What kind of car in Iceland
Jun 2nd, 2015, 05:43 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What kind of car in Iceland
Hello. We have decided on our route in Iceland for eight nights, but now wondering if we can just rent a regular car, Hundai, or if we need a 4X4. I know that the places we are going to stay are all fine, but are there places close by that we may want to go off road to visit? We are not wanted to do a lot of major hiking , just seeing the sights. We are there from September 22 - 30.
Our itinerary is:
Reykjavik for three nights and then day trips from there . Two nights Vik with day trips and then back to Rey for three nights.
We will want to visit as far east as Skaftafel and then west to Snæfellsness. We will also want to go do the Golden circle route.
Thanks very much for any advice.
Our itinerary is:
Reykjavik for three nights and then day trips from there . Two nights Vik with day trips and then back to Rey for three nights.
We will want to visit as far east as Skaftafel and then west to Snæfellsness. We will also want to go do the Golden circle route.
Thanks very much for any advice.
Jun 3rd, 2015, 07:49 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd suggest going for a regular car.
I've been to Iceland a few times and have visited most of the places you list and have only ever rented a 'normal' car; Mazda 6/ Hyundai etc. and would actually recommend not renting a 4x4.
A regular car was absolutely fine for all the driving we did (including on the unpaved roads) and is cheaper than the usual 4x4s you can rent.
Every place we've rented from has strongly suggested not going off road at all (even if you do rent a 4x4) as the costs for repairs or needing to be towed are astronomical and if you're not an expert off roader, the chances of doing either or both these things are pretty high.
Also, if you happen to see one of the proper 4x4s that Icelanders have and compare it to the usual rental Suzuki 'off roaders' you'll probably rent, you'll quickly see the level of equipment and preparedness Icelanders use when they off road.
A 4x4 might be useful if there's a lot of snow on the ground, but even then driving sensibly in a normal car will get you to 95% of the places you need to get to.
There are loads of 4x4 tours that you can go on if you did want to get a real "off the beaten track" experience, and personally I'd leave the off-roading the to the pros.
Enjoy your trip!
I've been to Iceland a few times and have visited most of the places you list and have only ever rented a 'normal' car; Mazda 6/ Hyundai etc. and would actually recommend not renting a 4x4.
A regular car was absolutely fine for all the driving we did (including on the unpaved roads) and is cheaper than the usual 4x4s you can rent.
Every place we've rented from has strongly suggested not going off road at all (even if you do rent a 4x4) as the costs for repairs or needing to be towed are astronomical and if you're not an expert off roader, the chances of doing either or both these things are pretty high.
Also, if you happen to see one of the proper 4x4s that Icelanders have and compare it to the usual rental Suzuki 'off roaders' you'll probably rent, you'll quickly see the level of equipment and preparedness Icelanders use when they off road.
A 4x4 might be useful if there's a lot of snow on the ground, but even then driving sensibly in a normal car will get you to 95% of the places you need to get to.
There are loads of 4x4 tours that you can go on if you did want to get a real "off the beaten track" experience, and personally I'd leave the off-roading the to the pros.
Enjoy your trip!
Jun 23rd, 2015, 05:47 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we did a 5-day southern route last year in Nov. with a diesel Skoda wagon and loved it. Can't remmeber our exact mileage but we ended up only needing to fill up once mid trip. Unlike the US, every station has diesel there and for the amount you drive, its worth it IMHO.
Jun 24th, 2015, 02:28 AM
#8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We used Icelandic Farm Tours and loved it. We tacked on an extra day in Reyk to our arrival and took a tour that I think was called the Southern sights and cuisine (included dinner and breakfast at all hotels). Can't recommend it enough!
Jun 24th, 2015, 01:26 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi! Late September, I believe, a lot of F-roads would be closed. 2wd is fine for Golden Circle and Ring Road. You may try Cars Iceland - www.carsiceland.com - they are a bit cheaper than others plus they block only 15% as a deposit.
Jun 24th, 2015, 05:22 PM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes--Farm Holidays have a drive and sleep package. You can pick one of their routes or work to make your own with their help. It was really easy, and came with everything we needed (GPS, dinner vouchers, etc)
