How comfortable is a Ford Fiesta?
 

I'm researching a rental car for our June trip to Ireland. So far, the best deal is through Dan Dooley. A 3 door Ford Fiesta is 120 EUR for 5 days. It will just be my husband and I (he's 5'10") and our 2 suitcases. Will we have enough space? The next step up is a 5 door Renault Clio for 150 EUR...

You will have enough space. Don't worry and be happy.

Both cars have broadly similar interior space - you just pay extra for rear doors.
Of the two, I find Fiesta a better car to drive with superior handling and overall competence, particularly appealing on narrow, twisting Irish roads.
Your suitcases (unless huge) should just fit into the luggage compartment (with a retractable cover), but not much else. Luggage space is similar in Clio. If you have large suitcases plus carryons, you may have to move a class higher to intermediate - like Ford Focus and Opel Astra.
http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/NewFiesta/Overview

Great! I booked the Fiesta. As long as it's not completely uncomfortable, we'll make do, especially at that price (it includes taxes and CDW).

Hi KC,

Does that rate include CDW, road taxes and other fees?

((I))

I would go for the Ford over the Renault any day. I used to have a Ford Ka, which is even smaller than a Fiesta and my sons, who well over 6 ft, could drive it quite comfortably. They could even squeeze in the back if they had to.
I now have a Renault and it is nowhere near as comfortable and just not such a nice car. Back to Ford for the next one (or maybe a Toyota :)).

According to the confirmation from Dan Dooley, it includes CDI, VAT, Vehicle Theft Protection and Airport Location Charges. Hopefully there won't be any surprises when we get to the Dublin airport!

Funny that hetis, I have a Clio and would take that over a Fiesta any day - much roomier in my view. I guess we all just love the cars we drive :-)

kcapuani:

But does it include the "EXCESS" coverage??

You should ask, BEFORE you arrive, so there is NO suprises.

Bob

I admit, I have no idea what Excess coverage means. I thought that we only needed CDI coverage.

Here is the fine print:
"CDI Insurance Southern Ireland: A rate inclusive of CDI insurance will have an insurance deductible (excess) of EUR 1000 and EUR 1500, depending on vehicle size. This can be reduced to EUR100 for a fee of EUR 12 and EUR 18 per day, respectively."

I take it this means that if we are in an accident, we have to pay a 1000 Euro deductible before coverage begins. If that is the case, I do have a US Air World MC. Maybe I should use this credit card's coverage.

Your credit card might not cover the CDW, and yes the "excess" means your deductible (non-reimbursable).

In order for the World MC coverage to be in effect, you MUST decline the CDI / CDW and theft. Likewise, ALL transactions relative to the rental (including the reservation)MUST be transacted on the World MC.

Call 1 800 MC ASSIST for EXACT details.

Bob

This is so complicated. We need local 4-hour seminars on how to buy car rental insurance so we're completely covered and yet not get hosed buying unnecessary options.

pdx - Amen - I am having such anxiety over this car rental!

Bob - Thank you for your advice. I will contact MC and go from there...

I would double check with your credit card before counting on the insurance attached to it. I believe that most credit cards exclude Ireland from coverage.

Are you really guaranteed to get the Ford Fiesta and not something similar from the same class? If it's one of the brand new, redesigned ones, you should enjoy it. They are attractive little cars and from what I've heard from colleagues, they drive nicely, plenty of zip, good handling (the cars, not the colleauges). They will be coming out in the U.S. so if you're American and you do get the Fiesta, you'll be ahead of the crowd.
In the little car range, we like the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris so if you get handed the keys to one of those instead, you should still be comfortable.

I used a BofA World MasterCard with Dooley to rent a Ford Focus last June, 2008, out of Cork Airport, drop off was at Dublin Airport.

Had NO problem, relative to the MC, Dooley DIDN'T 'add-on' any "EXTRAS (except the fuel charge, of course), BUT ...

They failed to mention that the Airport drop off is NOT at the airport -- it's actually at one or two exits earlier than the airport, but they DO have a shuttle bus that drops you at the terminal.

We received a 2006 Focus with 53,000 Kilometers on it. Nothing wrong with the car mind you, but Dooley DOES tend to 'keep' their fleet longer than most.

Good point on the Fiesta, though.

Dooley's Fleet Guide lists the Opel Corsa and VW Polo as "similar" offerings. They are all small, three door hatchbacks, quite comprabale to the Yaris hatchback in size and shape. Should be fine for two unless you plan is to "live" in the car, 8-10 hours per day.

Bob

I contacted 1-800 MC Assist and was told that our USAA World MC would cover car rentals in Ireland. Next I will contact USAA to get a copy of our written agreement to present to Dan Dooley's. What an ordeal, but this trip is well worth the car rental hurdles.

Good to know that the comparable offerings are decent as well.

In general, you don't really get a specific car model when renting in Europe (just like here in the US). The 3-door Fiesta will be in the Economy category while the 5-door Clio is a size larger, in the Compact category.

For 6€ more a day, I'd recommend taking a slightly larger car, especially if you're used to bigger cars in the U.S. Just feel more substantial.

The Clio and Fiesta are about the same size. The different category is caused by the extra doors.

Lots and lots of Europeans drive cars from this category (also VW Polo, Opel Corsa etc). I even believ it is the best selling category of cars. So you will be fine with it!

Both cars will do just fine. But personally I prefer the Renault Clio. But hey, different tastes for different people ;-)