Tall men who rent cars. Please help.
Mar 21st, 2010, 04:55 PM
#21
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I'm 6'3", and I still do not understand.
I assume one has to bang one's head against a Hybrid cab's door a few times to understand. Few people here seem to be willing to undergo that experience to reach the necessary level of enlightment, though.
I assume one has to bang one's head against a Hybrid cab's door a few times to understand. Few people here seem to be willing to undergo that experience to reach the necessary level of enlightment, though.
Mar 21st, 2010, 06:16 PM
#22
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I'm short and my husband is tall. SUV - I must be a klutz as I smack my knee on the dashboard getting in/out every time, not enough headroom for DH. Midsize fine for me, not enough leg room for him sometimes. Chevy (Opel) compact in Europe - fine for both. Go figure. Don't get me started on getting into the back seat of a Lexus ES!! Just awful design! Unfortunately I think David is going to have to try different rentals to see how it goes. Even with measurements it doesn't sound like you'll know how getting in/ out wll go. But I'm sure there is something in the stable that will work in his budget. Every car is designed differently and some are designed really badly for ingress/egress. He needs something with a square doorframe and small header. And no, not everyone can adjust the seat enough in many cars to not feel cramped in the front seat.
NYCFS - I don't understand why the posters are so pissy. Bad weekend maybe. I really like the black cabs in London. Hate the mini vans in NY.
NYCFS - I don't understand why the posters are so pissy. Bad weekend maybe. I really like the black cabs in London. Hate the mini vans in NY.
Mar 21st, 2010, 08:03 PM
#23
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I hate getting into the minivans too, though getting in ain't no big thang. Besides they provide less interaction with the driver. Sounds like "David" will never win on the car front.
To quote you said you could not fit. And bending down is not the same as being a stuffed sausage for an average person. Just sayin'. Then again, I don't know everything like some people and I'm also not old enough to sad over a lack of checkered cabs. Just going on experience which I thought the question in hand.
I wish "David" luck with his car choice anyhow.
To quote you said you could not fit. And bending down is not the same as being a stuffed sausage for an average person. Just sayin'. Then again, I don't know everything like some people and I'm also not old enough to sad over a lack of checkered cabs. Just going on experience which I thought the question in hand.
I wish "David" luck with his car choice anyhow.
Mar 21st, 2010, 09:13 PM
#25
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I guess I don't understand his "issue" as it is. My son, who is 6'4 1/2" drove an Ford Escort all through college. He had the seat scooted back and the back of the seat was reclined somewhat, but he was able to drive it comfortably. His only problem was if my wife drove his car for some reason, he couldn't get in without adjusting the seat back. His ability to drive the vehicle comfortably was never hindered.
I guess I just didn't understand the 42" legroom and 39" headroom. That's 81", or 6'9".
I guess I just didn't understand the 42" legroom and 39" headroom. That's 81", or 6'9".
Mar 22nd, 2010, 07:52 AM
#26
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<i><font color=#777777>"Unfortunately I think David is going to have to try different rentals to see how it goes."</font></i>
That's much easier to do in an English speaking country. He's done the homework here in America. I will try to help him in a way that offers less risk and a need to speak Italian.
<i><font color=#777777>"He needs something with a square doorframe"</font></i>
Initially, I thought the same thing but it turned out not true. His current rental success in America is the Nissan Altima. There's nothing square about the door design but the upward slope of the door frame allows safe and easy in-out access. Altima's headroom is 40.6 inches and its legroom is a very generous 44.1. I doubt he will find such generous legroom in an economy/compact car in Italy but the Fiat Grand Punto comes close at 42.3.
For those who don't understand, you're not helping by contributing to this thread. So, please, resist cluttering the bandwidth. I used the words "physical restrictions" in my opening post. Is that not enough information for you to think outside the box? Comparing the skeleton of a college-age student to a middle-age man who must find a way to work with "physical restrictions" is ridiculous.
That's much easier to do in an English speaking country. He's done the homework here in America. I will try to help him in a way that offers less risk and a need to speak Italian.
<i><font color=#777777>"He needs something with a square doorframe"</font></i>
Initially, I thought the same thing but it turned out not true. His current rental success in America is the Nissan Altima. There's nothing square about the door design but the upward slope of the door frame allows safe and easy in-out access. Altima's headroom is 40.6 inches and its legroom is a very generous 44.1. I doubt he will find such generous legroom in an economy/compact car in Italy but the Fiat Grand Punto comes close at 42.3.
