How to choose your rental car

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Renting a car can make a huge difference to any vacation because you can leave the holiday area for shopping and sightseeing anytime, anywhere, without relying on public transport. Choosing the right car for your group will maximize your fun and reduce your costs.

 

STEP 1

Calculate the total number of people you can transport. When visiting family or friends, you may want to go out for dinner or an activity together. The middle and rear seats of some vehicles are suitable for small children but not comfortable for adults. Choose a vehicle that has comfortable seating for everyone.

 

STEP 2

Gather everything you want to take with you, from suitcases to surfboards. Car rental websites usually list the number of medium-sized bags each car can fit, but don't consider bulky items or odd shapes. Do some research on the internet to find out the total load capacity you will need for the items you will be picking up and measure your stack to make sure it fits.

 

STEP 3

Do some internet research to save fuel on the car you are considering. Hybrids usually have the best gas mileage, but are not widely used. Small cars tend to have better fuel economy than vans or trucks. Balance the mileage with the convenience of choosing a rental car.

 

STEP 4

Read vehicle descriptions on several car rental sites. Some agents offer additional features such as DVD players and GPS systems in their vehicles, although you may pay a premium. In the US, air conditioning and automatic transmission are standard, in other countries you can pay extra for these items. Find out if your auto insurance or credit card company covers rental insurance, which is usually an expensive addition.

 

STEP 5

Compare multiple agencies and rental locations to find the best prices. Visit online aggregators to check prices across multiple agencies. Within the same company, airport rentals are often more expensive than the nearest branch. If you choose to rent somewhere outside the airport, consider the cost of transportation to and from the facility. Expect to pay extra if you are under 25 years old. When comparing, think about taxes, fees, and benefits.

 

STEP 6

Check the car carefully before driving. Take a tour to look for any visible damage and record any issues under the contract. Make sure the headlights, power windows, and power steering are functioning properly, and pay attention to the location and function of the fuel tank. Do not take a car that is in any way uncomfortable for you.