Autos in UK
 

Since there are a lot of manufacturers and models in UK that aren't familiar to me in the US, can someone help me figure out what car I need? (or at least, the manufacturers and models go by different names than I recognize). <BR> <BR>There are four of us, my parents and my husband and I. My father is 6'2", so I do need to be a little concerned about headroom. <BR> <BR>I know that the rental car companies (Avis, Hertz) may relate a car size to the number of passengers and luggage, but they don't always tell which cars match that size. I'd kind of like to know more about the car than how many passengers it holds. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

do a search for pictures/spec etc but you need something like a Ford Mondeo or a Vauxhall Vectra (basically honda accord sise - mid-range saloons[sedans])

I agree with above post. Don't get anything smaller than Intermediate (subcompact, economy etc) because leg room and head room, esp in the rear, will be very limited. Mondeo (and Peugeot 406) provide a touch more room than Vectra. Estates (station wagons) are based on saloons (sedans) and provide no more pasenger room other than luggage space. Some 4WD cars like Landrover Freelander have more space, as do large people carriers (MPV) like VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy, but you pay significantly more.

We have looked into some of the models: the Ford Mondeo is the same car as the U.S. Ford Contour (next size down from a Taurus -- and seems a little small). The Opel Omega is classified as a "full" size car -- it is the same as the Cadillac Catera in the U.S. <BR> <BR>My wife and I and two teenagers were concerned we would be too cramped in the Mondeo. We went with the Opel Omega (same as the Vauxhaul Omega I think). <BR> <BR>Shop around for prices. The rate for the Opel Omega was about half the cost at National as compared with Hertz. We are renting one way (pickup in London - drop-off in Edinburgh) so maybe that made a difference. <BR> <BR>We are also renting the Omega later in our trip in France. Seems to be one of the better choices at least for our needs. <BR> <BR>One caveat - the Omega's trunk doesn't seem overly spacious - UK websites list it at 18.5 cu. ft. U.S. Cateras list cargo space as 14.5 cu. ft. Not sure why there's a difference.

Melanie, <BR> <BR>My experiences renting cars in the UK is that you may or may not get the same make and model car as the car rental company lists on its website or tells you when you make a reservation. Most rental companies include a "or similar" caveat with their rentals. So while you will get the same class of car, hopefully, you may not get the exact same car. <BR> <BR>That said, four adults and their luggage will probably require what is called a "full sized" car in the UK. Be sure to check luggage capacity of potential rental cars, lest one of your passenges ends up with a suitcase on their lap! <BR> <BR>Another suggestion: rent an automatic. Adjusting to driving on the "wrong" side of the road is one thing, shifting with the "wrong" hand may be more than you want to tackle. <BR> <BR>Finally, if you are traveling from London to other parts of the UK, I would suggest that you pick up the rental car someplace other than in central London. Driving there is no picnic. You could take a train to another city in the direction you wish to go and pick up the car there. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are acceptable places to pick up and start driving from too.... <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip and remember to KEEP LEFT! <BR> <BR>David White <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com

Also, <BR>If you're planning to go off the major highways avoid the temptation to upgrade. My biggest nightmare driving was a car too wide for the narrower roads. There is no shoulder.

Doug has a very valid point re narrowness of roads! You do get used to it quickly, though. I rented a Mondeo for my family, including one son who is 6ft 3in and another who is 5ft 10in and a daughter who is 5ft 4in. We were quite comfortable using it for day trips, but you would not get a lot of luggage in the trunk.