What size of car to hire??
Aug 9th 2006, 10:35 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 69
What size of car to hire??
We're arriving in Brisbane on 6th September and are looking to hire a car that we can pick up at the airport and keep until we get around to buying one. Were looking at Thrifty's as they seem reasonably priced. However, can anyone suggest what size of car to go for? I know that they have the little people figures and cases which are supposed to tell you what would suit you best, but unsure how big to go as we'll have 4 large suitcases, 4 people and a set of golfclubs.
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Aug 9th 2006, 10:54 am
#2
brisvegas
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: brisvegas
Posts: 604
Re: What size of car to hire??
I tend to use europcar, have always found them to be good value (particularly if you hunt around on the net - it's amazing what prices you can get through some broker websites like DriveNow and DIYCarHire vs going direct.)
As for size, I'd go for the next size up than you think you really need - I'm sure that whoever draws up the specs for these cars in terms of people and bags has actually never hired a car / travelled with lots of luggage in their life!
We hired a Nissan Xtrail the time before last and found it to be great for size (2 x adults plus child with carry cot, pram, sterliser, box of formula etc etc etc plus one or two grandparents). Last time we tried to hire the same thing (intermediate 4WD) and got a Mitsubishi something-or-other ... nice to drive but the boot space was cr * p. When you get to the hire company, ask if they have any upgrades available, explaining that you'll need extra boot space. The other trick we have tried a few times (and it has worked) is to hang back at the end of the car hire queue when everyone is getting off the plane ... sometimes they run out of cars (becuase they allow for no-shows) and have upgraded us automatically. Not guaranteed but worth a try!
As for size, I'd go for the next size up than you think you really need - I'm sure that whoever draws up the specs for these cars in terms of people and bags has actually never hired a car / travelled with lots of luggage in their life!
We hired a Nissan Xtrail the time before last and found it to be great for size (2 x adults plus child with carry cot, pram, sterliser, box of formula etc etc etc plus one or two grandparents). Last time we tried to hire the same thing (intermediate 4WD) and got a Mitsubishi something-or-other ... nice to drive but the boot space was cr * p. When you get to the hire company, ask if they have any upgrades available, explaining that you'll need extra boot space. The other trick we have tried a few times (and it has worked) is to hang back at the end of the car hire queue when everyone is getting off the plane ... sometimes they run out of cars (becuase they allow for no-shows) and have upgraded us automatically. Not guaranteed but worth a try!
Aug 9th 2006, 10:59 am
#3
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Jim&Sus
We're arriving in Brisbane on 6th September and are looking to hire a car that we can pick up at the airport and keep until we get around to buying one. Were looking at Thrifty's as they seem reasonably priced. However, can anyone suggest what size of car to go for? I know that they have the little people figures and cases which are supposed to tell you what would suit you best, but unsure how big to go as we'll have 4 large suitcases, 4 people and a set of golfclubs.
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Your hire from the airport will be more expensive than a local firm, so hire your airport car for the minimum required amount, which is usually about 7 days. Then return it and hire one from a local firm and save yourself money.
Thrifty are good, although Red Spot are better.
http://www.redspotrentals.com.au/v2/
If you've got 4 large suitcases, plus hand luggage, and laptops (?) it might be that you need to go for the large MPV type car - in Thrifty's case, they offer the following:
Kia Carnival or similar - Auto & Air
Kia Pregio or similar - Manual & Air
Toyota Tarago or similar (Spacia - NT) - Auto & Air
I have what they class as a 'large car' and there's no way we'd fit 4 suitcases and handluggage in... it just wouldn't work.
You will need comfort too, given long flights and the MPV's are usually no more expensive (IME) than the large cars.
Oh, and can I implore you to book your car before you leave the UK? I have been at the airport and got the last car as we booked ahead and many many people turned up expecting instant hire and not able to get it.
Hope that helps.
Last edited by iPom; Aug 9th 2006 at 11:02 am.
Aug 9th 2006, 11:07 am
#4
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by iPom
Hi Susan
Your hire from the airport will be more expensive than a local firm, so hire your airport car for the minimum required amount, which is usually about 7 days. Then return it and hire one from a local firm and save yourself money.
