We will rent a car in Florence, visit hill towns and return it in La Spezia. We are spending several nights in Siena. When I check the autoeurope.com site, it looks like all the smaller cars have hatchbacks not regular trunks. Since we will have luggage with us some of the time and want to stop in Pisa etc. to see sites, it seems like we need a real trunk to hide our luggage and feel more secure. What kind of car should we request? I realize that we don't want a big car for small roads and cities so am confused to the best answer to this. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Different rental companies use different brands. With Hertz I always seem to get a Fiat. With Avis, I've had nothing but Lancia's - go figure!
Often times I'll request one car and when I show up they give me options on what's available - usually "upgrading me" because MY CAR is not available! So often, you get what's in the lot - or parked on the street!
That being said, almost ALL the hatchbacks I've rented had the "drop down cover" so you cannot see what's in the hatchback. Seems to work pretty well - and almost all Euro cars are hatchbacks anyway - unless you pay from a premium car (BMW, Benz, etc.)
I used to toss Italian newspapers in my car to "disguise" it as a non-rental... but I have to laugh at my last few as on the outside of the gas cover, was a big label that said DIESEL ONLY - Talk about DESIGNATING A RENTAL!
Get the smallest you can fit into and feel comfortable driving on the autostrada and BUY full coverage! Good Luck - you'll have fun!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Amy - Most of the rental sites show how much and what size luggage will fit in the back of each car class. You can also call and ask... For 2 people, each with a 22" rolling case and small carryon, we usually rent a Compact car. Most of the cars are hatchback, but like Ron said, they do have the cover in the trunk area. All of our rentals have been hatchbacks and we've never had a problem. We were upgraded to a midsize car one time and it was a station wagon - so getting a larger car doesn't guarantee a trunk. We just make sure we park in good areas and avoid going into the trunk when parking as not to draw attention that there was anything in the car. Don't know if it helped, but there were always people going through their trunk in the towns of Tuscany and they seemed to be advertising what they were leaving behind. If you are staying in Siena, there is a good public garage (attendants & cameras if I remember correctly) at the edge of town.
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
All of the hatchbacks we have rented do have a drop down cover that closes over the trunk area when you close the hatchback lid so any luggage you you put back there cannot be seen. Not saying they all have covers but all of ours did. Ask when you get there and you should be able to get one.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Look for the new Fiat Punto, or the Grande Punto as it is called. You didn't mention how many people are going with you, the Punto seats four very comfortably and has a great engine, very fast. The trunk is about average, no small car is going to have a huge trunk, so maybe consider a station wagon if you know you are going to have a lot of luggage.
Also, most cars here follow a "hatchback" design, as opposed to the more American model of having a trunk that sticks right out. Could you post some of the models they list and maybe we could help you decide.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Claire's right, the FIAT Punto is a GREAT car. I've rented it many times and it easily handles our luggage and the autostrada - and it's fun to drive! Our last three Puntos have been diesels and we've enjoyed them!
Was not too impressed with my last Lancia and once had a FIAT Panda I had too take back... 0-60 in 10 minutes!
Ron
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
The hatchbacks I've seen all have those covers over the rear, as mentioned previously. We had a Peugeot 1007 with plenty of room for 4 adults and luggage (one bag each!). The great thing about this vehicle...it has two big front doors that slide back like van doors! Remote controlled, too! Great for those narrow European parking spots.