Driving a 15-seater

[neilandkay]

We hired a 7 seater minivan for $199 / week plus taxes in Dec. However that didn't include car insurance as our normal US car insurance covered that. I think that was through Thrify Car Rental.

2 x 7 seaters may be more flexible for a large party so that you can go to different places if you want (however if you all want to go to the same places, you may end up paying double parking fees).

Don't underestimate the amount of luggage you may be taking. We only had 3 people in the minivan, but had a lot of luggage!

Kay

[Lee]

Thanks for all of the feedback folks. We went ahead and took the van but we'll also hire a second car (before we go). It'll probably be well into the first week before we orient ourselves and know where to go. The van will be handy for getting to and from the airport (with all of the luggage) but at least one other car will be handy for people doing their own thing. One of our party drives a lorry so driving a 15-seater (Dodge Ram?) shouldn't prove to be too difficult.

Cheers all

[orlandobabe]

We were a party of 9 in October. We had hired a 12 seater which wasn't available and we were given a 15 seater instead.

I absolutely hated it and felt very unsafe in it. I felt it bounced along and it really gobbled up the petrol.

We took it back and got a 7 seater and a 5 seater. I was so pleased. Some days only 3 of us went out-can you imagine.

It was ok driving it along the main highways-but it was really out of place in the small town of Mount Dora.

[geoffm]

I don't know when you were going to hire the van, or if you have already done so, but Autos Abroad, Hire4Lower etc have allegedly gone bust. Dollar rent-a-car in Sanford, Florida are NOT accepting vouchers from them.

Geoff M.

[semerton]

About 5 years ago I needed an 8 seater but I could not upgrate from the uk so had to wait until we got to Sandford but they only got a 15 seater and it was big my driving licence was ok but when we got back I got a bill for a $1000 for the insurance so make sure you get all inclusive from the uk

Sylvia

[philb]

Is it true there are no roof racks on hire cars in US>

I am sure for our 7 seater later this month we have booked a roof rack for our luggage to and from the airport.

Any advice!!

[blott]

Not in my experience Philb but I guess it depends which car rental company you are picking up your car from? I've never seen a roof rack anywhere in Florida! But Dollar do rent ski racks in areas where these are required.