Bigwalley

looking to rent a 9 passanger Fiat Scudo or similar from Avis, theres 5 adults and 3 children and we will be transporting 8 suit cases and some back packs most of the suit cases are smaller for a trip from Rome to eastern part of Italy. The Fiat Scudo is not a car that seems to be in the USA so I have only seen pictures of this vehicle is there enough room for the 8 passangers and luggage it appears I could lower a seat in the back plus fill some space behind the back seats. Does anyone know about this vehicle?

ekc

You could fit the people, but I doubt the luggage, unless everyone's luggage in carry-on size (which it should be).

StCirq

I've seen those vans, and you might get the 8 passengers in, but not 8 suitcases plus backpacks, unless some people want to ride holding their luggage. It's also not a great vehicle for maneuvering in narrow streets and lanes.

ribeirasacra

This is the Fiat page in English.
http://bit.ly/fiatscudo
You can see there are 2 different wheel bases so room will vary. Which one will you get?
Do not forget when hiring you may get something different. The model is only shown on the website to give you some idea of model size.

kybourbon

The rental companies always list how many suitcases a vehicle holds. What is the listing for the 9 passenger van?

hetismij2

From the website ribeirasacra linked to it seems there is also underfloor luggage space. Not sure how useful that will be but maybe the carry-ons will fit in there. Looking at the photo you can certainly store some bags under the seats airline style. With the 9th seat folded flat you could be OK, even in the short wheelbase version.

Don't forget to hire child seats/booster cushions too if the children are young.

Michael

Given the height of the vehicle you should be able to store 8 carry-ons--4 on the floor and 4 on top of them--but you probably will have to rely on side-view mirrors for rear visibility.

kybourbon

The Avis website says it holds 9 passengers and 5 pieces of luggage. You should be able to stuff a few backpacks under seats. If the seats flip down into the floor board (many vans do) then you would probably have room if you use the 9th seat space for the other luggage.

Gordon_R

Bear in mind too that any luggage left on display in the vehicle when unattended can be a magnet for thieves - it seems that it will be much more difficult to conceal the luggage on this type of MPV than in a normal car.

Mimar

2 cars would be smaller and easier to drive and park. Plus if you pick the right model (and get it), you'd have more luggage space, hidden luggage space. And 2 cars offer more flexibility. You don't all have to go to the same place at the same time.