a 7-seater minivan and ensures you'll have no problems. Your British license will be accepted without question for this enormous monstrosity, and there's plenty of room on Californian roads.
A quick dig around on Expedia suggests that a "Chevrolet Express 15-Passenger Van or similar" is about 25% more expensive than a 7-seater minivan and ensures you'll have no problems. Your British license will be accepted without question for this enormous monstrosity, and there's plenty of room on Californian roads.
Shaw Tarse said:
craigjm said:
Genuine question… with four adults why don’t you just get two cars rather than a bus that may just about meet your needs or lead to a row at the rental desk?
Last paragraph of op.A pathfinder will be interchangeable with a Traverse or Explorer. Not enough room for bags in addition to all the people. Pacifica the same, tiny boot with all the seats in use. You’ll need to persevere with finding a full sized suv or have a look at a transit minibus which some providers will rent you.
I’ve never had any issue with one way Suburban rentals through Avis, in fact I currently have two booked for later in the year.
I’ve never had any issue with one way Suburban rentals through Avis, in fact I currently have two booked for later in the year.
In the 7/8 seat catagory try and get a jeep waggoner it's actually not got a bad boot for the full size SUV and back seats are ok even for adults.
If you want bigger grand wagoneer in the same class as suburban
I have no idea what airport your going into but see if it's assigned on arrival or you pick what you want like in say orlando
If you want bigger grand wagoneer in the same class as suburban
I have no idea what airport your going into but see if it's assigned on arrival or you pick what you want like in say orlando
Update. I’m now in the US! Hooray.
Bad news: minivan was just not big enough for all our bags and people.
Good news: Thrifty had a Chevy Suburban I could have.
Bad news: it was more than twice the price.
Didn’t really have another option other than to take it, so there we go. Will get some pics of it in the next couple of days. It’s a mega thing though.
Bad news: minivan was just not big enough for all our bags and people.
Good news: Thrifty had a Chevy Suburban I could have.
Bad news: it was more than twice the price.
Didn’t really have another option other than to take it, so there we go. Will get some pics of it in the next couple of days. It’s a mega thing though.
David87 said:
Update. I’m now in the US! Hooray.
Bad news: minivan was just not big enough for all our bags and people.
Good news: Thrifty had a Chevy Suburban I could have.
Bad news: it was more than twice the price.
Didn’t really have another option other than to take it, so there we go. Will get some pics of it in the next couple of days. It’s a mega thing though.
Have a great trip! You've managed to arrive just as the rain stops. Just in case nobody's told you yet, much of the PCH around Big Sur is still closed for repairs, so keep that in mind when you're planning your journey. Updates are at: https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_condition...Bad news: minivan was just not big enough for all our bags and people.
Good news: Thrifty had a Chevy Suburban I could have.
Bad news: it was more than twice the price.
Didn’t really have another option other than to take it, so there we go. Will get some pics of it in the next couple of days. It’s a mega thing though.
NNH said:
Have a great trip! You've managed to arrive just as the rain stops. Just in case nobody's told you yet, much of the PCH around Big Sur is still closed for repairs, so keep that in mind when you're planning your journey. Updates are at: https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_condition...
Thanks for the link NNH. Driving from San Francisco southbound on 1st May, so will be checking this out. Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff