Tall people and rental cars in Europe

Posted by hartlucasm on 01/05/14 06:20 AM

Hi,
I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and will be renting a car in Italy. I would like to get something small for good fuel economy and tight parking spaces. I've noticed that most of the economy and mini cars that come up on rental websites are the Hyundai Atos, Fiat Punto etc. Have any tall people in this forum rented mini or economy cars in Europe? If so, what model? How was the leg and head room?

I'm most concerned about having enough space for my legs to fit under the steering wheel to manage the clutch in a manual transmission and whether I will be able to sit straight up (due to head room).

Thanks!

Posted by James

HENDERSON, Nevada, United States

01/05/14 07:35 AM

91 posts

No problem. I have always rented a car in Italy as I prefer to drive versus taking the trains. I am 6'8" and reserve a Ford C-Max through Hertz. They are so roomy and comfortable I am thinking of buying one here now that they are sold in the U.S. With the 1.6 litre turbodiesels they get terrific mileage. Last year in Rome Hertz did not have a C-Max so they gave me a Fiat model that was so large, something on the order of a Tahoe. Starting off, I could not get it to go. I would let the clutch out and it would stall. Short story, my size 17 shoes were pressing the gas and brake at the same time. I had to drive without shoes the whole time. Also Hertz has a 25% AARP discount, probably others. Make sure you get full the IDP and insurance coverage with zero deductible-no chance they can come after you later.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

01/05/14 09:26 AM

16238 posts

If you can fit inside a Ford Fiesta or a VW Golf you can fit in any of the models you mentioned. Actually go to the closest Fiat dealership near you. If you an fit in a fiat 500 you can rent a car in the "mini" segment as well.

Posted by David

Huntsville, AL, USA

01/06/14 02:51 AM

8371 posts

I'm 6'3" and only have a size 15 shoe. I usually rent the second from the smallest car for the two of us, which would be comparable to a Ford Fiesta.

The smallest car will be a Smart Car or equivalent, and it's just not quite as roadworthy as the next larger car on the open road.

Posted by Sheron

Alta Loma, CA, USA

01/06/14 02:58 PM

1446 posts

My husband is 6'2.5" & we rented a Fiat 500L this past September and he had plenty of head room & leg room. We were really surprised at how roomy it was inside.