Barbara

Cimbrone, I'd definitely rent a car. Not an SUV or a mini van, though. Your mom would likely have difficulty getting into either of them.

msjames

This is great -- Cimbrone, will you update us after your trip and let us know how it turned out? My experience with mothers tells me that if he rents a brand new car, she will find something else to worry about.

Cimbrone

Thanks to everyone who thinks I'm a good son! I try...

The car is reserved--got it for a week for $260 from Enterprise. Pretty cheap. And BOTH of us will have a better time if Mom is happy, if you know what I mean.

Definitely trying to save $$$ on this (possibly unnecessary) expenditure--so no minivans or big sedans for us. (I drive a corolla and she a camry.) We'll be fine with whatever "economy" car they give us. I'll do all the driving, and she can recline her seat. The dog will have the back to himself. I'll let you all know how it goes. We've traveled together before, and we (usually) have a nice time together.

FainaAgain

Your mom is recovering from a surgery, you said. Is it possible, she worries more about HER being able to make the trip, not the car, and looking into possibilities to back out of the trip for now?

don76

Cimbrone
You made the right decision in renting.
Just be sure you have adequate insurance, use your Credit Card for coverage, and cover the back seat so that your dog doesn't tear the seat cover.

easytraveler

Cimbrone: $260 is too much for a small car from Enterprise. For the smaller cars, about $125-$150 will do. You have to add in insurance, taxes, etc.

You still have time, why not shop around?

Go to travelocity and check out their rates. There's usually a comparative chart of a number of companies: Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, Enterprise, etc. You can also have a range of cars, from the smallest to about midsize.

I'd guess that a midsize would be more than adequate for you.

If you are not a member of AAA, now is the time to join. For car breakdowns, AAA emergency is a godsend.

Once our almost brand-new minivan broke down in the middle of freeway traffic in San Francisco. The tow truck driver came within 1/2 hour, took one adult and the two kids to a MacDonald's, drove the other adult to a rental car place, then turned around and went back to tow the minivan to the dealership. At that time, the membership fee was only $25. Nowadays I would suggest that you get the more than basic membership which allows a lot more towing mileage.

I'd say get a rental car for practical, economic reasons. If your rental car breaks down - which is highly unlikely (ask for a car with low mileage at the beginning of your rental) - your rental company will give you another car and on you go. On the other hand, if your own car breaks down, it's endless hassles and BIG repair bucks.

Pease of mind is worth the rental fee.

You'll be fine. Have a great trip!

Cimbrone

Interesting thought, Faina. But now that the arrangements are coming together, Mom is telling me how excited she is. We're very honest in our family. If she didn't want to go, she'd tell me.

easytraveler--thanks for the suggestion. I'll try those websites. I use them for air travel, but forgot they do rental cars. I actually thought we had gotten a good deal, but maybe not...

don, trust me, Mom will have the sheets all ready to cover the back seat. They are probably sitting by the door to her house right now

LoveItaly

Hi Cimbrone I have been busy today getting all the tax stuff ready for my accountant so I just read your post. You made a good decision IMHO to rent a vehicle. If your Mom is happy you will be happy!! Wanted to wish you two a wonderful and fun trip!! Enjoy.

starrsville

Cimbrone, I agree that the rental fees sound high and I've not been pleased with the rental cars from Enterprise. I have found they are well worn and not well maintained. I'd check into Hertz, Avis and National to see what they offer. And, your chances of an free upgrade to a larger car would be greater.

lvk

I remember seeing either a bumper sticker or T-Shirt with the saying:

"If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy".
(Grammatically dismal, but it still rings true!)

Have a great trip!

wsoxrebel

Yes I would take your car on trip. I have owned both foreign and American cars with over 200K miles on them.

But you are smart to honor your mother by making her happy. The most comfortable car you can rent is a Cadillac BTW. It just floats up the mountains with incredible ease, has lots of trunk space, and is so smooth.

Dukey

TTT...now, about that wardrobe question you had, Cimbrone...

Cimbrone

Dukey, do you mean the one about where to find really fab driving gloves? Or whether it's safe to hike in Appalachia wearing a spandex singlet?

highflyer

Ahh, good to see that you're now onto wardrobe details now that the less important issues like car rental has been settled!

escargot

The things I always had in the car for my mom when I drove her to Florida for the winters or took her on a road trip:

A pillow
A lap blanket
A soft sided lunchbox filled with some lemon suckers, lollipops, Teaberry and Beamans gum,
Wet hand wipe packets, kleenex.
A few CD's she would like.

Things I would have in the car (some I'd have anyway) but mostly because I know she would ask me if I had them in the car:

Emergency road kit with flares, jumper cables, etc
A small first aid kit
Map
Flashlight and magnifying reader to read the map
Small white bags for trash
A roll of paper towels and small bottle of windex
My cell phone and charger
Change ( b/c you know it is always so important to have quarters, dimes and nickels handy)
Hidden Money (in case everything was stolen from both of us at the same time: ie, wallets, pocketbooks,etc)
A few granola bars (in case we had had everything stolen from both of us, were hungry, and not yet near anywhere where we could spend our hidden money )

Things I would have in the car for me:
CD's I would like
Tylenol (and I LOVED my mom)
Red licorice sticks

Can you tell my mom had been a scout leader and her motto was 'always be prepared' -

Have fun !

Cimbrone

Thanks for the suggestions, escargot.

And thanks to those of you who said to keep looking for a better price. On expedia, I found a Thrify economy rental for $157--everything included. That's $100 less than what we had with Enterprise!