Renault Megane /tips on renting cars
 

Is anyone familiar with this car? <BR>Will it hold 4 adults plus baggage? <BR>Any tips on rental cars, companies? <BR>

Yes - but I think that it would be a little tight for 4 adults if you were planning on doing much driving. As to baggage, it depends on how much you bring! This car is one size above compact so if you have large suitcases they wont fit.

Where are ya going? I've had good luck with auto europe, good rates and service.

I am sure that a magane will be too small for 4 people with luggage. It is a comfortable 4 seater but the boot (trunk) will not hold more the luggage that 4 would normally carry. I suggest you try for a Renault Scenic - it will hold the luggage, is very comfortable, quite drivaable, and the high profile gives excellent viewing for passengers.

We will be in Provence and Central Italy for the most part. How can I get <BR>the dimensions of the trunk? What is <BR>too large in the way of suitcases - <BR>2 couples each will have one large.

Carla, <BR> <BR>It has been said here a thousand times by people who know Europe travel well: taking a "large" suitcase is one of the surest ways to be sure you will be miserable with your decision. Take two suitcases of medium size PER person if necessary. If you are taking any bag with any dimension larger than 22 to 24 inches, you are simply not listening to the advice which is consistently dispensed on this message board. <BR> <BR>I have never read a single message here from someone who said "I took a LARGE suitcase to Europe, and I'm glad I did". <BR> <BR>And back to your original question "Any tips on rental cars, companies" - - try: <BR> <BR>www.autoeurope.com <BR>www.its-cars-hotels.com <BR>www.kemwel.com <BR>www.travelocity.com <BR> <BR>I'm pretty sure that the first three have accurate pictures of the cars available to you. And many people say that the AutoEurope is the only name you need to know for renting cars in Europe. I generally agree with this, but I do shop around too, and (rarely) find a better deal elsewhere. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

We've rented Renault Meganes several times. Just big enough for 2 adults, 2 kids, each with a small roll-on suitcase and one carry-on bag. I think you'll need something bigger. We had a Renault station wagon last year that would be perfect for your needs, but I can't remember the name of it. If you do rent from AutoEurope, they can provide the dimensions of the trunk of any car. Do encourage your fellow travelers not to bring large pieces of luggage.

The Renault StCirq means was probably a Renault Laguna break (=estate). This one will surely fit 4 adults and lots of luggage.

Many thanks, guys. I went right down and check luggage dimensions: suitcase <BR>we plan to take: 21" X 19" X 12 wide <BR>Do you think this would work? Presumably the other couple's luggage will not exceed these dimensions. What do you think?

Thanks, Myriam, I think it was a Renault Laguna, and it would have ample room as you say for 4 adults and luggage. <BR> <BR>Carla: If everyone sticks to those dimensions, you shouldn't have a problem.

So, Myriam, we can stay with the <BR>Renault Megane if we all abide by the <BR>21 X 19 X 12 dimensions? I hope this <BR>is correct... ? How late can one get a car before leaving, anyway. We are about 2 weeks out.

Carla, <BR> <BR>You don't say what country (or did I overlook that?) - - but in most major locations, I think that AutoEurope can take care of you with as little as 48 hours or so from the time of your call to your arrival. Still, why wait any further? <BR>

Rex, we are headed for the Provence and <BR>Central Italy. Our longest drivetime between stops will be about 3 to 4 hours. Meanwhile, the autoeurope guy I contacted said the Megane should do OK if we keep to the parameters of the 21X19X12 luggage. Hm.

Carla - <BR> <BR>I rented a Mengane in France through AutoEurope this past October. It is very similar in both size and handling to a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, and trunk size also seemed comparable. I was quite happy with it, and would not have wanted to maneuver anything much larger on some of the narrow roads/driveways we took. Mileage was also good. We were only two people (with a 21" rollaboard and tote bag each), but could have easily fit two more, as long as they were not giants with too much luggage!

Carla, DON'T take the usual Renault Mégane. It will definitely be too small. Either you take the Mégane Scénic (which is kind of small monovolume (minivan?) or a Renault Laguna break (estate).

Thanks everyone. These comments have been very helpful. Nothing is locked in <BR>yet, so more discussion is very welcome.

