Oppo Asks: The Rental Conundrum

"Amoore100" (amoore100) 08/03/2016 at 13:25 • Filed to: Oppo Asks, Rental, Road Trip

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This upcoming Labor Day weekend my dad is planning a trip across the Sierra Nevadas into the Mono Lake region. With 152K miles and counting on the old Ody, he is considering renting something since most of the roads out there are pretty far from civilization therefore it would be a PITA if the transmission suddenly decided that third gear isn’t really necessary anymore. In the same vein, there are a lot of locations on that side of the mountains which are accessible only by gravel and dirt roads, so my dad is considering renting an SUV/CUV to make the journey a bit easier than it would be in a van. The only question is, which rental option is the best?

The requirements are:

Four (nearly) adult-sized people

Probably two-three suitcases

Comfortable/spacious enough to cover 240 highway miles each way

Capable enough to navigate dirt paths/slightly sandy trails (nothing like rock hopping or deep sand) see image below

The options are (from Budget):

Ford Escape (probably not big enough)

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Ford Edge (literally a car, probably not big enough either)

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Ford Explorer (big enough, but popular so often out of stock)

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Volvo XC60/BMW X3 (size questionable, probably can do what we need)

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BMW X5 (a sweet spot but I have no bearing on its capabilities)

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Ford Expedition (more than enough, may even be too much)

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Chevy Tahoe (same story as Expedition)

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There’s the choices, each with my opinion listed. I want to know if any of you guys have had hands on experience with any of these cars and which is likely the best considering the scenario.

So, without further ado, what does Oppo think?

Party-vi > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:28

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My parents always rent a Yukon or Tahoe during our ski trips for just them. I would say that or the Expedition would be fine. They’re also the only real SUVs you listed up there.

Amoore100 > Party-vi 08/03/2016 at 13:31

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Yeah but we need little more than a bit of ground clearance and maybe occasional 4WD so a high level CUV might be enough. My dad asked about the X5 this morning, any idea how that would fare? It's actually cheaper than the Expedition/Tahoe which is why he brought it up.

Sneaky Pete > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:32

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I’d think pretty much any one of those would be adequate. How much luxury and fuel economy are you looking for?

Headed to Bodie?

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:36

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I would say Tahoe, more than you likely need but extra space is always nice.

Amoore100 > Sneaky Pete 08/03/2016 at 13:36

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Fuel economy isn’t too big a deal since it’s only being rented for four days. Luxury doesn’t matter either as long as it fits the bill, and things like the X5 are actually cheaper than the Tahoe (actually about equal to a van).

Naaa, we did Bodie last time in a Grand Caravan and it was uncomfortable at best. This time my dad wants to hit Crowley Lake and perhaps other places that we've seen but didn't dare go in a low clearance FWD van.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:41

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Any FWD minivan could handle that road. Most cars could too, although the extra ride height of a minivan will be better. If something does scrape, well, it is a rental, and they’ve definitely seen worse damage on them from driving over curbs in parking lots. Pick something with enough interior space to keep you guys happy.

RallyWrench > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:41

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The X3, X5, and Volvo would do it, but watch the front clearance. They’re all pieces of crap in the long run, but it’s a rental so who cares? The X5 has really good interior volume though, both the X3 and Volvo are not as big as they look inside. If you reserve early enough, an Exploder shouldn’t be a problem. The Expedition and Tahoe will have a fuel economy penalty, but are super comfy and more than capable enough, the Tahoe probably being the all-around best vehicle on that list. Maybe try for an Exploder or X5, and settle for a Tahoe if they’re not available.

VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated. > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:41

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I was leaning on big SUV when reading your requirements. Honestly they probably all work if you just don’t drive stupid and take your time. I always found body on frame vehicles are more suited to washboards and crap gravel roads though. Any 4-door 4x4 truck options? Softroaders and tincan crossover C(ute)UV’s tend to rattle like heck offroad like most cars (mostly on washboards).

You can always just do your own Roadkill episode. Go get an old Suburban, and expect to have to take the hood off due to overheating, and bring a film crew with spare parts.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:42

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I recently rented an Escape. You can fit 4 adults plus luggage for a long weekend. It would be cozy but manageable. Light off-roading is doable on the type you are describing.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:43

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X5 should be good. It has light off-roaring capabilities.

