Which Car Category Should I Choose?

1 to 2 Adults -> Just a mini or 3 door Economy car is needed in this case. If you would like a little more space in which to be comfortable, or if one of the travelers is particularly large, an upgrade to a 5 door Economy car could be ideal.

2 Adults & one small child -> At least a 5 door Economy car will be necessary here, especially if you are carrying more than just hand luggage. In order to be comfortable, consider how many bags you are bringing in order to have them not end up on your laps!

4 Adults -> A car in the Compact category should be enough for this group of travelers. But if a lot of bags are also coming along, than something even bigger might be better; a minivan with 5 seats (such as a Citroen Picasso) or even an estate car (Ford Focus or Opel Astra) will be a better bet.

5 Adults-> At least a minivan with 5 seats will be required, such as a Citroen Picasso or Renault Megane. A large amount of baggage will in this case require an upgrade to a 7 seat People Carrier.

6 or 7 Adults  ->  Either a 7 seat People Carrier, or two Economy cars for the group. Have a good look at the prices; often two Economy cars can even come out cheaper!

8 or 9 Adults  ->  A full sized people carrier with 9 seats, such as a Mercedes Vito, or two or three Economy cars.

Don’t forget; when luggage space is a top priority, hiring an Estate Car can avoid the situation of receiving a Minivan with a boot that doesn’t live up to expectations.

When considering the option of air conditioning, first consider the climate of the country you are visiting. For instance, summers in the Mediterranean can be surprisingly hot, making air conditioning an absolute must. It can be a good idea to use the internet to get a forecast for what the local temperature will be, and plan accordingly. Some travelers are surprised that in certain places, such as Poland, many vehicles do not even have the option of air conditioning, due to the regularly mild summers.

If possible, we recommend you to always stick with the transmission you are used to. If you are used to driving with manual transmission, having a car with a familiar transmission can be one comforting factor while you are on holiday in a new land. More challenging is a situation an automatic is not available, and now getting used to ‘stick shift’ is the only way to get to the beach. Both types of cars are usually available in most locations, but please make sure to specify your request beforehand. Some exceptions do exist however. In the United States and Australia, you are almost sure to get a car with automatic transmission. Similarly, in the south of France, if you can drive manual, you will have a much wider selection of cars to choose from!

Depending on the rate of fuel prices in certain countries, it can be a wise decision for your pocket to have a car that takes Diesel petrol. In many instances, Diesel versions of the car you wish to hire are available right alongside their regular petrol partners. During the car selection process, keep an eye out for cars with Diesel in their title, which also have an ‘X’ in their car code name. For instance, a Diesel Economy will be listed as an EXMR. Diesels are often a bit more expensive, so it’s up to you to decide how much driving you will do, and if in the end it will be worth it. Sometimes, after booking a vehicle with regular petrol, you may still be surprised with a Diesel. This will then be considered as a ‘Free Upgrade,’ and you will be able to save on refueling at no additional cost to yourself.

The time has come to live out your dream holiday: drive along a windy cliff overlooking the Mediterranean in a beautiful new convertible! Convertibles are generally available in all marvelously sunny places where one would expect them to be (California, Majorca, Greece), but must be specifically reserved beforehand. Have a close look at the options available in your designated holiday destination, and give a call to CarDelMar customer service for any specific questions or advice. Please note that due to limited availability and high demand, it is a good idea to reserve your convertible with a generous amount of time before the intended pick up day. Reservations made within three days before pick up can unfortunately not be accepted.

With minivans it is the same as with above-mentioned convertibles: the earlier they are booked, the more likely the car will be available and confirmed. Should your decision for travelling with many passengers however be made at short notice, we recommend splitting the group up and booking several smaller Economies.

In certain regions such as Costa Rica, streets are not up to European standards. There, SUVs become quite a desirable commodity. Local car hire companies give you the possibility of conquering the unpredictable dirt roads by offering a wide range of SUVs. Should you plan a road trip across the USA or Canada, consider fitting in by also booking an SUV or Jeep, which will incidentally give you a considerable amount of luggage space.