Rental vehicle large enough for 7 adults

[Johnhw2]

I will be in CR 16 days in August with 7 adults, counting myself, in tow. Does anyone have experience with renting a large enough vehicle for this crowd? (I wont have all 7 with luggage at the same time to handle due to different arrival times) I am considering Toyota rental which claims to have large vehicles including one I am familiar with in the US, a Sequoia. Any guidance or suggestions on where to rent a large vehicle would be appreciated. Thanks

[grb1063]

The larger Toyota Prado 4X4 or a van, both of which are available should meet your needs, but expect to pay about $800/week.

[Johnhw2]

Thanks, what is the prado like inside, three rows of seats? I assumed the rate would be high but had no idea at this point. I could do two smallers cars but nto sure any of the others will be ready to drive in CR. I have done so nearly all 6 trips so far and its not an issue for me. Although the size will be a challenge, I had a Toyota land cruiser one trip it was more challenging. Is this vehicle similar sized if not how much larger or smaller?

[Johnhw2]

What about the so called standard size SUV, Fortuner or something I think its called? Says it seats 7 and is fair less expensive. Comes with a 3.0 l diesel engine. Not in the luxury category but it looks like the right size.

Edited on Jun 23, 2009 12:09

[grb1063]

The larger Prado is as close to the Sequoia you can get in CR. The Fortuner is like a 4Runner. Both of these are diesel, which I would be adamant about in a larger vehicle, or your gas budget will be 30-40% higher due to fuel cost + mileage difference. Hyundai and Mitsubishi also make larger SUV’s, but they ae a bit more difficult to find.

Edited on Jun 23, 2009 20:30

[Johnhw2]

I have found the 7 passenger Mitsuibishi SUV. How would it compare to the Prado or Fortuner in your view? I didnt see a Hyundai SUV for rent that handles 7 adults yet.

[DavidCMurray]

One of the car rental agencies offers Hyundai Terracan SUVs which Hyundai advertises as a seven-passenger vehicle. This claim is true only if two of the passengers are either under four years old or double above-the-knee amputees and if no one has any luggage whatsoever — not even a toothbrush.

[Johnhw2]

Hmmm that explains what I think I saw in looking at all the rental agency fleets online. My party is all 60 to 86 other than one niece at 25. We all still have our knees…so sounds like Prado or van it is. I still cant figure out while vans are so much more expensive than say the Prado or other large suvs.

[DavidCMurray]

I don’t know why the vans are so much more expensive either, John, but if your party has all their lower limbs, I’d go the long dollar and get the van. What’s the comfort of your party worth on a daily basis?

[Johnhw2]

Thanks David, do you feel the Prado would be much less comfortable than a van for 7 adults with no luggage ?

[DavidCMurray]

There are too many variables to take into account to offer a meaningful response, John. How tall (high) and large (wide) are the members of the party? Just how limber are they? Just how agile? And are you certain that there’ll be no luggage? You do promise to change your shorts during this trip, yes?

What’s the daily cost difference per person for the van?

[Johnhw2]

The difference is $1000 over 16 days. Yes I am certain about the no luggage when all 7 adults are in the vehicle. I’ve driven a Prado before in CR without any issues, reminds me of driving in Manhattan in the 70s. Of the 7 adults three are very agile, non are large or tall. (None over 5 ft 4 in other than myself as the driver.) Two are limber, I traveled 11k miles in the US in an SUV with all but two of them this last fall without issue. However 7 adults means a third row seat needed not just two as you know.

I think I will save the $1000 and go with the Prado, but thanks anyway for your help.

[swanptmatt]

We have made several trips with another family and always rent the 7 passenger Montero.
We actually cram 4 kids and 4 adults into the truck at one time without issue. We have
had good luck with Dollar Rent A Car as Well

[Johnhw2]

Thanks for the reply, you confirm my sense that an SUV is ok. When I have 7 in my party, I will have two passengers flexible enough to get in the third row seat.

[Johnhw2]

Conclusion – decided to go with a mini van. Found a Nissan Urvan priced about the same as an SUV. No 4 wheel drive but should have plenty of room. Will advise how it turns out driving this size on CR roads as well as comfort.

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