PeaceOut

It's always nice to post a comment which I feel might have information to help the OP, then have another poster respond sarcastically about my experience. Well, that's life on fodors sometimes.

logos999

Isn't it nice when people are so beautifully naive in their comments. I like it, there's no other forum on the internet like that. Maybe that's because of the place most people who post come from. Nice.

bobthenavigator

I would get a mid-size wagon.

tarquin

Yes, me too, you might be surprised by how small an economy car is in Europe, and a bit of extra power on the autobahns is useful. But I would not want to drive a van far on an unfamiliar road system.

lovisa

metry: If you want to save money, don't pick up your car at the airport, as there's a huge surcharge:

http://www.gemut.com/Newsflashes/New...ar-Rental.html

bettyk

We almost always pick up our car at Avis in Kelsterbach, just a few miles outside Frankfurt Airport, when we rent thru Gemut.com or AutoEurope. It's a 15 Euro taxi ride but we save at least $100 on our 2 to 3 week rentals. Of course, there is no tax for returning the car to the airport, just when you pick up.

PeaceOut

"logos999 on Apr 10, 10 at 3:07pm
Isn't it nice when people are so beautifully naive in their comments. I like it, there's no other forum on the internet like that. Maybe that's because of the place most people who post come from. Nice."


Nice, indeed, logos. Now you expand your sarcasm to "the place most people who post come from". Now I know to ignore your posts altogether.

logos999

Love you, peacein or out. I'd bet, next time, you'll take proper ID with you to far away places when you want something.

PeaceOut

You have missed my point, logos. I had "proper ID", because most auto rental agencies do NOT require a passport and AutoEurope did not expect them to, either. I was advising the OP, however, to be aware that some do.

logos999

Oops, you still don't understand, nope I didn't miss your point. I just thought your point was very funny.

flylow

PeaceOut,

And the name of the car rental company?

awayfromitall

Well, thanks for all the advice. Definitely a mid- or full-size car.

PeaceOut

I think it was Avis, but I'm not sure. It was one of the 'big' ones.

Russ

In Germany, my other car is a train.

Plenty of room for people and luggage, regional daypasses to cover 4 or 5 people for under 30 Euros per day, potty and snack stops without the stops. If you wanted to, you could zoom from Munich to Mainz, gateway to the Rhine Gorge, in under 4 hours and on less than 30 Euros each (with advance-sale tickets from DB.)

You're covering a lot of ground in a short time. Your destinations are served by train. Why stress yourselves out and spend more? Tip back a Weizen and let DB chauffeur you around while you enjoy the scenery.

wanderfrau

Russ has a good point. Depending on your plans, the train may be a better option. You'll avoid the hassles of finding parking, a large car in a tiny parking garage, overnight parking costs, etc. Everyone will have their "space" and the option to get up and stretch their legs.

Parking can be difficult to find in large cities. As logos mentioned, parking garages are not always good places for larger cars. The chips in the concrete and paint marks on the walls tell you they can be trouble even for the locals. Even the parking spaces at small hotels can be difficult to get in and out of with a larger vehicle.

For the places you mentioned, the train would be a good option. If you plan to wander through the countryside, a car may be a better option.

You can rent almost any size car you want in Germany. Your driving skills, parking skills, comfort and budget will help you decide what car is best. Be sure to factor in the cost of gas.

Whatever you choose, have fun. Germany is a wonderful country.