Barcona rental cars - what kind?

I have a couple typos in this: title should read Barcelona, and we have backup google maps printed out.

A Corsa won't start to cut it, nor will a sedan, most likely. Most multi-agency search engines show people and luggage capacity, but they're usually over-stated for junk room.

Consider a minivan. It doesn't matter who makes it or where it's made.

Note that all you're promised is a type/class of vehicle. It'd be a fluke if you actually received what was depicted.

Put the car in the driver's name or the insurance will not be valid.

You could get the same insurance for twenty-five bucks if you enrolled in the AmExp program and put it on their card.

You have named two major cities, neither of which you have need to use a car to enjoy visiting. So are you planning on picking up the car as you exit Barcelona and then as you enter Paris?

Have you considered using the excellent train systems to reach your destinations and then renting a car for a day in order to complete any desired local driving?

I read your statement, buy am pushing back as the inconvenience factor adds STRESS, especially with so many people generating the need for a larger vehicle and increasing the probability of theft. Where will you store your luggage while stopping to visit your destinations? Rental cars can be a magnate for theft.

Regardless, hope you enjoy your trip and also take a small handheld compass.

Some thoughts:

1. Make sure the car is big enough. A compact is more than enough for two people with one carry-on each (except a Smart car, which has no room for bags at all). When you say "4 of us and our luggage and backpacks", I'm hearing more than one piece of luggage each. If that's the case, it's good advice to look for a minivan. I normally rent a diesel standard transmission compact for two with a single carry-on each. When I had three kids in tow, we leased a Renault Scenic II (standard transmission, diesel) - a seven passenger, station wagon type car. It was a perfect fit for five of us with one-carry on each. If we were larger or had more luggage we would have been cramped.

2. Watch picking up in one country and dropping in another, drop charges can be expensive. Sometimes you have to, but I'd at least consider options for either picking up and dropping a rental in Spain, then crossing the border and picking up/dropping a different rental in France, or figuring how to pick up in France, driving your entire time, and dropping in France.

3. Check out American Express's deal on car rental insurance. It depends on what state you're from but we got full CDW on a 21 day rental out of Barcelona for a one-time charge of $25 - saved hundreds off what the rental company would have charged.

4. If you're going more than 17 days. Consider leasing. There is no pick-up or drop-off charge anywhere in France (since the French companies Peugot and Renault are the ones that do the leases), and probably only a modest charge in Barcelona. I find leasing is often the best choice when you need a bigger car (rental prices go up fast when you get out of the compact category) and full CDW is included in the price. We leased out of Amsterdam and dropped in Rome, both drop off charges were reasonable - much better than renting would have been.

Yes I will be traveling to many cities by car starting in Barcelona and Ending in Paris - Again I understand all this about I should take the TRAIN but AGAIN I want to drive.

There are 4 of us (husband, wife, 17 year old boy), 9 year old girl we are all avg to small in size. Total luggage - 4 pieces (3 23-inch suitcases, and 1 24-inch suitcase, and 2 backpacks which can easily be thrown over 1 shoulder). For comparison we rented a door Nissan versa last year in Disney world with same amount of luggage and it worked fine and I view that as a smaller car. Can u give me an idea what "class" size I should get (renting from Hertz Barcelona). You are starting to scare me it isnt going to be big enough and I leave in 1 day - help. Don't worry about cost, and read my original details. Any last minute help would be appreciated!!!

AGAIN - IM NOT TAKING TRAINS!!!

A 4 door Nissan versa was fine for is last year in Florida.

Ok, enjoy the drive.
Some tips. Make sure your belongings are out of sight. We prefer hatchbacks for the cover they provide to belongings. However, we have also used a single bed size dark sheet to cover luggage.
We park outside of tourist zones and walk/bus/subway to the sights. This allows us to scout out parking opportunities, usually find more parking spots and often are cheaper. Plus avoids tourist traffic and narrow streets. We strive to avoid having to get out of the car and reach back in to get stuff from other bags. It simply avoids advertising stuff remains in the car. Always make sure someone stays in the car at gas stations with the doors closed. Sadly thieves have grown really bold w snatch and run tactics at fueling stations. Take photos of the interior and exterior of the vehicle before leaving the lot and upon the return. We take a drive around the blocks of where we pick up the car to insure everything is operating to our satisfaction. Better to lose a little time doing this than later. Double check for rear lights, including brake lights and turn signals are operating. We almost learned the hard way about having a brake light out, but the police appeared surprised and pleased to see i offered an IDP w my passport that he simply showed me the issue and let me go. We do travel w a small compass and have used it several times, especially in big cities, to orient ourselves when lost. Finally, pack a picnic lunch and randomly choose a place to pull off onto a small road and drive to a spot where you would never preplan on seeing. Be safe and make some great memories!

Size can be overcome. If you get something too small, walk back in and switch it out. The price will be the same as if you originally booked that size. Keep in mind that there's a difference between plutzing around Orlando and driving half the length of the continent.

I ended up upgrading to an equivelant to a Kia Sportage small SUV which will fit everything. The only question I have now is when I do manage to find a parking spot am I going to fit, and I wonder if I am going to have trouble on narrow roads.

I don't think narrow roads will be much of an issue; not like those narrow English country roads with hedges and walls where the shoulder should be, although some French roads are bordered with plane trees. You'll have tighter squeezes for on-street parking, but always ask your hotel for advice.

You will be fine parking the car. That size SUV is a good choice for your family. Have a fabulous time. We brought our own GPS loaded with European maps and it saved our marriage. If you don't have one, buy one over there. It will be a god-send!

Compared to your Explorers, your Kia may feel like a Smart car! As stated earlier, keeping your luggage and other possessions out of sight will help prevent someone wanting to break in and steal them. If you get into a tight place, fold in your side-view mirrors, have your passengers get out and direct the driver so you don;t damage your rental SUV or anyone else's property.

As for train versus car, sometimes you just gotta have your own wheels. As long as you pay for it, you get to decide how you travel! Buen viaje/Bon voyage!