Bertorelli

Hi,

For our next vacation into your beautiful country ;-) we booked a SUV at Hertz (Phoenix Airport).

It's of the SFAR category and probably will be an Nissan Xterra or simular.

As we don't have xterra's over here my question is, is this car spacy enough for 4 adults and luggage?

Except myself we are all medium build.
I'm about 6'6 and 280 pounds and will be the driver.

Does anybody know what cars are also in the SFAR category?

Thanks

Bert
The Netherlands

rkkwan

It's a mid-sized SUV, and has plenty of room for 4 adults and luggage. You may find it a little too large...

placeu2

I am not real sure what a SFAR is...some type of Sport Utility?

In any case, a Nissan Xtera is not for you and your traveling companions. I am 6'2 225 and would not get one. Not enough luggage or backseat space either.

I recommend a mini-van or a full size SUV. Something like an Explorer.

rkkwan

We don't use those 4-letter codes in the US, but the Nissan Xterra is in the "Stardard 4WD" category on Hertz's US website. They have seating for 5, plus room for 3 large suitcase and 3 small suitcases. Since Hertz used to part of Ford, and still retains close ties, I think you're more likely to get the Ford Explorer that's in the same class. [I don't know how they categorize the Ford Freestyle, but it's actually quite spacious and have great fuel economy; but has lower ride height and ground clearance.]

Now, if you worry about your own size, then they have the "Fullsize AWD", "Premium AWD" and "Luxury AWD" categories as well, all with 3rd row seat and room for 7-8 persons.

hausfrau

Hi Bert,
The Nissan XTerra is just a bit larger than the Jeep Liberty, which is currently sold as the Jeep Cherokee in Europe, if that helps any. It can certainly hold 4 people and 4 suitcases, so it really depends on how much luggage you plan to have. Remember it won't get very good gas mileage. You would get more space and better mileage in a minivan, but if you are looking specifically for an SUV, the XTerra is very nice.

RedRock

Bertorelli

I am about the same size as you and the only types of vehicles I will drive or own are full size. I have a full size Ford van and I fit in that comfortably. See if the rental company can provide a full size Conversion Van for you. That will hold 4 full size people with all the comfort you need including luggage....

J_Correa

We had an Xterra from Hertz and it was pretty big. We had 3 adults, one about the size of your largest travelling companion. He drove and sat in the front passenger seat during the trip - no problems for him. The trunk space was quite big. This is the sort of vehicle people take camping or carry their kids and associated sports equipment around.

rkkwan

Europeans and Americans have different expection and definition in terms of car size. I don't know what the OP drives in the Netherlands, so if we can get some information from him what kind of car is acceptable, then we'll get a better idea of what's "big enough".

Gretchen

I agree with RKKWAN's last post (differing expectations) and on the basis of that, it "might" be large enough.
But I will also say that the long distance driving that it would seem to be in front of our Dutch friends is also not what they might expect.
And from what I have seen of this car on the road, I would want a slightly larger vehicle.
Oops--the driver. You really want a different vehicle.
A mini-van can be very comfortable;

Gretchen

A full size conversion van is overkill, in my opinion.
A mini-van--or a full size car would be very adequate.
The Xterra will also be a "rougher" stiffer ride--not very relaxing for those long SW distances.

rkkwan

Just want to make this clear. Hertz simply names the Xterra as a representative of a "Standard SUV" in this class. I don't know what they stock at PHX, but they'll get something different most likely. They may even get upgraded, who knows...

I booked a compact car from Hertz at YEG (Edmonton) last year. When I arrived, they ask what kind of SUVs I want - they have a Ford Freestyle, a Ford Explorer and even a Ford Expedition. I could choose any one of those at no extra charge, but they didn't have a compact car.

[Anyways, I chose the Freestyle, as it's smallest with the best fuel economy; but that's not important in this discussion.]

Bertorelli

Hi

Thanks for all the response.
We picked a SUV because we want to take some dirt roads too.

I guess we will see what car they offer us next year.
If it doesn't fit we can always go for an upgrade i guess.

rkkwan

Most car rental companies prohibit their renters from going off-road. You may want to find out from Hertz before you do so.

Gretchen

I would agree with RKKWan again about the 4 wheeling. They aren't gonna like that. AND not all SUVs are 4WD, although they will designate those that are.
That said, our kids who live in Denver used to love it when friends would come with a rental car (not even 4WD) and they would take one of the back pass roads to nowhere!!
And again, the XTerra is comparable to a class of SUVs, just like the Expedition is comparable to another class of SUVs--and they would not rent for the same price--at least when I have priced them. The small SUVs are just that-small.

TheWeasel

Dirt road does not equal off-road. There are many, many forest service roads in AZ that will lead you to various trails, etc. Don't assume the OP is going on an off-road thrill ride. The standard recommendation on many of these roads is to use a high-clearance vehicle (not necessarily 4WD).

RedRock

Gretchen

I have owned three full size Ford vans and have put over 400K road miles on them. I would not leave home without one.

RedRock

I drove the Lolo Motorway last summer in our van. Like was said all that is needed is a high clearance vehicle.

http://edbrenegar.typepad.com/photos...gns/index.html

BeachBoi

rkkwan......Just FYI, the "SFAR" designation is indeed standard lingo for car types that are booked thru an airline GDS system.So, yes "we" do use them.Maybe not me and you but they are well known especially to a TA.For example if my TA wants to knwo what car types are available from Hertz in PHX,here is what he would see...

TYPE CLASS EXAMPLE OF MAKE/MODEL PSGR/DOORS/NO.OF BAGS
---- ----- --------------------- ---------------------
ECAR A HYUNDAI ACCENT 4 / 2-4 /
CCAR B FORD FOCUS 4 / 2-4 /
CDAR B FORD FOCUS 4 / 2-4 /
ICAR C MAZDA 626 4-5 / 2-4 /
IDAR C MAZDA 626 4-5 / 2-4 /
ISAR C4 HYUNDAI SONATA GREEN 5 / 4 /
SCAR D GRAND AM 4-5 / 2 /
SBAR D6 FORD MUSTANG V6 4-5 / 2 /
EXAR E4 FORD FUSION GREEN 5 / 4 /
Now, if indeed i wanted an "SFAR" my printed tinerary would reflect "STD 4WD AUTO A/C".

GoTravel

Most SUVs here in the south are not 4WD.

Gretchen

REdRock, you may be amazed to know that we have also owned 2 full size vans and have gotten over it--although we loved them for the use they had when we had them. They are great for particular uses--and it was from having them that I will always have a "sit up high" vehicle. The ability to see further ahead has saved us a couple of notable times
For these folks, I just don't think it is a fit, it is expensive to rent, it is fuel guzzling--and did I mention, expensive.
Let the car fit the need, particularly when renting.