Renting a minivan tomorrow.

"mazda616" (mazda616) 08/31/2017 at 12:33 • Filed to: Rentals

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Wanna take bets on what we get? I’m sort of hoping for a Kia Sedona, because I like them and want to see how they drive. But, I figure we will probably get a Dodge Grand Caravan.

The rental itself says “Dodge Grand Caravan or similar.” Got a good deal through a discount provided by my work, though.

I’m just hoping we don’t exceed the payload. We’ll have four adults, two kids in convertible car seats, and luggage for four days. Probably should’ve rented a 12-passenger and gotten a Ford Transit Wagon. Oh well. If we don’t exceed the payload, we’ll be right up on it. Kind of makes me nervous since we are going to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Smoky Mountains).

I also hope whatever we get is new or close to it because rental minivans tend to be rode hard and put away wet.

Rico > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:35

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Maybe it’ll be a Pacifica! Those are pretty nice.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:40

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If you get a Sienna it is your duty to write it off.

The Stig's Missourian Cousin > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:40

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We got a Pacifica when we rented a Minivan from Enterprise once. it was doppppppppeeeeee

Mergio Sarchionne > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:40

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Woo! Grand Caravan!

Fingers crossed right?

Mergio Sarchionne > Rico 08/31/2017 at 12:41

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So nice.

Arrivederci > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:42

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My wife and I took a trip to SF with a two other couples and we rented a Sienna for getting around. It was a nice van, but since magically a few of the others got car sick easily, I was always stuck in the back.

Pro-tip (that I didn’t realize until the last day): the middle row seats slide fore and aft, so you don’t have to squish in the back.

Takuro Spirit > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 12:57

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Are you going INTO the mountains or just around downtown Gatlinburg/Sevierville/Pigeon Forge?

I took my heavily-laden ‘98 Subaru full of family and luggage up into the mountains and while it was not FUN, it managed ok. But we mostly puttered around town.

jasmits > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 13:07

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You should be fine on payload, you’re already a step ahead by considering it and being careful knowing you’re right up around it. Most people would go ahead and cram 6 adults plus stuff into it and not even think about it.

Side note: don’t forget about low gears. I drove through Great Smokey while driving cross country this past June and there are some looooong grades. The place reeked of burnt brakes, I am not even kidding. I rolled past quite a few much newer vehicles with smoke pouring off their brakes in my 25-year-old 4Runner with drums in the rear and rather small disks in the front because I possess a brain and a gearstick. It’s a less natural thing to do in an auto but still does wonders.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 13:17

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If it’s Enterprise I am going with a Grand Caravan GT, and for that I am sorry.

mazda616 > Takuro Spirit 08/31/2017 at 13:52

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We’ll be going up into the mountains at least once but mostly puttering around town.

Takuro Spirit > mazda616 08/31/2017 at 14:05

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And vehicle should be fine. Just have fun watch it on those tight switchbacks ;)