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what kind of car to drive Milan to Bolzano to Bormio

what kind of car to drive Milan to Bolzano to Bormio

Old Feb 15th, 2008, 05:18 AM
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what kind of car to drive Milan to Bolzano to Bormio

Hi,
We are looking at Autoeurope to rent a car leaving Milan and coming back to Milan after spending 5 days in Bolzano and Bormio. The cheapest cars have a HP of less than 100 (80 for the Lancia). I'm wondering if anyone recommends a minimum car to use as we don't want to get stuck going up the moutains
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 05:45 AM
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tell us more about yourself.

The answer will depend a lot on who you are.

For a group of 2 petites with minimal luggage (1 carry on bag each), then a compact car would be adequate (not necessarily great, but at least adequate). When I travel with just 2 I like to have a mid sized car. Better power, more space, more comfortable, more comfort amenities, and sometimes has built in navigation.

For an "average sized" American family of 4 with 2 26" bags each then you'll need more room and horsepower.

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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 05:46 AM
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ira
 
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HI T,

We usually book a 4-dr CDMR (compact). Large enough to hold the luggage in the back, small enough to have decent fuel economy.

I looked at what is available at Milan airport.

I would choose the Megane or the Alfa 147. If they are too high, the Peugeot 206 will get you up the mountains.

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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 06:26 AM
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Assuming that you are ok with a manual transmission, no how to use it and are just 2 people, the Lancia Y should do fine - it's a very nice little car and has a bit more interior room than the 206 and excellent mileage. I once drove the Dolomites in a Panda and even though I down shifted fairly often, I did not get stuck anywhere.

Ira is right on with his suggestion of the Alfa 147. It costs a bit more but is a really good driver.

Also consider the Fiat Grande Punto. It has comfortable seating for a long drive and although the engine does not have a lot of HP, it is a free rever and has more spunk than you would believe. It also handles very well and IMO would be fun to drive in the mountains. It also is one that gets excellent mileage.

Diesel cars have better mileage and use less expensive fuel than gas but have lower HP. The lower HP is made up for by higher torque which is what you need on mountain roads. Still, be prepared to shift.
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 06:51 AM
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thanks guys,
It's two of us, i'm a petite woman and my fiance (husband by then ), is six feet tall with average build. He drives manual transmission on a regular basis (I don't).

I'll check out your suggestions
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 06:52 AM
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we'll have 1 regular piece of luggage each.
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 08:56 AM
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we just booked the alpha 147. thanks everyone. the rate for 5,6 and 7 day rental is exactly the same!
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 09:13 AM
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That is a great choice. Since it is a hatchback, make sure the car given you has the luggage compartment cover so that your luggage is not in plain view. The diesel and gas version both have the same horsepower so IMO the diesel is preferable because of its extra torque and ecomomy.
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 09:45 AM
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thanks!
Just made a note of all that
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 10:07 AM
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Also be aware that you may not actually have a choice which vehicle you are offered. The models listed are representative vehicles for a class. What you get will depend on the local inventory which can be any odd assortment of cars.

I've ended up with a British car in Italy, Czech cars in Germany, Japanese cars in the UK, and German cars in France. All were fine, but none was the actual car stated on the reservation.
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 10:26 AM
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The last car we rented in Europe was an Alfa 147. It did fine.We had three suitcases which fit easily in the rear.

Out Alfa was a turbo diesel. The turbo might work better for you at higher altitudes, as the turbo eliminates horsepower loss from thin air.
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Old Feb 15th, 2008, 10:33 AM
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In Nov 07 our rental in Italy was a Ford Focus station wagon. For the two of us it was more than adequate, and our luggage fit nicely under the covered rear area. It had enough power to keep us out of trouble on the aurostradas yet was pretty economical on fuel costs. We drove it from Venice to Florence then around Tuscany, over to Pisa and up via the Cinque Terre on to Milano. Nice car and not to be confused with the Ford Focus sold in the states - totally different and SO much better!

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