Convertibles in Honolulu
Jul 31st, 2011, 01:58 AM
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Convertibles in Honolulu
Hi fellow fodorites, a quick question re cars please.
We will be spending a week in Honolulu next month celebrating my daughter's 21st birthday and my (significant age) birthday!
I am going to rent a car for a couple of days only and she would really like a convertible (she has never been to any US state before, it's part of the 'experience') or an open top jeep.
There will definitely be four of us but possibly five if my son joins us.
The wholesaler that I normally use in Oz lists a Mustang convertible and a Chrysler Sebring convertible as options. Which is bigger and would either of them fit five (or indeed four) comfortably? We will probably only use the car to do a 'round the island' drive or similar in our last couple of days I think so no luggage requirements.
Or, any other suggestions please??
Thanks in advance.
We will be spending a week in Honolulu next month celebrating my daughter's 21st birthday and my (significant age) birthday!
I am going to rent a car for a couple of days only and she would really like a convertible (she has never been to any US state before, it's part of the 'experience') or an open top jeep.
There will definitely be four of us but possibly five if my son joins us.
The wholesaler that I normally use in Oz lists a Mustang convertible and a Chrysler Sebring convertible as options. Which is bigger and would either of them fit five (or indeed four) comfortably? We will probably only use the car to do a 'round the island' drive or similar in our last couple of days I think so no luggage requirements.
Or, any other suggestions please??
Thanks in advance.
Jul 31st, 2011, 04:44 AM
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I believe the Sebring Convertible has a slightly larger interior than the Mustang Convertible but not enough to make an appreciable difference. FYI- you can check out the "specs" for both cars on www.edmunds.com.
Now for the somewhat bad news - the newer models are considered 4-passenger cars with 2 bucket seats in the front and 2-form-fitting seats (with a "hump" between them) in the rear. These newer models WILL NOT accommodate 5 people. Go to the Edmunds site and you'll find photos of each car so you can see what I mean.
The "older" models of each car have more of a bench type seat but here again they WILL NOT COMFORTABLY fit 5 average size adults. The operative word here is COMFORTABLY. Three people sitting in the back will be very cramped - think overlapping shoulders.
Regardless of how many people you have those sitting in the back seat will have very little leg room unless those in the front adjust their seats as far forward as they go (making driving difficult for all but the shortest of drivers).
So first find out the model year of the car(s) you might be renting (you can also find spec and pictures of older models on the Edmunds website) to determine if the car will even hold 5 passengers then you'll have to decide for yourself if you think those people sitting in the rear will be willing to put up with being "cramped" for a day's driving.
Personally, I would not recommend renting the convertible with 5 people - it's just too uncomfortable and inconvenient. Besides if it's a very sunny/hot day you may not want to drive with the top down or you may just want a fully enclosed car so you can keep it air conditions.
Rent a full size sedan instead and drive in comfort.
Now for the somewhat bad news - the newer models are considered 4-passenger cars with 2 bucket seats in the front and 2-form-fitting seats (with a "hump" between them) in the rear. These newer models WILL NOT accommodate 5 people. Go to the Edmunds site and you'll find photos of each car so you can see what I mean.
The "older" models of each car have more of a bench type seat but here again they WILL NOT COMFORTABLY fit 5 average size adults. The operative word here is COMFORTABLY. Three people sitting in the back will be very cramped - think overlapping shoulders.
Regardless of how many people you have those sitting in the back seat will have very little leg room unless those in the front adjust their seats as far forward as they go (making driving difficult for all but the shortest of drivers).
So first find out the model year of the car(s) you might be renting (you can also find spec and pictures of older models on the Edmunds website) to determine if the car will even hold 5 passengers then you'll have to decide for yourself if you think those people sitting in the rear will be willing to put up with being "cramped" for a day's driving.
Personally, I would not recommend renting the convertible with 5 people - it's just too uncomfortable and inconvenient. Besides if it's a very sunny/hot day you may not want to drive with the top down or you may just want a fully enclosed car so you can keep it air conditions.
Rent a full size sedan instead and drive in comfort.
Jul 31st, 2011, 07:31 AM
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There is no guarantee which rental car you will get. My observations is that Mustangs are rare and most all the rental car convertible fleets are Chrysler Sebrings.
They are both very uncomfortable for the 5th passenger.
They are both very uncomfortable for the 5th passenger.
Jul 31st, 2011, 08:24 AM
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Agree with the 4 passenger max on Mustangs/Sebring (now called the 200) convertibles.
We visit Oahu every year & always take an around the Island drive in a convertible; more scenic, coast hugging highways than any of the other Islands.
