I'm currently planning a vacation to Ireland in September which involves a car rental. It appears that economy class (including automatic transmission) cars mostly have a hatchback as opposed to seperate trunk. Would anyone have knowledge if these hatchbacks generally have a security screen or cover that can be used to keep luggage out of sight? Alternatively, should one just pay even more and go for a vehicle with a trunk for extra security? I'm trying to save $$, but don't want to suffer from car thieft since I expect to be moving daily and will have to obviously have luggage in the car if I stop for sight-seeing, etc. Any opinions or experience to share?? Thanks!!
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
Ed, I can't think of any modern hatchback that doesn't have a cover. I've driven nothing but hatchbacks for the last 20 years, and all of my cars had them (Citroen, Peugeot, Ford, Nissan). My wife's Honda has one, so did the Golf she had before that, and the two Fords before that. The last car I drove that didn't have one was a Renault 4, which kind of speaks for itself as it also had a gear lever like an umbrella handle that went through the dashboard, across the top of the engine and connected to a lever on the gearbox at the front... I'm sure it's the same in the US - the cover is hinged at the back, then two cords lift the whole thing with the hatchback itself when you open it.
Posted by
OP
Winter Park, FL, US
15 posts
Thanks for the reply, Kevin. It's been over 25 years since I've driven a hatchback, or even seen how they work/operate. It appears this style is common in the rental business of Europe, so I wanted to make sure I was as informed as possible prior to making reservations. I trust I'm not sounding too paranoid, but I just don't want to make myself an easy target for any would-be thieves. I would personally be happier with a trunk, but the cost just seems a little on the high side.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Sometimes the suckers break, get lost, etc, so there might not be one on the car. But there should be. If it's important, walk back in an tell the folks you want one that's intact.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32830 posts
Renault 4 and you admit to owning one of those?
Posted by
OP
Winter Park, FL, US
15 posts
It sounds as if Kevin owning a Renault 4 is equal to my first car as a teenager - a Chevy Chevette (NOT to be confused with the Corvette!).
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
Ah, but I loved that car. Fabric roof that peeled all the way back, tyres so narrow they wouldn't have looked out of place on a bicycle, 850cc engine that needed 2 weeks written notice if you wanted to accelerate at anything more than a glacial pace... But so much fun, more fun than I've had in any car since. It was this model: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:R4_3_v_sst.jpg
Posted by
Brentwood, Tennessee, United States
17 posts
Ed, We just reserved a hatchback car, too, for our summer Ireland trip, and your post is a good reminder to ask that question, about a security screen. We are returning to Ireland after having been there 10 years ago. We had absolutely no problem with our car or with theft on that trip. Everyone was so friendly, driving was no problem (just takes a bit of time to get used to driving on the left side of the road), and the whole experience was very positive. I'm trusting we'll find the same to be true this time, despite the same scary warnings about car rental rip-offs that I am reading online - just as you are! Hope all goes well - Ireland is really wonderful...enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Winter Park, FL, US
15 posts
Thanks for the reply, Wendy! I'm curious, do you mind sharing what company you reserved through? I'm considering Dooley, but I really am starting to think its six one way, half a dozen the other (you get what you get no matter who you use). Hope you enjoy your trip without any hitches..maybe you can remember to come back and update me when you return?! :-) Safe travels!!