Amoore100 > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 08/03/2016 at 13:47

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Well we had a van last time and it’s more the piece of mind that my dad seeks, basically the comfort of having AWD and a bit more ground clearance even if things go slightly pear-shaped when we’re far from civilization. As for space, a van is what we’re used to but we managed to take a day trip in my V50 once so we’re pretty capable at adapting to whatever we’re given (like who knew a Taurus could fit five large suitcases in the trunk if you’re good at Tetris?)

Amoore100 > pjhusa 08/03/2016 at 13:50

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Sounds good. I have always heard the ‘It’s not a true SUV’ arguments from all the contemporary road testers but as long as it can get us along roads like those pictured without breaking a sweat, then we’re fine with it.

someassemblyrequired > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:50

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With 4 adults + luggage, bigger the better. You can usually score good deals on the Tahoes if you have a corporate discount number, especially on longer rentals, at least with Hertz.

Party-vi > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:50

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“A BMW service manager I’m close to told me “you’ve really gotta go to the test course at Spartanburg to appreciate this thing. It’s amazing what it can do off-road.” I mean, it’s got the power. It’s got the grip. It doesn’t have exceptional approach and exit angles, but traction-management technology is so advanced I’m inclined to believe that yes, the 2014 X5 could hold its own off-road. But do you really want to risk cracking that crazy bumper?

Low-speed maneuverability is easy thanks to excellent visibility and that surround-view camera option, you can pretty much put this thing anywhere you want.”

From Andrew Collins’ review .

Amoore100 > Future next gen S2000 owner 08/03/2016 at 13:50

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Seems plausible although the issue with those is that they’re very popular and not currently in stock. Maybe as the date draws nearer and the school year starts then they’ll come back in.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:50

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Heh. My family used to road trip six people and their stuff in a w-body Impala. Tetris happened a lot.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:51

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Ehh, its a rental so ANY car should be fine with some minor or major off roading really. So your only concern should be space and comfort. Since it would be a ton cheaper, the full size options would probably be pretty good for that. But what cars in that category? I think a Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata would be pretty good fun to rip through the desert.

You could do this though and cruise in style:

https://turo.com/suv-rental/san…

adamftw > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:51

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Tahoe without question. The last thing you need a a broken down, beat to hell CUV stranding you in the desert.

adamftw > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 13:52

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100% no on the X5. 40 PSI and 19-20" wheels with no sidewall.

Amoore100 > VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated. 08/03/2016 at 13:54

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There’s a F150 RWD available but that’s only 2WD available and our luggage would be unsecured. We’re not too concerned about rattling since the interiors of our old Volvos squeak and clatter even on speed bumps, the bigger issue is just the peace of mind of having almost ten inches of clearance and being able to put power to all four corners in case of a slight issue.

The used route would be great except we’re saving for college and want something a bit more reliable in case everything goes south ;)

Amoore100 > RallyWrench 08/03/2016 at 13:57

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Nice synopsis. Yeah, we’re leaning away from the X3 and XC60 because according to Clarkson the X3 is completely tragic offroad and the V60 is pretty tight already for us. The X5 is good as long as it can take the off-roading, and the Explorer is the economical choice although my dad hated the damn thing the last time we were given one while waiting on our van. I’ll let him know that the Tahoe is a good backup, although he’s leaning towards the European choices since their pricing is more comparable to a van (apparently).

Amoore100 > someassemblyrequired 08/03/2016 at 13:59

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Only one weekend, unfortunately. Space isn’t an issue, more like three skinny/short adults and a tween. Hertz is usually more expensive but we can take a look.

Amoore100 > Party-vi 08/03/2016 at 13:59

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It’s a rental. Let’s crack the hell out of that crazy bumper.

someassemblyrequired > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 14:03

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Yeah it’s worth a look at Avis/Hertz for weekend rentals, since they make the bulk of their cash during the week with the expense account crowd and just want the vehicles out on the weekend generating a few bucks.

Amoore100 > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 08/03/2016 at 14:03

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Haha, we had a B-body Caprice for five people (two in car seats) with luggage and that worked pretty well.

