Type of Car to Rent

Be aware that those are just the classes of car you are reserving. The actual make and model will depend on what the rental agency has available. I always reserve the smallest car I'm willing to live with. Inevitably, they give me a slightly bigger car at the same rate. But i always ask for a diesel powered and I drive a stick at home so manual transmission is no issue for me. You don't want a bigger car than you need, though. Parking and street sizes in Italy can be tight.

That makes sense. I don't see where you can request a diesel over the Web -- at least on Auto Europe's UK site. Do you end up calling to do that?

With Autoeurope, I always call their 800 number an work on the details with their humans. They are great. I go through the issues with my rental - specify that I want a diesel (though they can't guarantee) and update my schedule. They can revise the rental agreement multiple times and if you see lower prices, they'll match.

Do you use the USA or UK site? So far every time I have checked the UK site is significantly cheaper.

I won't take a size upgrade unless the idiots drop the price below what the shrimpy one would have been. I'll drive three thousand miles in a month; the lower mileage for a larger car gets in my pocketbook, especially with gas pushing eight or nine bucks a gallon. Threatening to walk next door usually works. If not, the guys next door will generally beat a documented offer, anyway.

Have driven all of those except the Ford Ka. All are very small -- if you are 6' or taller, I'd look at the next size up. Fiat 500 is a neat little car, much like a Mini. Nicely redesigned in 2008/2009. Renault Clio is also a nice little car & I'd rent one of those. Ford Ka looks a little too small to me. Note they'll give you what they have at the time of rental. Just tell them (nicely) at the desk what you'd prefer and they will typically oblige. No agency can guarantee a specific car. They're usually amenable to swapping unless super busy -- was given an Alfa 146 one year that was really cute but had almost no trunk space. Went back and got an uglier but roomier Opal instead.

I am 6' 1" - so it might be a tight fit. I'm told that as small as possible is best for driving in Italy. I'm trying to balance that with some luggage space (don't need a lot) and a big enough engine to keep up if we go on the Autostrada. Seems it is never easy -- by the way, my wife drives a Mini S and loves it. I'd rent one in heartbeat if I could.

We also always use Auto Europe. Our trip in November was to Italy and it was suggested somewhere (can't remember if it was the RS forum or somewhere else) to rent through AE Canada instead of AE USA. I did it through the internet and saved some in the basic weekly rental, but the best part of it was the zero deductible for CDW. I'm not sure if this is always the case, but it doesn't hurt to do a comparison and read the fine print. I didn't have any problems paying for it with a US credit card. First I called the 1-800 number and verified with Auto Europe that it was indeed possible to do it on the Canadian site. When we picked up the car, we didn't have to first go over the car with a fine-tooth comb and returning the car was so simple; they never even looked at the condition of the car because of the zero deductible. Something to consider...

Martin, Although not specifically related to your original question, some additional information that may help to avoid problems when driving in Italy.... One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy. EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Happy travels!

Just as well it's a new model Fiat 500. We used to own a vintage 500, with 2 people in it you'd be down to 35 or 40 miles an hour going up hill - top speed with a tail wind was about 60. On all of those, luggage space may be a consideration.

In the past I have had the KA, Clio and a Smart Fourtwo. I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs and fit in all of them with no issues at all. The Clio was diesel whereas the others were unleaded. Either one is fine but I prefer unleaded. Have fun in Verona, it's a beautiful city.

For my husband and I, with two pieces of luggage, I like to rent a compact class car. I make sure it's a hatchback that has a covered trunk. This way the luggage is hidden. If you pick up the car at the Florence airport, they will have more cars to offer you. They also tend to have the diesel models. On our last trip, we picked up our car from a small town and had to take what they had which ended up to be a larger, regular gas (not diesel as requested) compact car. Sometimes, AutoEurope will have specials that will offer free upgrades. If you are not leaving for a while, you could reserve a car now but change the contract if there is a better offer/price later. Also, don't forget your GPS and a good map. Have fun roaming around Tuscany, we did!

Do most people bring their own GPS pre-loaded with Italian maps, or get one as part of the rental?

If they offer you an upgrade to a larger vehicle at the desk, even at no charge, consider declining it. The smallest you can fit it is definitely the best. And remember to fold those mirrors in when you park!