Have you ever wondered what the rental car companies really mean when they say their cars have trunk space for 2 “large” and 2 “small” cases? Is a large case 22”? 25”? 27”? Is a small case 20”? 22”? smaller than 20”? And how accurate are the estimates rental car companies give of luggage capacity? Slow Travel wants to know.

Recently, Kim posted her experience with a rental car in Italy. We would love to hear whether the car you rented lived up to the luggage information shown on the rental company’s website.

Post your experiences. What size(s) were your suitcases? How many did you fit, and into what make/model car? Did they all go in the trunk, or did you have to put some inside the car? If you have pictures of your trunk with your bags in it, share them. And - if you will be traveling in the next few months – don’t forget to take at least one picture of your luggage loaded rental car, so we can put together a gallery for future travelers.

Judy

What a good topic: this is a perennial matter of debate in our family, with my husband favouring a larger car for the luggage (and his long legs) and me trying to go a bit smaller, thinking about narrow twisting streets in hilltop towns, and parking.

We have found the Ford Focus estate (wagon) quite a good compromise (though I wouldn't wax lyrical about the rather solid ride) - plenty of room for luggage for 4, but not too wide.

This year in Sardinia, we rented a small VW ( was it a Polo?) - we had a transfer from the airport, so none of the usual luggage concerns and we weren't doing any distance driving. It was wonderful having a small car in terms of snaffling those last places in the beach car parks, but we had to laugh at the optimistic description of the luggage potential - it held the beach bags and a picnic, just.

What I would love to have on most occasions is the car I have at home - a Renault Megane Scenic (classified as small MPV).Small footprint, not too wide, high for good vision and good luggage capacity -it certainly takes luggage for 4 ( and we are including two teenage girls, here!) to the airport without a squeeze. Lots and lots of hidey holes, as well as good luggage space. The problem is, we have never manged to find a good rental price for one(and automatic) that would justify its premium over lower classes.

This is often a moot point for me.

If you rent an automatic, as I do, you generally take what they have, never mind what you have reserved. It cant be smaller, but 2 times out of 3 I've gotten a larger car than reserved. This past trip Ellen and I reserved a Mercedes A180 (a great car with plenty of room for luggage for two) and instead got a Volvo hatchback. Nice car, but much too big for the winding roads of Le Marche.

You are right, Marian - thinking about it over the years, we have had many 'Sorry, we don't have what you ordered, but look at this lovely one you can have instead' - not neccessarily one that would have been chosen, but you are generally not in a good position to argue (tired or jet lagged and having to get to the rental before the key holder gives up and goes home and/or the shops shut). Actually, that sounds like another topic for debate :'Getting your way with no cards in your favour' !

quote:

Originally posted by TourMama:
And how accurate are the estimates rental car companies give of luggage capacity?

I bet all they do is take the car company number and divide by some fictional sized bag. In theory a trunk with say 50 cubic feet should fit 5 10 cubic feet bags. But the trunk is one shape. The bags a different shape.

Lancia Muso [Is that the right name?] is a carry on and a large duffle in the trunk. There is extra space in there but unless you dump things out of the bags it's wasted space.

And this is why my wife and I travel following Rick Steves' recommendations for what to take, how much to take, and limiting ourselves, when possible, to carryon luggage.

Adjusted for realities . . .

I doubt that the agencies even do the estimates. The car m/fs probably do it.

Anyway. One option to consider is the new breed of small van-derived cars such as Citroen Berlingo, Peugot partner etc. Small price, small footprint, diesels seem to rarely need refuelling... and with good luggage room. We try and get one when skiing.

No contest to a fun car like an alfa though !

John

Well, now we're doing our own studies with our Summer Contest! You can check the rules and post your entries here

I am 6' 2" and my wife is tall as well. we rent the smallest car available always. Ford Kia, Lancia epsilon etc, fiat Punto. There is always just as much leg room as in all but massive sedans. The cars are designed well. It may feel small for US drivers but the actual space inside is great.

We were able to fit 4 medium bags in the small trunk and back seat of the episilon, plus carryons!