chanke

I need help with figuring out what type of car we need since we are not familiar with European sizes. We are 4 adults, each with 1 roller bag and a small carry-on pack. We will be driving all over Andalucia. We're trying to find something about the size of a Passat station wagon. We rented one in Italy and it was the perfect size. Can anyone recommend what type of car we should look for? I've been to Auto Europe, Car Jet and Nova Car for Hire and find the sizes a little confusing. Any other sites I should look at beside the Avis, Hertz, etc? As always, thanks for your help.

bill_boy

Why can't you just rent the same car as the one that you rented in Italy?

Call the rental company and tell them the make/model of the car in Italy.

bobthenavigator

Car specs are standardized by class of car. For your 4 people and luggage I would get the the midsized wagon or the Renault Scenic if available.

Sally30

In Barcelona we rented from Avis a couple of months ago. Although we requested a compact car since it was just for two people, we needed an automatic so we ended up with a Volvo Cross Country. It seemed comfortable for 4 (I really liked the car so we tested out the space in the back seat in contemplation of buying the same car back home!) and has good trunk space. I would recommend Avis - could just call the 800 number in the US to make the reservation and got the confirmation by email. It doesn't sound like you need an automatic like we did which definitely raises the price of the rental. Have fun.

mjs

We have rented a Ford Mondeo Estate car which I think is about the same size as a Passat wagon and recently a Opel station wagon from National in Split which should also fit your needs. Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the Opel and it is not on my receipt. Was a diesel manual and drove quite nicely.

chanke

Thanks everyone. We ended up renting a Renault Laguna wagon. Hope it fits everything!

annhig

You shouldn't have any trouble with a laguna, for 4 of you. Remember that an estate car [station wagon to you] isn't as secure as a car with a boot, so when you leave it, make sure that you don't leave anything valuable in it that would be easy to nick. [not much you can do about suitcases, but it's the little things that thieves are likely to go for.]

bobludlow

European cars are never large enough, especially if your "roller bags" are all the over-sized bags that Americans love to take on European trips. Even in the Laguna four big suitcases will completely fill up the trunk space and force you to to pile most of the carry-ons on the back seat. Pack smart, pack light, and have fun.

BobSwanson

What are your rates and who/where did you rent from? BS

bo_jack

You might want to look at Sixt -- www.sixt.com. One of their choices is, specifically, a Passat.

MichelleY

We just got back a month ago from 2 1/2 weeks in N. Spain. There were four of us: 3 adults & 1 teen. We rented a VW 'minivan', which is much smaller than US minivans. it was fine. We had 4 22" bags and misc junk we accumulated along the way. We rented thru Auto Europe and were booked with Avis. It ran about $1000 for two weeks.

chanke

We are renting from Auto Europe. Price is $581 for 10 days.

Yes, we all pack light. We carry 1 22" roller bag and a small carry-on tote. We are true believers in packing light.

Thanks for the suggestion of sixt.com. I will check them out.