Appears that your only chance, for a group of five, would be a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This video may be helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGKt...eature=related
There must be 20 car rental locations throughout Waikiki, but I don't know if any carry the Unlimited ragtop.
I suggest you get in touch with http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ and let them know what you want to accomplish. We've used them for many years and have always had good results + they've been especially helpful in situations requiring extra attention. It would probably be of benefit if you let them know where you are staying.
We visit Oahu every year & always take an around the Island drive in a convertible; more scenic, coast hugging highways than any of the other Islands.
Appears that your only chance, for a group of five, would be a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This video may be helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGKt...eature=related
There must be 20 car rental locations throughout Waikiki, but I don't know if any carry the Unlimited ragtop.
I suggest you get in touch with http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ and let them know what you want to accomplish. We've used them for many years and have always had good results + they've been especially helpful in situations requiring extra attention. It would probably be of benefit if you let them know where you are staying.
Jul 31st, 2011, 09:19 AM
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From personal experience, it is a very bad idea to rent a convertible in Oahu... they are very, very small, uncomfortable, no storage space, and it is very hot, even when driving... the back seat riders will get no break from the sun and hot wind... Our family of four lasted less than one day before a trade for an SUV... you don't need a miserable car experience to ruin the amazing beauty of the island............. trust me....
Jul 31st, 2011, 02:39 PM
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THe new Convertible Sebrings Have VERY little trunk space since the top now folds into the trunk. Older models the top collapsed and folded into an area behind the back seat.THe backseat might be okay for 2 people, but definitely not 3 adults.
The Mustang Back seat is very cramped - my 12 yr old son had the back seat to himself on one rental and complained the whole time.
You could go online to the car manufacturer sites to get the cubic feet on the trunks.
The Mustang Back seat is very cramped - my 12 yr old son had the back seat to himself on one rental and complained the whole time.
You could go online to the car manufacturer sites to get the cubic feet on the trunks.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 04:57 AM
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My wife really wanted a Convertible on our March trip to Maui, so we rented a Mustang. However, it was completely impratical for two adults and two children with luggage. In fact, there was no way to fit four people and luggage.
The solution was for us was for my wife to take our luggage to and from our hotel via taxi. If you can swing the added cost then that is one potential solution.
Even without the luggage it was a tight fit for the four of us - and my kids are both under the age of 10. I don't think we could have fit 5 comfortably, certainly not two adults and teens.
The solution was for us was for my wife to take our luggage to and from our hotel via taxi. If you can swing the added cost then that is one potential solution.
Even without the luggage it was a tight fit for the four of us - and my kids are both under the age of 10. I don't think we could have fit 5 comfortably, certainly not two adults and teens.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 05:55 AM
#9
We rented a convertible on our first visit to Oahu. Just remember to put sunblock on when driving around. We didn't even think of that, got stuck in traffic on our way to Hanauma Bay and ended up burnt. On top of that, it was really hot sitting in the car with the top down. The idea of driving a convertible was better than the actual experience for us.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 07:55 AM
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If you are only renting for a few days of the trip, you could rent in Waikiki (if you are staying there) and return it there instead of renting/returning to the airport. This would eliminate any issues with luggage fitting.
I love convertibles--I own one and always rent one in Hawaii as well. But what others have said is true-- they are 4 passenger cars and the back seat will be tight for 2 adults.
I love convertibles--I own one and always rent one in Hawaii as well. But what others have said is true-- they are 4 passenger cars and the back seat will be tight for 2 adults.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 07:59 AM
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`Sorry, completely missed the Honolulu specification.
Sorry, but are you staying in Waikiki? If so, you really will not need a car except for touring the other parts of Oahu.
There are limousene taxis that operate as regular cabs. I believe we paid abour $40 plus tip from the airport to our hotel in Waikiki.
Perhaps you might look into just renting a car from a Waikiki location on the days where you will plan to traverse the island?
Sorry, but are you staying in Waikiki? If so, you really will not need a car except for touring the other parts of Oahu.
There are limousene taxis that operate as regular cabs. I believe we paid abour $40 plus tip from the airport to our hotel in Waikiki.
Perhaps you might look into just renting a car from a Waikiki location on the days where you will plan to traverse the island?
Aug 2nd, 2011, 06:22 PM
#12
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Thanks everyone, sadly the convertible sounds like a nice but highly impractical idea!
We are only considering a car for a couple of days of our trip as I agree in Waikiki we won't really need one. We will manage with something more conventional!
We are only considering a car for a couple of days of our trip as I agree in Waikiki we won't really need one. We will manage with something more conventional!
