A Rental Car Dillema Only Oppo Will Understand - Help Me Decide

"sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90) 05/18/2018 at 07:32 • Filed to: Rental Cars, Suburban, escalade, Cadillac, road trip, Oppohelp

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So, next weekend - Memorial Day weekend - a few friends and I are road tripping from NYC, to a friend’s place in Cape Cod, MA. After analyzing all our choices, renting a car [read: large SUV] is our cheapest (and most fun) option. Being the car lover of the group, I jumped on the opportunity to pick & drive the vehicle. Here’s where the dilemma comes in.

Originally, we’d rented a Suburban from Enterprise in Manhattan for $ 997 Fri-Mon. BUT, I found a better deal.

Instead, I looked at WEEKLY rates from the Hertz at La Guardia [LGA is almost always the cheapest rental option, I’ve found] and found an ESCALADE [Or similar, could be a Navigator] for $ 686 . The catch? I have to pick it up Tuesday and street park by my apartment for a few days, not a huge deal and saves us some good cash. Now, I’m assuming this isn’t the ESV version of the Caddy, but just the standard wheelbase model.

This morning, I decided to check Enterprises’ offerings at LGA. I found a Suburban [Or similar, could be Expedition XL] for $634 . Cheaper, larger.

At any given time there will be 5 or 6 people in this truck, meaning we’re utilizing that 3rd row constantly. Some of us are tall, some are short, we’re all 20 somethings.

So, do I go for the Luxurious route, the Escalade with it’s 420 HP of V8 goodness, tech and lux’ed out inside for the most comfortable ride (for me), or do I instead go for the Suburban - Save a bit of money and get more cargo room & people room, but less luxury, tech and power.

P.S. I’m assuming that these vehicles are 2017 or 2018, judging by what I’ve read online and the fact that they’re major rental hubs.

TL;DR

6 People

4 days in Cape Cod (driving from NYC)

Cadillac Escalade [non ESV, I think] $686 or Chevy Suburban $634.

OR

Oppo, only you know these struggles.

Help me Oppo one kenobi, you’re my only hope.\

EDIT: Going with the Suburban. Gonna keep a reservation open for escalade just in case (stupid me cancelled it already, and re-booked it but it’s 30 bucks more...) something happens - but the Sub is def the way to go for this many people and this much luggage. $100 fill ups HERE I COME.

Also, lol, have to figure out where to street park this thing at my apartment in long island city for a few days... it’ll be fun.

facw > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 07:58

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I think either would probably be fine. I’d go with the Escalade though, unless all of your people are really tall. Seems like the third-row will still be big enough, so why not get the nicer vehicle.

Looking outside Manhattan is definitely a good thing, EWR might get you even better rates than LGA (you end up on the wrong side of the city though).

OPPOsaurus WRX > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 07:58

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only one person (driver) will really enjoy the extra power, everyone will enjoy the extra space.

Ssfancyfresh > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:00

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Suburban.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > facw 05/18/2018 at 08:03

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More worries about leg room & cargo space - assuming each person has a carry on size bag, ya know? Def agree with EWR being cheap - I live in Queens so it saves me a tooooon of time (and money, it’s like 17 each way or something) to hit up LGA instead of EWR. I did a silvercar audi from EWR once and got it for like 30 bucks a day. ‘twas nice.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:04

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Having riden in both an Escalade and Tahoe in the 3rd row, go for the Subburban. The 3rd row in those short wheelbase ones is honestly terrible and made for the smallest of kids. The seat is basically on the floor, so your knees are in your chest, unless you stretch out in between the middle row. Also, luggage space is pretty much gone. Coming back from the airport in an Escalade with 4 people and luggage, I was sitting right next to the luggage and some was in the middle of the 2nd row.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/18/2018 at 08:05

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Fair point... The new-ish Suburbans look pretty damn nice inside too, assuming I get something that’s newer than like... 2013, which I can’t imagine getting a truck that old. The extra cargo space’d be put to use as well... Slightly harder street parking it, but I feel ya.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Ssfancyfresh 05/18/2018 at 08:05

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Leaning this way, but damn... Escalade.... :(

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 05/18/2018 at 08:07

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Was hoping for a first hand comparison :). I can definitely see the extra room benefitting us.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:10

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No problem. I’m assuming they havent really changed how the rear seats work in the newer ones. They are just so low, it’s actually painful for even a short 40 min drive. Any longer, it’s gonna suck.

cbell04 > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:16

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Minivan. More room, more comfort, better gas mileage, probably even have tv’s to watch some funny movies on the trip. SUV’s suck for that many people/gear any way you slice it. Swallow your pride get the van and every single person will be happier in the long run.

Discerning > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:27

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Have you looked outside the city? My experience was always that the rental places in NJ and those a bit north are somewhat cheaper as well

BigBlock440 > cbell04 05/18/2018 at 08:36

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The Suburban has more cargo volume with the seats up, a minivan would have more with the seats down. Since there’s 6 of them, the seats are going to be up.

WilliamsSW > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:36

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I get it, but it’s the Burb all day, every day. 6 people and luggage need that LWB.

Speaking of which, I would call the rental company to understand what “or similar” means. They might call the Tahoe “or similar”, or something like a Sequoia. Rental companies can suck like that.

Sounds like a great trip, have fun!

cbell04 > BigBlock440 05/18/2018 at 08:47

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Not not going to get crazy with research but according to Google it has .3 cubic foot more than a Toyota Sienna with the seats up. That would be about the space of 2 gallons of milk. Personally I’d give up that tiny amount of space for way more comfortable seating way more comfortable entrance and exits to the vehicle. I totally get it the SUV is cooler but if I were a passenger I want the minivan all day

blacktruck18 > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:52

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Definitely go with the Suburban, but when you go pick the car up I would do a quick walk around the rental lot and see if they have an ESV and try for a free upgrade.

Under_Score > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:55

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Chevy never rents base models, so the Suburban will definitely be a mid-range LT. That’ll make it nicer.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 08:56

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You’re gonna want to go with the LWB ones.

Whereabouts on the Cape are you going?

Steve in Manhattan > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 09:04

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Suburban - gas guzzler of the common man.

Ssfancyfresh > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 09:10

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I have a Tahoe. An LT Tahoe has complementary tech and luxury to an Escalade: leather, Apple CarPlay / Android auto, lane departure and other safety features, etc. It’s all just a bit nicer in the Escalade. If it’s an Escalade ESV, no question, get the long Escalade. Otherwise, suburban

I’ve also travelled to the cape with 5 people in the Tahoe. My wife suggested our next lease be a suburban several times on that trip.

Maxima Speed > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 09:11

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Suburban, if it’s not the extended length one you guys will be in trouble.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > cbell04 05/18/2018 at 09:16

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Not an option - they’re either all sold out or wildly more expensive.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > blacktruck18 05/18/2018 at 09:18

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Thought about this but did some research and NONE of my credit card rental car programs will cover the ESV model - I don’t have insurance b/c I don’t have a car.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Ssfancyfresh 05/18/2018 at 09:20

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Gotcha, good to know - Suburban AFAIK has carplay standard too now, which is nice and the new interiors look much better than the old.

Escalade likely wouldn’t have been an ESV model, and even if it was, none of my credit card rental coverage programs would cover it. Suburban it is! :)

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > WilliamsSW 05/18/2018 at 09:21

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From what I’ve seen, the similar can mean a Sequioa or an Expedition XL - would def take either the Ford or Chevy.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Discerning 05/18/2018 at 09:22

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I have- travel time wise it’s not worth it. We’re already spitting it 6 ways, so it’s barely over 100 each which is acceptable.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Under_Score 05/18/2018 at 09:22

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Definitely good to know :)

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/18/2018 at 09:23

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ESV model if i had to guess is off the table, so rolling with the Suburban.

Trying to figure that out, it’s a friend’s parents’ place but he hasn’t mentioned the exact part - any suggestions?

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Maxima Speed 05/18/2018 at 09:23

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Agreed

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Steve in Manhattan 05/18/2018 at 09:23

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The $100 fill ups are gonna be fun... lol...

blacktruck18 > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 09:35

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I guess that kind of makes sense, a well optioned ESV is can get pretty close to $100K.

shop-teacher > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 09:37

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Get the Suburban. It’s got plenty of power, and the there isn’t much cargo room with the third row behind a regular Escalade/Tahoe.

WilliamsSW > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 10:01

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I would try to request either the Ford or Chevy. Not familiar with the Toyota but I think it’s smaller.

I would hate to show up at the counter and have them tell me the Toyota is all they have.

WilliamsSW > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 10:03

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One option might be to reserve both in case they try to screw you on the Burb with something smaller, you can walk down to the other counter and get the Slade.

Rental companies usually don’t charge for no shows - but check fine print to be sure.

AfromanGTO > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 10:37

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Escalade!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > shop-teacher 05/18/2018 at 11:02

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Roger roger

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > WilliamsSW 05/18/2018 at 11:03

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Same - I’ll give em a call Monday to see what’s up

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > WilliamsSW 05/18/2018 at 11:03

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Thought about doing this, trying to figure out Hertz’ cancellation policy on “pay later” rentals. I THINK it’s very lax, but trying to confirm. Any idea?

The two rental shops are a block or two away from each other so I’m def liking this idea.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > AfromanGTO 05/18/2018 at 11:24

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Haha, looks like it’s gonna end up being the Suburban... Just has more space for all the people. ya dig?

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > WilliamsSW 05/18/2018 at 11:25

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Also (double comment cause I’m lazy)- the Tahoe’s in a separate class than the suburban for enterprise. It was “full size SUV” and the sub is in “premium SUV”, and reflects that it’ll hold more people.

BigBlock440 > cbell04 05/18/2018 at 11:27

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You got lucky with picking the Sienna, I used the Grand Caravan and Pacifica, they’re both 32. The Honda’s at 32 too, and the Kia is just shy of 34.

WilliamsSW > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 12:13

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Good that enterprise separates the Tahoe and Burb. People who really want the burb will be pissed with a Tahoe or sequoia.

Haven’t rented from Hertz in a few years since my company has a contract with National/Enterprise. Should be clearly stated somewhere if there is a XL penalty because historically rental companies don’t do that. Good luck!

boxrocket > sefeing, actually bought an E46 05/18/2018 at 13:54

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If they offer a choice, get the Ford or Lincoln. Their third row is big enough for adults for hours, versus the suburban’s child-size row which is good for shorter jaunts. Plus the load floor is significantly lower.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > boxrocket 05/18/2018 at 14:03

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Hmm, noted.

cbell04 > BigBlock440 05/18/2018 at 23:13

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We own a caravan but if I were buying right now it would be between a yota and the Kia. I do like the Suburban a lot neighbor friends have a 16 it’s sharp as hell but it also cost 50k new. Everything has it’s good and bad.