<BR>Carla: If you'd like to see photos of the different Renault Megane models, go to "http://www.renault.com/gb/produits/index_produit.htm" Some models have shots of the luggage compartment that might help with your decision making.

I emailed the rental company and they <BR>claim the trunk has 14 cubic feet of <BR>space and "should" accommodate us. <BR>I am getting antsy about this. The other couple is bringing one suitcase <BR>and a garment bag. Help!! I don't mind <BR>upgrading but now I am concerned about <BR>the small streets, etc.

Forgot to mention that the other <BR>couple's suitcase is 24 x 19 x 14 <BR>a little bigger than ours. Plus that garment bag. And too, we will be <BR>traveling about 4 - 5 hours between <BR>destinations in Provence/Tuscany. I am getting really nervous. Hope someone <BR>can help.

Just back from 3 weeks in Italy. I kept a journal and will do a trip report later, but thought I'd respond here -- we used AutoEurope who upgraded us to an Opel Spectre small wagon, with a great covered baggage area. It fit three adults comfortably, also luggage, shopping bags, etc. Was really a champ everywhere we went -- even driving the Amalfi Coast road for three days, and through the Dolomites and those amazing "tourneaus" Make sure you know where reverse is -- we have driven standard shift cars for 30 years and had a problem locating it on this car!

Carla, <BR>Don't worry about navigating narrow streets in a (Megane) Seenic - it uses the same floor pan as the sedan. The additional space comes from the car being higher so that passengers sit more upright and the rear storgae space is deeper. I have driven these twice no and found them very easy to manage in narrow streets and on winding hill roads. The higher driving position actually gives you a much better view and the car is very easy to manage. I still think you will find space very tight in the sedan

I just rented a Renault Laguna automatic for a week ALL inclusive it was cheaper than the Megane stick shift . did it thru avis Autoeurope is not always the best regardless of what you see here. Just go thru all the classes of cars available. I got a Mercedes diesel for just $1.00 more a day in England last year. saved more than that on fuel!!!

Carla: You need a bigger car with more trunk space, head and leg room. Why not consider a VW Jetta, diesel which has 13.0 cubic feet trunk space, and gets 40 miles to the gallon. <BR> <BR>Leone

The are offering a Renault Laguna and an Opel Vectra as an upgrade. I have never heard of an Opel Vectra - <BR>I would sooooo appreciate any info. so <BR>that I can make up my mind (which is approaching the meltdown phase) and cross this off my huge list of <BR>things to do before leaving.

Carla, if it is really driving you crazy (argh! no pun intended!) then find a comparable North American car and see how well the luggage that you are taking fits in the trunk. <BR> <BR>A Vectra is similar to the Toyota Camry or Ford Contour (called the Mondeo in the U.K). A Megane is similar to a Toyota Corolla or 4 door Ford Focus. <BR> <BR>For 4 people with 3 suitcases such as you describe, plus a garment bag, I'd go for the Vectra. As someone here says, the car won't get wider in the midsize category, mostly longer and higher. good luck

Mac - thanks much for your suggestion. It will be 4 people (normal size) with <BR>2 pieces of wheely luggage plus 1 <BR>garment bag. Should that work with <BR>either the Laguna (they didnt give me a model like Laguna II or whatever) just that it had 18 cu.ft. of trunk space.

Go for the Renault Scenic. Last year we had the choice and seeing them both side by side the scenic was the better bet. It was 3adults and the additional height was definitely more comfortable. It is like a minivan and has lots of added comforts. cdplayer for those long drives. built in ice box in the floor, each seat (even the back seats) reclined individually. (No I am not a sales person for Reanult) :) The extra height also gave the extra space without width... on some of the tiny streets it was necessary to turn in the wing mirrors!!! Oh and we asked for a diesel engine whice was much more conservative on the petrol price and rate of consumption!!!This was booked in advance from Avis on the internet. Good luck

We just rented from Avis in Barcelona and were told we were getting a Renault Megane. We we given a Peugeot instead (we were told it was the same class) and our 2 large bags barely fit in the trunk. We've had good luck with Europe by Car, too.