Amoore100 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/03/2016 at 14:04

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Because used British electronics are a great idea when you’re in the middle of nowhere...

smobgirl > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 14:13

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Just wanted to warn you, most rental cars consider any unpaved surface to be off-roading, which is specifically forbidden in your contract. If you happen to become stranded in the rental you may wish you’d just destroyed your own transmission instead.

Not that it’s likely, and I’ve definitely taken some rental cars on far more questionable surfaces than you pictured, but a coworker took a rented Jeep on a gravel road in Hawaii, ended up with two flat tires and a damaged wheel, and owed a small fortune since neither our company nor the company insurance would cover the damage and the rental company gouged on tow fees.

RallyWrench > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 14:16

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The X3 is a horrible piece of crap to own, Clarkson is right about that. The Tahoe is a good backup to anything, it’s really a good vehicle, size and fuel economy being the only detractors.

Amoore100 > smobgirl 08/03/2016 at 14:22

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Yeah, but we’ve managed to take rental Caravans and Quests to some pretty exciting roads and our luck has held so far so we’ll just cross our fingers and hope for the best! Thanks for the word of caution though, I appreciate that you’ve considered the possibility of a worst case scenario and we’ll make sure to be as careful as possible!

smobgirl > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 14:38

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I took a Corolla with 3 miles on the odometer down some very sketchy 4WD trails in Montana but I was lost. Sort of. I usually save that sort of lunacy for the company car instead. Hope you guys have a fun trip!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 14:46

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Tahoe or Expedition. If you can get a subaru outback or forester that would be awesome as well. We have an explorer at work, it would be great if you can get one. They are very roomy, it’s basically front wheel drive until you turn the dial to one of the traction settings on the console.

Amoore100 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/03/2016 at 15:18

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Yeah, I was hoping for a Subie because I've heard they're surprisingly good but alas it seems they're a bit rich for rental usage. Explorer can be a second option, the trouble is my dad wasn't enamored with its ergonomics and they're frequently out of stock.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 15:23

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Hertz where I live has a fleet of subaru outback’s and chevy travers’s at the rental lot. It’s all for the tourists that come here and think they need an SUV to go drive on paved roads.

Amoore100 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/03/2016 at 15:37

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Except the Outback is basically the opposite, a wagon that can go further than most CUVs. I kinda want one now...

RT > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 15:47

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I can tell you now, the X5 is great to drive and would easily accommodate all people and luggage.

Its off-road range is limited, but from what I can see it should be enough for those type of roads.

Amoore100 > RT 08/03/2016 at 16:06

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Haha, nice to have someone providing the European perspective! It seems like the best option so far, pleasant enough to cruise in but capable enough to get a bit dirty.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 16:57

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Yeah, looks like it should be able to get through those types of roads. I think it's a good choice, the American SUVs seem like unnecessary behemoths in this case.

pjhusa > adamftw 08/03/2016 at 16:58

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Most rental X5s are Standard 35is with 18" wheels, which have tires with LOTS of sidewall.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 17:02

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Also, where are you renting from and how much does it cost? Sixt might have X5s/GLEs for a lower price.

Amoore100 > pjhusa 08/03/2016 at 19:03

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Budget I think, something like $500 for the weekend.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 19:05

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I plugged in LA (I know that you're somewhere in CA) for four days, and it's $105 per day with Sixt (GLE)....

Amoore100 > pjhusa 08/03/2016 at 19:11

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So comparable. I'll give my dad a heads up and if he hasn't paid yet then I'll direct him towards Sixt to see if it would be slightly better. Thanks for the heads up.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 19:16

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No problem! It's always good to compare your options. You can even choose what car you want, specifically, 30 minutes before pickup with their app...

Amoore100 > pjhusa 08/03/2016 at 19:21

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Nice! Usually I just leave the reservations up to him because we always get a van, nice and simple, but this time with a CUV there are probably more options so it's good to shop around a bit.

pjhusa > Amoore100 08/03/2016 at 19:53

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Make sure to take pics and post (or DM me) of whatever you get, be it a Tahoe or X5, Budget or Sixt! I'm curious as to what you'll end up with!

Amoore100 > pjhusa 08/03/2016 at 19:58

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Can do! Looking forwards to this trip now...

CaptDale - is secretly British > Amoore100 08/05/2016 at 14:37

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Tahoe