We're planning to self-drive in Kruger and Imfolozi next February. We've been to both parks before, and been happy driving a rented compact car. But February is summer, with tall grass, making it harder to see animals, and we're thinking we might want a car/SUV/MPV/whatever that sits up higher than a regular sedan, but is cheaper to rent than a van or 4X4. We don't need anything as rugged as the Toyota Hilux we had in Kgalagadi last year. We're not familiar with South African model names, so it's hard to know exactly what is meant by the rental companies' descriptions like "Toyota Avanza or similar". I'd love something like the Jeep Liberty I saw yesterday on the street in my Midwestern America town.

Can anyone suggest brands and models that are higher than sedans, but less expensive to rent than 4X4s?

Thanks,
Celia

If you go on the Avis International website, there are photos of the various vehicles, which we found helpful. Robin

No answer for you, I have the same question. Need car out of JNB for this Sep. In past we have used Avis and been happy because they "collect" the car at the safari camp. To confuse car models more, most rental companies will say "or similar vehicle". Which means that it could be anyone of several makes, not the exact one they quote on. The last rental we had, Avis, was a Subaru Forester, Avis group K. A nice size, roomy, semi-SUV. There were three of us so we wanted to have a decent size rear seat. It sat higher than a compact which was good. But FWIW like most (all?) cars today the rear seat -windows- only roll down half way. A big nuisance for the photographer back there. Of course if two of you then no problemo.

regards - tom

Yeah, Avis photos, but, like in 2007 we reserved Avis group K and our reservation said a Nissan X-Trail. When we got to Avis they brought out a Subaru Forester, also a group K. We looked at it, said fine and took it. One thing about Avis JNB is that it is a huge operation, like they do 1,000 rentals a day. So, you might have more choices there if you don't like the one they bring out.

regards - tom
ps - how do you like my memory for such trivial details??? Fact is, for each safari I have a file with all such travel records/receipts from it. Wish my memory were that good!

Hi.

Unfortunately, as someone who lives here and hires a lot of cars, there's not a lot you can do. Unless you are a premium cardholder of one of the car hire companies, just phone and try and be-friend one of the local agents to make a plan for you. I don't think there's much difference in model names here in SA compared to the US / Europe?

Celia,

I'm afraid I don't have a lot of helpful information for you. I've always rented cars from the airports just outside the park and it seems the rental inventories there are limited when it comes to SUVs. I've also only rented sedans.

I also seem to remember noticing that the rental prices for the Hilux and other SUVs seemed relatively similar.

satpacker--I've noticed that the model names for cars in South Africa are usually much different than US model names, even for "American" brands (e.g., Ford). For example, I think your Ford Bantam (a bakkie, correct?) is very similar to our Ford Ranger. I also rented a Nissan Almera once, which we don't have in the US.

Thanks, all.

Model names are definitely not the same in the US and SA. From when we lived in Jo'burg 30 years ago, through all our visits since then, I've never noticed that identical models have the same names. That's not to say that none do, but certainly all the cars we've ever rented in SA, or that our friends have rented or owned, have a different name in SA than they do in the US. I think the consumer psychology people study this a lot and name cars based on cultural notions, which differ from country to country.

What I was hoping is that someone could tell me the names of the SUV and MPV models of some or most of the car brands.

For our 2004 trip we ended up with a car that was 4x4 shaped, you know the boxy shape that sits high, has tall windows... but it was 2 wheel drive. Wasn't too expensive at all.
Will ask Pete if he can remember model when I get home.

Well, even if you do want a specific make/model name I'd be curious if a rental company will guarantee it for you. Maybe they will, I can't say that I've tried it. But they like to have "groups" which to them every car model in it is the same.

Then, the rental agencies sell off their fleets every what, 6 months, year? And since you want a car next Feb 2010, they may not even know today exactly what models they may have then. I know I'm sounding like the ultimate pessimist here, but I'm just trying to point out some of the questions you should clarify with the agency. And again, certainly interested in what you do because I face the same situations. Can anyone else solve my concerns here for me?

regards - tom

I had a Hyundai Tuscon SUV for driving around Kruger. It was a bit higher than the X-Trail. I just requested a SUV from Avis and this is the one we got from the Avis counter at Kruger (KMIA?) airport.

Well, I'm not looking to say to a rental agency "rent me this exact vehicle or else", I just want to be able to say "what's your price on something like a Hyundai Tucson?" and be able to understand the answer when they say "We don't have a Tucson, we've got a Ford Blunderbuss or a Nissan Twiddlepip".

Guess who again
Ok, FWIW here is Avis JNB listing of cars by groups. With a photo of type of car in each group.
http://www.avis.co.za/main.aspx?ID=367
Even then it is hard for me to judge relative size from the photos. I will probably go for a group K again. But have yet to do a price comparison of each group. Carolyn may push for less expensive group.

regards - tom