For those who don't understand, you're not helping by contributing to this thread. So, please, resist cluttering the bandwidth. I used the words "physical restrictions" in my opening post. Is that not enough information for you to think outside the box? Comparing the skeleton of a college-age student to a middle-age man who must find a way to work with "physical restrictions" is ridiculous.
Mar 22nd, 2010, 08:14 AM
#27
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The VW Touran appears to have a maximum headroom of 1020 mm in the driver's seat, and I would expect similar models from other manufacturers (Opel Zafira, Citroen Picasso, Renault Scenic) to be much the same for headroom. These are all tall models, as are the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner suggested by hetismij above.
These are not budget choices, but they would be a lot more comfortable and also give you more luggage space. Bigger again, and so more expensive again, are cars like the Ford Galaxy, Ford S-max, Renault Espace, Peugeot 807, etc.
These are not budget choices, but they would be a lot more comfortable and also give you more luggage space. Bigger again, and so more expensive again, are cars like the Ford Galaxy, Ford S-max, Renault Espace, Peugeot 807, etc.
Mar 22nd, 2010, 08:48 AM
#28
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Whay is anyone helping this social miscreant?
Let him go do his own research. He is obviously the only one up to the task of satisfying his needs.
Instead fo cluttering up this bandwidth justifying your prissy attitude, perhaps your time would be better spent writing each rental company in Italy and asking them to send you the dimensions of both the door opening and interior of their entire fleet. I am sure they would be happy to do that and then you can just pick!
Let him go do his own research. He is obviously the only one up to the task of satisfying his needs.
Instead fo cluttering up this bandwidth justifying your prissy attitude, perhaps your time would be better spent writing each rental company in Italy and asking them to send you the dimensions of both the door opening and interior of their entire fleet. I am sure they would be happy to do that and then you can just pick!
Mar 22nd, 2010, 09:11 AM
#29
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FYI the Nissan Altima is considered a midsize car in the US rentla market - and would probably be a fullsize in europe.
Obviously this person has very special requirements. People are trying to be HEELPFUL in pointing out the realities. And my beau is 6'3" with long legs - although not a college student - without any physical restrictions and can't comfortbley drive or even sit in small or economy cars in europe. Even many txis are a squeeze.
If the auto web sites don't list specs, nor the rental company - you're going to have to rely on the kindness of locals who own those cars to mesure them for you. Perhaps you should post with a request for people to do that.
Obviously this person has very special requirements. People are trying to be HEELPFUL in pointing out the realities. And my beau is 6'3" with long legs - although not a college student - without any physical restrictions and can't comfortbley drive or even sit in small or economy cars in europe. Even many txis are a squeeze.
If the auto web sites don't list specs, nor the rental company - you're going to have to rely on the kindness of locals who own those cars to mesure them for you. Perhaps you should post with a request for people to do that.
Mar 22nd, 2010, 12:58 PM
#30
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Thank you, chartley. 1020 mms is 40.1 inches. Near the goal.
<i><font color=#777777>"These are not budget choices"</font></i>
It is interesting that shorter people get the best car rental deals. I'm going to check into these cars and I appreciate your list. It's very important for a customer to know what to ask for.
<i><font color=#777777>"FYI the Nissan Altima is considered a midsize car in the US"</font></i>
I guess I shouldn't have to say we already knew that.
<i><font color=#777777>"Obviously this person has very special requirements."</font></i>
Special, perhaps, but not "very" special. It's not like he has one leg or works in a wheel chair.
<i><font color=#777777>"People are trying to be HELPFUL in pointing out the realities."</font></i>
To point out obvious realities to a smart, experienced traveler suggests the traveler is stupid. That is rude and insulting. But some Fodorites will never see that and nor will they care. I've been helping people with travel for well over 30 years. I know sincere help when I see it. I also recognize those who like to hear themselves yap and those who have nothing to offer but worthless breakwind that contributes to global warming.
<i><font color=#777777>"And my beau is 6'3" with long legs...without any physical restrictions and can't comfortably drive or even sit in small or economy cars in europe."</font></i>
Interesting. Yet there's a lovely contributer at SlowTrav, married to a man 6'6", whose husband has had great luck with Renault Clio, Opel Corsa and Fiat Punto. I'm keeping an open mind.
