How to Determine the Best Fleet Car to Rent

• Posted on Autos.com Editor
• in Car Rentals
• on October 7, 2013

Determining the best fleet car to rent can be difficult depending on your individual needs and wants. Thankfully, most rental agencies offer a limited selection of makes and models, so it is easy to narrow your search. This guide helps you find the best car to rent to meet your needs and stay in your budget.

Step 1: Determine Maximum Number of Passengers

Passenger space is important if you will have more than a driver plus one passenger in a rental car. While a subcompact vehicle like a Chevrolet Aveo or Hyundai Accent will work well in this case, rental drivers who will be carrying three or four passengers may want to consider a mid-size or full-size rental like a Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion, as these vehicles place a large premium on rear seat room.

Step 2: Calculate Amount of Luggage

Again, if you are traveling on your own or with a single passenger, even the smallest rental cars will work for you. However, if you will be gone for an extended period of time or have multiple passengers with large suitcases, you may want to step up to a mid-size car or a smaller SUV.

Step 3: Consider Length of Drive

For renters who are road warriors, spending hundreds or thousands of miles on the road, it is important to rent a car that will get you there comfortably. Full-size cars like the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Impala do the job well, and a luxury sedan like a Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac DTS will leave you feeling refreshed when you arrive at your destination.

Step 4: Trailer Weight

If you will be doing any towing, you will need to rent a pickup truck or SUV. Most passenger cars offered at rental lots do not have trailering equipment. The trucks and SUVs offered for rental should tow most trailers, just be some to confirm the towing capacity with the rental counter.