Matching a hire car to your passengers and luggage
Tell the team how many people will travel and how many cases, buggies or bulky bags you expect. Seating and boot space are separate questions. Say whether you need an automatic or are happy with a manual, and mention any child seat request early so it can be checked before you are quoted. Include details for every driver who may take the wheel.
Picking a suitable car
Start with the journey and pick the car to match it. Smaller cars are suited to city driving and short stays, automatics make local driving easier, estates and SUVs give more room for luggage, and people carriers are a better choice for families or small groups. The range available includes the Fiat 500, VW Golf, Ford Focus Estate, Ford Focus Automatic and Hyundai i10 Automatic, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The precise make, model, transmission, seating, payload and licence position are confirmed when you are quoted, so treat the vehicles listed as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Writing down what matters to the driver
Start by noting the details that shape your choice: who will be driving, how many people are travelling, and the sort of driving involved. Some drivers prefer an automatic for stop-start town traffic, while others want an estate for extra luggage space or a higher seating position for longer runs. If two named drivers will share the trip, mention both when you enquire so the vehicle group and terms can be checked together. It also helps to note whether you need child seats, a particular fuel type or space for equipment such as golf bags or pushchairs. Passing these points on early means the team can talk you through the options that match, rather than working backwards from a guess.
Planning a return journey with the car
If your trip involves driving out and back on different days, write down both dates and any flexibility around them. A hire period that covers an overnight stay needs different arrangements to a same-day return, and the team can only price the period you describe. Think about where the car will sit overnight and whether the collection point at the end of the hire suits your final destination. It is worth noting your expected mileage pattern too, since a round trip with several detours differs from a straightforward there-and-back. Where timings are tight, say so at the enquiry stage so the return arrangements can be discussed clearly before anything is agreed.
Explore other car hire areas
Last checks before booking
Before you confirm the hire, check the key details: vehicle availability, driver requirements, mileage, insurance, delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for, along with driver age, licence history, the deposit, the insurance excess and any travel abroad. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, the rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the expected passengers or load, and any particular requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.