Auto size for Scotland
 

My wife and I are going to be traveling to Scotland for 2 weeks in Septemebr (flying in/out of Edinburgh and doing a loop from east to west) We tend not to be light packers, so we will each have a 26 inch piece of luggage and a relatively small bag/backpack.

Will a compact car be appropriate or should we get something a little larger for extra luggage space and comfort?

I'd imagine a compact will be fine if there's just two of you. As with any car trips, I'd be cautious about leaving the vehicle with your luggage visible, so the design of the car (hatchback v. sedan) might be worth considering.

I personally prefer small SUVs (budget willing) for the higher seating position. The only areas where vehicle size might be of concern is on single-track roads in rural areas. These are roads where only one car can fit at a time, but there are passing places (pullouts) every couple hundred yards.

Thank you. I have seriously been considering a small SUV as I think it would be more comfortable given that we will be doing a good bit of driving. Also, like you, I prefer a higher driving position (even though I have a sedan at home). I was a bit concerned about the size/width given narrower roads and that I live in the US and am not used to driving on the left (although I have done it once before -- albeit only for 2 weeks). However, it sounds as though that might not be an issue.

Will parking be a problem? I am not planning to get a car until leaving Edinburgh. In addition to Edinburgh, we will be staying in or around Inverness, Oban and Stirling and intend to visit the surrounding areas.

Midsize.

Compact is really flipping small. Plus, you want a decent amount of power.

"However, it sounds as though that might not be an issue."

Well it might be an issue. Personally I try and use smaller car as I find driving through smaller cities and towns a bit tricky with so many cars parked on rather narrow roads.

But I do agree that compact cars can be pretty small. I'd take a good look at whatever specific car is being offered and ignore whatever category it is being offered in. We've had tiny midsizes and large compacts.

xcountry, that is the problem, I am afraid. They only provide examples of the cars within the group number. An example of a compact (or the group number that has compacts) was a Hyundai i30 or Toyota Auris, but there is no guarantee that is what car I would get. Sedan examples were a Mazda 6 or Ford Mundero and small SUV was Kia Sportage or Peugeot 3008.

Parking is always a problem but most towns have ample car parking if you look around. It might behoove you to select accommodations that have parking.

Yes you're right Trips4fun - it can be a bit of a crapshoot. All I can suggest is that at the counter if you are being offered a car you are not familiar with that you ask to see it. I always do that and I (after many, many trips) am only concerned with width.

Just from my perspective I would be comfortable with the Mazda and Kia, both in the 72/73 inch range, unless my memory is failing me.

Compacts give plenty of power nowadays. I rented two compacts this summer: one was a Renault Clio and the other was a Kia Cee'd. Here's the luggage space:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7623094971409/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7623094971409/

These are 22" suitcases. The only reason I would not recommend a smaller car is that it could be as small as a Fiat 600 (or is it roo?) and that would be two small given the size of your suitcases.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7623094971409/

Otherwise, the smaller the better even on two lane roads, especially if one is not familiar with driving on the left side.

An Auris-sized/class car would be plenty big enough. Even when I'm traveling solo I never book the smallest couple of classes - just too little power. But up to compact would be IMO perfect for 2. I don't go to mid-sized or small SUV unless there are four in the car.

For day-to-day driving I find compact size is more important that height because IME you face many more tight situations than places you need to see over things. Especially being a while since you have driven on the left, having more maneuverability is an asset.

Gardyloo, the only place that might be a bit of a problem in terms of parking accomodations is in Oban. We know that we may have to walk a bit, but that's a trade-off we made in order to be convenient to the town and ferry.

xcountry, that's a good idea, but since we are renting a car with an automatic transmission there is always a possibility we won't have much choice other than what they have set aside. Hard to say. I suspect the difference in width between a compact and midsize or small SUV is probably not more than a few inches (I hope :))

Michael, that looks like plenty of space if I knew that's what I was getting.

You really shouldn't have a problem parking in Oban. There are several parking lots. You can also park on the street. If taking a ferry, CalMac has its own lot.

janis, thanks for your reply. We were typing at the same time. Sounds like I am just going to have to flip a coin.

When we were in Ireland a few years ago I rented a compact and got a small Peugeot. It was big enough in general, but a bit cramped and there was no way to prevent the luggage from being visible when stopping places when we were on route from one accommodation location to another. That is what raised the question this trip.

Get a hatch back or estate (which they will mostly be - typically called a 5 door) the luggage will be hidden because there will be a tonneau type cover over the rear compartment.

On many rental sites a 'Compact 5 door' is a specific class.

<i>that looks like plenty of space if I knew that's what I was getting.</i>

All compacts will have similar space.