Rental car what would you do question ???

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

3 people. I booked the Standard SUV because it said it would carry 5 bags. I've already traveled this route a couple of times and was offered SUV's both times....that why I was considering it. My guess is SUV's aren't very popular for city driving in and around Sacramento and/or San Francisco. We happen to be going the other way though. We did peek at the ones in the parking lot last time we were there. Should be a Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3rd seats that fold down...it looked like it would work.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I know the trunk size of a full size car is a lot smaller these days than it used to be. Or maybe it's just what the car rental companies give you as a full size. Would a full size work considering you could put luggage in the back seat of the car? Or are you going to have 6 large suitcases? When I took dd to Vancouver it was just the two of us. We had a full size which worked okay for us. But we also had "only" four suitcases.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

Full size is the old mid size. It's what I always pick now. The last 4 full size rentals were a Dodge Challenger, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and a Ford Fusion. We liked the Ford for the whole 15 minutes we drove it before we were plowed into on Kauai. Aside from the Camry which I drive at home and know how much trunk space it has...the others seemed roomier. BUT, at this point I honestly don't know how many bags we will end up with. I guess I can modify my thoughts when stuff is actually packed. Good thing we have a truck because we are going to have to drive THAT to the airport just to carry all the bags

[Icc5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Icc5]

StressCadet, I've never done this but why not call up the different car rental places and see what the best they can do for you? Write everything down before talking to them such as charges or not for a second driver. It can't hurt to ask.
If you do any of the other or this or all please let us know the outcome.
Good luck to you.
Bart

[happymum Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close happymum]

I have been given an upgrade for free. If they are out of what you have reserved, they need to bump you up.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I have been given an upgrade for free. If they are out of what you have reserved, they need to bump you up.

But it's rare for them to be out of the full size and have a lovely SUV to give you. Not saying it never happens, just not often. Usually the upgrade we've been offered is for one of those hunking "premium" cars.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

But it's rare for them to be out of the full size and have a lovely SUV to give you. Not saying it never happens, just not often. Usually the upgrade we've been offered is for one of those hunking "premium" cars.

Yes, us too. And if DS is at the counter, he tries to get me to go for it

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I do want to go back and slightly revise my last comment. We have been able to upgrade (free) from a full size to an SUV in the past. This happened a couple of times in Albuquerque. We'd reserve a full size with Avis, get to the airport and find it was too small for our luggage. We were given an SUV, which they had plenty of, free. However, the last time we upgraded, they charged us. So, it may depend on the location, and their policy at the time.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

3 people. I booked the Standard SUV because it said it would carry 5 bags. I've already traveled this route a couple of times and was offered SUV's both times....that why I was considering it. My guess is SUV's aren't very popular for city driving in and around Sacramento and/or San Francisco. We happen to be going the other way though. We did peek at the ones in the parking lot last time we were there. Should be a Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3rd seats that fold down...it looked like it would work.

Since you are bring DD to school this way, I suspect that MANY other people will be doing the same thing. So lock in on the size you need and then keep looking.
I feel a mini van would actually be the best option as you know those 4-6 bags will fit.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

Just booked an SUV via Hotwire for 132.00. I'm happy and it's prepaid...so now I'm down to parking, gas, food and dog boarding. OH and trip to "big box" store when we get there. Anything else can be shipped!

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Just booked an SUV via Hotwire for 132.00. I'm happy and it's prepaid...so now I'm down to parking, gas, food and dog boarding. OH and trip to "big box" store when we get there. Anything else can be shipped!

By "Big Box" do you mean Costco or Bed, Bath & Beyond? Did you know that you can pre-select your items at Bed, Bath & Beyond and they will have them all packaged up for you when you arrive? We did that when younger dd went to Florida. It saved a ton of time when we were there.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

By "Big Box" do you mean Costco or Bed, Bath & Beyond? Did you know that you can pre-select your items at Bed, Bath & Beyond and they will have them all packaged up for you when you arrive? We did that when younger dd went to Florida. It saved a ton of time when we were there.

Yes...we are working on that with BB&B. I just meant your typical Target or Walmart for personal, kitchen or food supplies. Her suite has a kitchenette. I'd like to leave her with at least a starter set of things.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Yes...we are working on that with BB&B. I just meant your typical Target or Walmart for personal, kitchen or food supplies. Her suite has a kitchenette. I'd like to leave her with at least a starter set of things.

Oh yeah. Besides the already pre-packaged BB&B stop we also hit Target and Best Buy. I'm sure there were other places we went as well.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

In some markets, minivans and SUVs are in short supply, therefore a high price. Can vary by company. Reserve one you can cancel and keep looking. At least you have a fall back position.

[grest Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close grest]

frantic time, isn't it?
Glad the car rental worked out!