<i><font color=#777777>"you're going to have to rely on the kindness of locals who own those cars to measure them for you."</font></i>
Well, no. If there is a standard, the website measurements simply provide a research gauge. Hearing from a tall man with lots of experience renting is the best source of yea or nay. That's what these forums are for. (Minus the trolls who think this is their own personal chat room.
<i><font color=#777777>"These are not budget choices"</font></i>
It is interesting that shorter people get the best car rental deals. I'm going to check into these cars and I appreciate your list. It's very important for a customer to know what to ask for.
<i><font color=#777777>"FYI the Nissan Altima is considered a midsize car in the US"</font></i>
I guess I shouldn't have to say we already knew that.
<i><font color=#777777>"Obviously this person has very special requirements."</font></i>
Special, perhaps, but not "very" special. It's not like he has one leg or works in a wheel chair.
<i><font color=#777777>"People are trying to be HELPFUL in pointing out the realities."</font></i>
To point out obvious realities to a smart, experienced traveler suggests the traveler is stupid. That is rude and insulting. But some Fodorites will never see that and nor will they care. I've been helping people with travel for well over 30 years. I know sincere help when I see it. I also recognize those who like to hear themselves yap and those who have nothing to offer but worthless breakwind that contributes to global warming.
<i><font color=#777777>"And my beau is 6'3" with long legs...without any physical restrictions and can't comfortably drive or even sit in small or economy cars in europe."</font></i>
Interesting. Yet there's a lovely contributer at SlowTrav, married to a man 6'6", whose husband has had great luck with Renault Clio, Opel Corsa and Fiat Punto. I'm keeping an open mind.
<i><font color=#777777>"you're going to have to rely on the kindness of locals who own those cars to measure them for you."</font></i>
Well, no. If there is a standard, the website measurements simply provide a research gauge. Hearing from a tall man with lots of experience renting is the best source of yea or nay. That's what these forums are for. (Minus the trolls who think this is their own personal chat room.
Jun 18th, 2010, 05:50 PM
#31
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Talk to some of the people in Tall Club International. Men over 6'2 and woman 5'10, most have issues with head room. I'm 6'10 and my wife is 6' and I drive a 2002 VW passat because I fit! All the new Crossovers have a downward sloping roof that ruins the use of the 2nd row for any of my family! My shortest bro is 6'6, good friend Lessa is 6'4, and her husband is 6'6. we can't ride together if my wife is in the front seat.
It sucks but we are left with hatchbacks larger suvs and some trucks. In my case the second row is useless, I'm sure lots of other tall people understand the frustraion.
I would suggest the VW Golf, the honda hatchback,and vw rabbit for compact.
Subaru forester and outback are ok but not allot of head room.
My brother has a very comfortable chevy truck but gas millage isn't good. The diesel version is not bad though!!
I'm searching for a company that sells aftermarket seats for Subaru that sit lower and go back further. Does anyone know of a company?
It sucks but we are left with hatchbacks larger suvs and some trucks. In my case the second row is useless, I'm sure lots of other tall people understand the frustraion.
I would suggest the VW Golf, the honda hatchback,and vw rabbit for compact.
Subaru forester and outback are ok but not allot of head room.
My brother has a very comfortable chevy truck but gas millage isn't good. The diesel version is not bad though!!
I'm searching for a company that sells aftermarket seats for Subaru that sit lower and go back further. Does anyone know of a company?
Jun 19th, 2010, 08:28 AM
#35
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jhawk2tall, I could care less when you signed up with Fodor's but I'm sure many tall people are glad you did. This thread isn't <i>that</i> old and its age does not matter because this problem will exist for tall people who rent cars no matter what year it is.
<i><font color=#777777>"My late husband was just under 6' 5" but we always managed with a small car in Europe."</font></i>
And how is this helpful?
<i><font color=#777777>"could he take the train?"</font></i>
The job requires a car.
I will be in Italy soon and I have an appointment to visit a rental car lot. We'll see what I find. In the meantime, my stat list is growing. I may post it in the future.
<i><font color=#777777>"My late husband was just under 6' 5" but we always managed with a small car in Europe."</font></i>
And how is this helpful?
<i><font color=#777777>"could he take the train?"</font></i>
The job requires a car.
I will be in Italy soon and I have an appointment to visit a rental car lot. We'll see what I find. In the meantime, my stat list is growing. I may post it in the future.