Thrifty are good, although Red Spot are better.
http://www.redspotrentals.com.au/v2/
If you've got 4 large suitcases, plus hand luggage, and laptops (?) it might be that you need to go for the large MPV type car - in Thrifty's case, they offer the following:
Kia Carnival or similar - Auto & Air
Kia Pregio or similar - Manual & Air
Toyota Tarago or similar (Spacia - NT) - Auto & Air
I have what they class as a 'large car' and there's no way we'd fit 4 suitcases and handluggage in... it just wouldn't work.
You will need comfort too, given long flights and the MPV's are usually no more expensive (IME) than the large cars.
Oh, and can I implore you to book your car before you leave the UK? I have been at the airport and got the last car as we booked ahead and many many people turned up expecting instant hire and not able to get it.
Hope that helps.
Your hire from the airport will be more expensive than a local firm, so hire your airport car for the minimum required amount, which is usually about 7 days. Then return it and hire one from a local firm and save yourself money.
Thrifty are good, although Red Spot are better.
http://www.redspotrentals.com.au/v2/
If you've got 4 large suitcases, plus hand luggage, and laptops (?) it might be that you need to go for the large MPV type car - in Thrifty's case, they offer the following:
Kia Carnival or similar - Auto & Air
Kia Pregio or similar - Manual & Air
Toyota Tarago or similar (Spacia - NT) - Auto & Air
I have what they class as a 'large car' and there's no way we'd fit 4 suitcases and handluggage in... it just wouldn't work.
You will need comfort too, given long flights and the MPV's are usually no more expensive (IME) than the large cars.
Oh, and can I implore you to book your car before you leave the UK? I have been at the airport and got the last car as we booked ahead and many many people turned up expecting instant hire and not able to get it.
Hope that helps.
Cheeres
Ginny
Aug 9th 2006, 11:20 am
#5
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Stitch
Would you think a Pajero be big enough to fit them and their luggage in with someone driving?
Cheeres
Ginny
Cheeres
Ginny
Hi Ginny
The Pajero is ok, but I find that the boot space is lacking. It's probably possible but with 4 big suitcases and then hand luggage on top of that... I wouldn't like to risk it but it depends on how many people there are - If there's only two, you can use the back seat too. If you've got children, go for something roomier.
We hired an MPV, because we have three children. So we had them in the back, plus us in the front and the back packed with all the bags... we had 12 pieces of luggage in all, including hand luggage and a childs buggy. We just about squeezed ourselves in.
I would say that you need to overestimate what you need, because it's painful enough getting off a long flight and then having to play Tetris with your luggage! Remember you may also have duty free bags, and laptops if you're bringing one with you... It takes up more room than you think.
It's only for a few days... make the first drive comfortable.
Aug 9th 2006, 11:27 am
#6
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by iPom
Hi Ginny
The Pajero is ok, but I find that the boot space is lacking. It's probably possible but with 4 big suitcases and then hand luggage on top of that... I wouldn't like to risk it but it depends on how many people there are - If there's only two, you can use the back seat too. If you've got children, go for something roomier.
We hired an MPV, because we have three children. So we had them in the back, plus us in the front and the back packed with all the bags... we had 12 pieces of luggage in all, including hand luggage and a childs buggy. We just about squeezed ourselves in.
I would say that you need to overestimate what you need, because it's painful enough getting off a long flight and then having to play Tetris with your luggage! Remember you may also have duty free bags, and laptops if you're bringing one with you... It takes up more room than you think.
It's only for a few days... make the first drive comfortable.
The Pajero is ok, but I find that the boot space is lacking. It's probably possible but with 4 big suitcases and then hand luggage on top of that... I wouldn't like to risk it but it depends on how many people there are - If there's only two, you can use the back seat too. If you've got children, go for something roomier.
We hired an MPV, because we have three children. So we had them in the back, plus us in the front and the back packed with all the bags... we had 12 pieces of luggage in all, including hand luggage and a childs buggy. We just about squeezed ourselves in.
