Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage - Orlando Forum - Tripadvisor

Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

Coventry, United...
Level Contributor
419 posts
14 reviews
11 helpful votes
Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

Hi all

Dollar/thrifty car rental agencies are listing 2 different Nissan 7 seater SUV models on their websites with different specifications

One is the Nissan Armada and the other a Nissan pathfinder

One is classed as a Normal and one a premium 7 seater.

The price difference between them is about £40 per week

I will be renting for 3 weeks in the autumn

Can someone who is going into the dollar/thrifty car garage at MCO Orlando international please look to see if the 2 different models are kept in the same or different rows in the rental garage

If so I may as well book the cheaper model and hope that I can choose the better specification one in the garage

Many thanks to anyone who is prepared to waste a few minutes of their valuable time checking

7 replies to this topic
Va
Level Contributor
16,976 posts
16 reviews
33 helpful votes
1. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

The car classification has gotten crazy with rental companies. There are so many variations that it is hard to call any model similar. That is further compounded by the fact that they choose what cars they put in the category.

In this case if you were to compare a Armada to a Pathfinder you would find that the Armada class would be a lot larger. The Armada is huge. It is built on a truck frame. The pathfinder is smaller and built on a Unibody chassis. Basically a car. They classify a pathfinder as a Full size recreational SUV and the Armada as a Full Size SUV. It makes no sense that a Pathfinder would be more than an Armada since the MSRP on the cheapest Armada is higher than the most expensive Pathfinder.

In any case, I would suggest renting the size you need. If you need a huge SUV, go with the full size SUV. You will get an Armada or Tahoe or something like that. If you want smaller then I would go with a standard SUV would would be the size of the Pathfinder. It would be something like Hyundai Santa Fe.

Orlando, FL
Destination Expert
for Orlando, Walt Disney World
Level Contributor
18,823 posts
2. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

Don’t know

But agree with above that the classifications are crazy

On the US sites Dollar and Thrifty seem to call the Pathfinder “Fullsize Recreational” and the Armada “SUV Full-Size” while saving “SUV Premium” for a Chevrolet Suburban or similar.

The Armada is bigger, boxier, and more expensive than the Pathfinder. I would expect Pathfinder in the mid-size suv category and Armada in full-size with the Suburban in typical car to car class rankings.

“Better” is subjective. I wouldn’t want to try to park an Armada or Suburban at the Premium Outlets Vineland! And your gas mileage will be worse.

Interestingly, Dollar and Thrifty also seem to state only seating for 5 with both these.

Colorado
Level Contributor
6,349 posts
15 reviews
6 helpful votes
3. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

When you actually get to the area for car pick up, there might not even be any Nissansof any size at that location. It could very well be a totally different manufacturer’s cars. Pick the car that suits you best for your needs.

Edited: 4:53 pm, May 14, 2024
Coventry, United...
Level Contributor
419 posts
14 reviews
11 helpful votes
4. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

Hi, thanks for replies to my post.

Do they have different rows in the garage for standard, recreational, full size, premium 7 seater SUV or are they all lined up together for customers to choose which they want

Kent, United Kingdom
Level Contributor
10,751 posts
104 reviews
82 helpful votes
5. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

They usually have different zones to choose from, if thrifty let you pick the actual car, but they have barcodes so when you drive out if you pick a higher category they will know and charge you. Plus check there toll charges as sone if tge cheaper companies charge by the day and not the day you use the tolls

texas
Level Contributor
2,746 posts
56 reviews
24 helpful votes
6. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

Just to answer a little bit different question. I’ve owned both Armada and pathfinder. Totally different size. We upgraded from Pathfinder to Armada and love it. However since you said you’re going to be there for three weeks if you have a lot of luggage the Armada if you have all the seats up does not give you a lot of Room for luggage. We were traveling a few weeks ago and actually got a suburban because we needed more room for five people luggage and a stroller. Just something to think about if you’re going need a lot of luggage room, I would go with something more like a suburban.

Milwaukee
Destination Expert
for Milwaukee
Level Contributor
17,874 posts
68 reviews
92 helpful votes
7. Re: Dollar/thrifty 7 seater SUV in MCO car rental garage

There should be attendants in the garage to direct you to your car class and answer questions about switching cars. As others have said as long as you stay within your class you can switch cars at no cost.

You should be able to do a dummy booking and see what the rates are for your dates, but unless something weird is going on a Premium is definitely going to cost more than a standard. How much more? Do a dummy booking and find out.

You also may find a Chevy Suburban or some other model fits your needs better. But for sure book the class you want. Don't book a smaller vehicle than you need with the hope of trading up. Worst case scenario is they don't have any larger ones. Best case scenario is they have one and the upcharge doesn't break the bank, but they could charge you walk up rates which I would guess would be much higher.

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