We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Car hire - Ford Fiesta big enough for 2 adults and 3 kids?

Todd_Sweeney
Todd_Sweeney Posts: 7 Forumite
in Flights, currency & car hire
Hello,

I'm just after a bit of advice. I'm sorting out car hire for a trip to Portugal in a few weeks. This would be for my wife and I, and our three children aged 10, 8 and 5. We are all taking one piece of Ryanair sized hand luggage (so five small-ish cases).

Would a Ford Fiesta be large enough? It is quite a lot cheaper than the next size up (Ford Focus). I think all passengers would fit in fine but I'm worried about boot space for our luggage. We will have a three hour drive to our destination so luggage on knees etc. isn't really an option.

Maybe I should pay the extra £80 for the next size up?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Obviously_the_best
    Obviously_the_best Posts: 4,086 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Cashback Cashier
    edited 11 August 2014 at 3:47PM
    I'd say probably not. I highly doubt you'd fit the luggage in. Have you tried some local firms near the airport? Often their prices are quite cheap and they'll deliver a car to the airport for you.
  • benjus
    benjus Posts: 5,433 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Depends how comfortable you want to be... I drove all around the Cotswolds with 5 adults in a car about that size. It wasn't so bad for me as the driver, as I got to claim as much legroom as I needed... not sure how the passengers managed it though!
    Let's settle this like gentlemen: armed with heavy sticks
    On a rotating plate, with spikes like Flash Gordon
    And you're Peter Duncan; I gave you fair warning
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,468 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    Too small really.
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • photome
    photome Posts: 16,714 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Bake Off Boss!
    Its only £80

    your passangers would appreciate it
  • GwylimT
    GwylimT Posts: 6,530 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You won't fit the children in as the five year olds car seat/booster seat will take up quite a bit of room.
  • SailorSam
    SailorSam Posts: 22,754 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've got a Fiesta , it would be fine in the back for 3 young kids. And if you're only taking Ryanair size cases the boot will be plenty big enough.
    Go to a garage, a Ford agent and sit in one, tell him you're trying it out for size.
    Liverpool is one of the wonders of Britain,
    What it may grow to in time, I know not what.

    Daniel Defoe: 1725.
  • Todd_Sweeney
    Todd_Sweeney Posts: 7 Forumite
    Thanks all!

    I will see if I can take a look at one this weekend and try and squeeze us all in!
  • budgetflyer
    budgetflyer Posts: 5,949 Forumite
    Yes. A fiesta seats 3 at the back. We have had 2 car seats and still had an adult in the middle. Tight but it will work.
  • custardy
    custardy Posts: 38,365 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I would pay the next size up.
  • PeacefulWaters
    PeacefulWaters Posts: 8,495 Forumite
    £80 is £11 a day for a seven day holiday. Just over £2 a day each

    That £2 will buy you fewer arguments in the back and more leg room for everybody.

    Pay it.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 353K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 246.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 260K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture