Start with the trip
The right vehicle is the one that safely fits the people, luggage and route. Begin with the number of travellers, child-seat needs, suitcase dimensions, parking conditions and whether the journey stays inside a city or continues onto motorways and hilly roads.
A larger category is not automatically better. It can provide more cabin or luggage space while requiring more parking room and potentially using more fuel.
Match the body style to the job
Small hatchbacks are convenient in dense streets and tight parking. Sedans separate luggage from the cabin and often work well for airport or intercity travel. Crossovers can provide easier entry and useful cargo shapes, but specifications vary substantially by model.
- City errands: prioritise manoeuvrability and parking
- Airport pickup: measure luggage, not only passenger seats
- Family travel: check rear-seat space and child-seat compatibility
- Intercity travel: check tyres, luggage load and roadside support
- Hilly routes: confirm the provider permits the route and the car is suitable
Confirm the exact car at handover
A category label cannot tell you the condition or equipment of an individual vehicle. Confirm the registration, transmission, fuel type, safety equipment and included tools when collecting it.
If the supplied vehicle differs materially from the agreed category, resolve the change and any price difference in writing before accepting the keys.