Which car?

Hannah88811 · 24 Mar 17, 04:51 PM

When we booked our Florida holiday last June, we booked our car hire through BA, Avis. We were adamant we wanted a convertible Mustang and would fit our luggage in no matter what (we are 2 adults and 2 children). After 9 months of researching etc we know a Mustang is not going to be very practical

So after realising we haven't actually paid for the car hire and we can cancel it, what cars can you all recommend for a family of 4 with potentially 3-4 suitcases and hand luggage?

Any other advice will be appreciated

Thank you

Mr Tom Morrow · 24 Mar 17, 05:18 PM

Apart from the squeeze to and from the airport I would go for a full size. Think Mondeo.
Yes it will be a bit of a juggle but it's only for 2 trips and the rest will be fine.
However I am a saloon car person, others will prefer an SUV.

chezfraser · 24 Mar 17, 06:57 PM

Yup. Fullsize will give a decent amount of boot space.

7SeasSailor · 26 Mar 17, 12:13 PM

How about an SUV

chmurf · 26 Mar 17, 12:57 PM

Fullsize is what we always rent

but TBH, most of them have a trunk that's barely large enough for 2 large suitcases.

We used to rent Impalas when they were still fullsize with Alamo (higher end models are now premium) and this was always a struggle fitting 2 suitcases (we always ripped the trunk light out of its casing)

Chevy Malibu seemed a bit roomier last time. But, we're are a family of 3 (2A + 1C) and always find ourselves having at least a large suitcase and 2 cabin bags on the back seat for our way back to the airport.

at the bottom of this post, a picture the trunk of one of our Impalas (LT model, fullsize for most renters) with 2 28" suitcase.
You can't fit 3 on the side like the black one, as you wouldn't be able to clear the top of the trunk, the angle is not large enough. You need to put them like the orange one, and tilt it on its side (while avoiding to rip the freaking light off ...) and you can't fit another suitcase the same sire on top of the orange one. Only cabin size cases *might* fit

If you have 2 cases like this, and only smaller cases or trunkies for the kids, you'd be fine

if you need 3 or more large suitcases, you will need to put at least one on the backseat, or get a larger car. Like a minivan or a SUV

Forkbeard · 26 Mar 17, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Hannah88811

When we booked our Florida holiday last June, we booked our car hire through BA, Avis. We were adamant we wanted a convertible Mustang and would fit our luggage in no matter what (we are 2 adults and 2 children). After 9 months of researching etc we know a Mustang is not going to be very practical

So after realising we haven't actually paid for the car hire and we can cancel it, what cars can you all recommend for a family of 4 with potentially 3-4 suitcases and hand luggage?

Any other advice will be appreciated

Thank you

We did a road trip in a Mustang not too long ago. Soft luggage is a must, so you can squeeze as much room out of the trunk as possible.

The problem is also one of passengers being blown to bits in the rear seats.

Other than that... brilliant fun

If I can't do the convertible then I prefer a huge 7 seater SUV. Love the high up feeling and plenty of room for whatever you need luggage/shopping wise. Doddle to drive and park, and super comfortable.

Carlisleshaun · 26 Mar 17, 03:46 PM

Ford Expedition is what you need!
Very Jack Bauer!

24 Mar 17, 05:18 PM	#2
	24 Mar 17, 05:18 PM Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer
Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer Join Date: Jul 14 Location: The Tiki Room. theDIBB Guidebook Pages Created: 3	Apart from the squeeze to and from the airport I would go for a full size. Think Mondeo. Yes it will be a bit of a juggle but it's only for 2 trips and the rest will be fine. However I am a saloon car person, others will prefer an SUV. __________________ "PAGING MR MORROW, MR TOM MORROW..." ''I drink Wine and know things'' DVC Owners at SSR since 2003. Multiple annual visits to America since 1976 Edited at 05:24 PM.

26 Mar 17, 12:57 PM	#5
	26 Mar 17, 12:57 PM chmurf Imagineer
chmurf Imagineer Join Date: Dec 12	Fullsize is what we always rent but TBH, most of them have a trunk that's barely large enough for 2 large suitcases. We used to rent Impalas when they were still fullsize with Alamo (higher end models are now premium) and this was always a struggle fitting 2 suitcases (we always ripped the trunk light out of its casing) Chevy Malibu seemed a bit roomier last time. But, we're are a family of 3 (2A + 1C) and always find ourselves having at least a large suitcase and 2 cabin bags on the back seat for our way back to the airport. at the bottom of this post, a picture the trunk of one of our Impalas (LT model, fullsize for most renters) with 2 28" suitcase. You can't fit 3 on the side like the black one, as you wouldn't be able to clear the top of the trunk, the angle is not large enough. You need to put them like the orange one, and tilt it on its side (while avoiding to rip the freaking light off ...) and you can't fit another suitcase the same sire on top of the orange one. Only cabin size cases might fit If you have 2 cases like this, and only smaller cases or trunkies for the kids, you'd be fine if you need 3 or more large suitcases, you will need to put at least one on the backseat, or get a larger car. Like a minivan or a SUV Edited at 01:03 PM.

26 Mar 17, 03:46 PM	#7
	26 Mar 17, 03:46 PM Carlisleshaun Trying for More Ears
Carlisleshaun Trying for More Ears Join Date: Nov 16	Ford Expedition is what you need! Very Jack Bauer!