I would say that you need to overestimate what you need, because it's painful enough getting off a long flight and then having to play Tetris with your luggage! Remember you may also have duty free bags, and laptops if you're bringing one with you... It takes up more room than you think.
It's only for a few days... make the first drive comfortable.
Cheers
Ginny
Aug 9th 2006, 11:35 am
#7
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Stitch
I ask cause we've got the Pajero and I could go and pick them up. So it would be me then the 4 of them and their luggage. Not sure if it'd all fit?
Cheers
Ginny
Cheers
Ginny
LOL - well get a couple of large suitcases and see how they fit, and then times by two.
The Pajero 'claims' to have cavernous boot space but I haven't found that to be true... But if you've got it, try it out first.
Aug 9th 2006, 11:36 am
#8
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by iPom
LOL - well get a couple of large suitcases and see how they fit, and then times by two.
The Pajero 'claims' to have cavernous boot space but I haven't found that to be true... But if you've got it, try it out first.
The Pajero 'claims' to have cavernous boot space but I haven't found that to be true... But if you've got it, try it out first.
I can see it now......everyone and the suitcases in our garage! I think I might need another wee wine....Cheers
Ginny
Aug 9th 2006, 11:38 am
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Stitch
I can see it now......everyone and the suitcases in our garage! I think I might need another wee wine....Cheers
Ginny
Ginny
A wee wine is a jolly good idea.
Cheers!
Aug 9th 2006, 11:39 am
#10
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by iPom
A wee wine is a jolly good idea.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Make that a large.......then I must be off tae bed..Work early in the morning
Cheers
Ginny
Aug 9th 2006, 11:40 am
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Sleep well
Aug 9th 2006, 11:41 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: under the stairs
Posts: 119
Re: What size of car to hire??
hi jim&susan
we hired a holden station wagon when we arrived should be plenty of room
it was for us where are you going to stay
are you still going to the collage at the gold coast
a girl agnes knows travels from gold coast to brisbane
as she thinks collage is small
agnes started 3 weeks ago
peter&agnes
we hired a holden station wagon when we arrived should be plenty of room
it was for us where are you going to stay
are you still going to the collage at the gold coast
a girl agnes knows travels from gold coast to brisbane
as she thinks collage is small
agnes started 3 weeks ago
peter&agnes
Aug 9th 2006, 11:42 am
#13
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by peterinblack
hi jim&susan
we hired a holden station wagon when we arrived should be plenty of room
it was for us where are you going to stay
are you still going to the collage at the gold coast
a girl agnes knows travels from gold coast to brisbane
as she thinks collage is small
agnes started 3 weeks ago
peter&agnes
we hired a holden station wagon when we arrived should be plenty of room
it was for us where are you going to stay
are you still going to the collage at the gold coast
a girl agnes knows travels from gold coast to brisbane
as she thinks collage is small
agnes started 3 weeks ago
peter&agnes
Hi guys,
Hope the course is going well Agnes. Are you based at the Brisbane or Gold Coast College?
Cheers
Ginny
Aug 9th 2006, 12:04 pm
#14
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Hillarys, Perth
Posts: 3,973
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Jim&Sus
We're arriving in Brisbane on 6th September and are looking to hire a car that we can pick up at the airport and keep until we get around to buying one. Were looking at Thrifty's as they seem reasonably priced. However, can anyone suggest what size of car to go for? I know that they have the little people figures and cases which are supposed to tell you what would suit you best, but unsure how big to go as we'll have 4 large suitcases, 4 people and a set of golfclubs.
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Would appreciate any advice on car hire firms, etc, that people have used and found good.
Ta,
Susan
Mate any car will do. If you are going to need a car for a few weeks then get a small cheap car and just hirs a taxi to take you bags home, cant cost too much $30 maybe depends on how far you have to travel.
Aug 9th 2006, 12:07 pm
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,158
Re: What size of car to hire??
Originally Posted by Siren & Brian
Mate any car will do. If you are going to need a car for a few weeks then get a small cheap car and just hirs a taxi to take you bags home, cant cost too much $30 maybe depends on how far you have to travel.
IF they were coming to the Blue Mountains from Sydney airport, it would cost......
a fortune
