Alamo's 7 Seater 4x4 / SUV

[Jona]

Hi,

After a bit of advice, we need to hire a 7 seater and at first was looking at the 7 seater minivan (Chevrolet Uplander or similar), but noticed that Alamo also do a 7 seater GMC Envoy 'or similar' which appears to have larger boot space.

As the car's for 6 people (with plenty of luggage) I wondered if anyone here had rented this type of car, and if so, can confirm that the boot space is still good even with all the seats being used (ie: are two seats in the boot space?!)

Which would you recommend?

Many thanks in advance

[ncmurray]

Hi Jona,

Can't help much with your enquiry, but I would like to welcome you to the forum anyway.

I think that with 6 people and lots of luggage, you might struggle with either car. Are they 6 adults or a mixture of adults and children?

Nuala

[orchidvilla]

We got a Jeep Comander 7 seater suv from alamo, only 4 of us but needed the lugage space bit thirsty on fuel though.

Malcolm

[yellowbentines]

I've just returned from Florida and rented the Chevy Uplander through Alamo. It seated 7 in comfort, although we aren't the biggest of families, however the luggage space was enough for about 4 cases in the boot, with room between the front and middle row seats for hand luggage. Luckily my brother-in-law lives in Florida and was able to help us out with picking up luggage.

I'm unsure if any of the seven seat SUV's would be any bigger in terms of luggage space, I rented a 7 seat Dodge Durango a few years ago and I don't recall the boot space being any bigger than the van we had on this trip.

HTH, Neil.

[dreid]

Just got back - we had a Chevy Uplander hired via Alamo - when we arrived the guy at Alamo said there was no way it would take the 6 of us plus our luggage- 6 cases plus hand-luggage ( 10 on the return leg[msnwink]), so we had to upgrade to a Toyota Sienna, which was great and very spacious, although even then we struggled with all the cases on the way home. We saw a Uplnader whilst there, and had to agree it would not have been big enough . Did cost us quite a lot to upgrade though, and I will be writing to my tour operator I booked my fly-drive through to ask why the allocated us a unsuitable car in the first place.

[ellie]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dreid
Just got back - we had a Chevy Uplander hired via Alamo - when we arrived the guy at Alamo said there was no way it would take the 6 of us plus our luggage- 6 cases plus hand-luggage ( 10 on the return leg[msnwink]), so we had to upgrade to a Toyota Sienna, which was great and very spacious, although even then we struggled with all the cases on the way home. We saw a Uplnader whilst there, and had to agree it would not have been big enough . Did cost us quite a lot to upgrade though, and I will be writing to my tour operator I booked my fly-drive through to ask why the allocated us a unsuitable car in the first place.
[/quote]

Diane, if that was a fly-drive then they really don't care what car you are given, it is merely the cheapest one that will accommodate that number of people. They are not concerned whether you will have enough room for your luggage and don't promise anything either. If you are a party of 6 people they will allocate you the cheapest car that will fit you all in - as far as suitcases are concerned that is not their problem. This way, if people realise soon enough they will pay to upgrade their car with the tour operator who will make a tidy little sum out of the upgrade and the extra insurances and taxes. For them it's a win/win situation.

I doubt very much whether your tour operator will be the slightest bit interested as they allocated you a car which would fit you (6 people)in, and the luggage is your problem, not theirs.

It is far better to organise a separate flight with a car from www.uscarhire.co.uk, as that way you will have complete freedom and choice, and probably pay far less, too. You can check them all out, compare boot sizes and go for the biggest, most comfortable option, with no nasty surprises when you get there. Take a look at their site and see what I mean. I am sure you wil be amazed at their range of cars and their excellent prices. Something you cannot equate is the superb service you get from www.uscarhire.co.uk. They go above and beyond if necessary and I cannot recommend them too highly.

Next time you go, book your car hire yourself and see how much you will save.[msnwink]

[dreid]

Thanks Ellie - we live and learn I guess !

[ellie]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dreid
Thanks Ellie - we live and learn I guess !
[/quote]

Believe me, dreid, we all live and learn, but thanfully I found out about uscarhire some time ago, and it has saved no end of money AND hassle!

Just think of the fun you will have next time, knowing all the answers![msnwink]

[KarenScott]

I like the look of the Toyota Sienna, might see if we can book it for our next visit

[andy_d]

as long as you don't hire an 8 seater van. We had 8 so we had to hire the van but everyone not in the front 2 seats complained about the uncomfaortable back 2 rows of 3. Next time we'll dump someone so we can get a 7 seater as they looked so much more comfy!