Short People and Rental Cars About This Page:

[JoanneS]

I need some suggestions!

On our last trip, we rented a car from Alamo and used my credit card to secure the rental, so my name was on the reservation. Since my name was on the reservation, they made me take the car off the lot and wouldn't let my husband drive. Of course, being the cheapskate that I am, I hadn't put him on as a second driver to save a little cash.

All of this would have been ok, except I'm short and I couldn't see well enough to really drive safely, and Alamo didn't have any booster seats or anything like that to help me out. I ended up wadding up everyone's jackets/sweaters into a pile that I sat on until I could pull over and let DH drive to the hotel. I assumed that since I can drive Toyotas without any problems, I'd be ok, but, apparently, not all cars are created equal. We want to rent a car for our next trip, but only if I'll be able to drive the car.

What do you do? Are there any short people out there that can offer me some tips?

[srsatkowiak]

Originally Posted by JoanneS

I need some suggestions!

On our last trip, we rented a car from Alamo and used my credit card to secure the rental, so my name was on the reservation. Since my name was on the reservation, they made me take the car off the lot and wouldn't let my husband drive. Of course, being the cheapskate that I am, I hadn't put him on as a second driver to save a little cash.

All of this would have been ok, except I'm short and I couldn't see well enough to really drive safely, and Alamo didn't have any booster seats or anything like that to help me out. I ended up wadding up everyone's jackets/sweaters into a pile that I sat on until I could pull over and let DH drive to the hotel. I assumed that since I can drive Toyotas without any problems, I'd be ok, but, apparently, not all cars are created equal. We want to rent a car for our next trip, but only if I'll be able to drive the car.

What do you do? Are there any short people out there that can offer me some tips?

How short are you? I am 4'11". I have driven chevy's almost all my driving life with no issues and now own a Jeep. I can also drive my Husband's big truck with no problem. I do need to make major seat adjustments up and forward but for the most part I don't have any issues seeing over the dash. Most newer cars have that option. The only cars that I have real trouble with are ones with deep bucket seats like sports cars or coupes.

If you continue to have issues would suggest that you have your husband make the car arrangements from now on or add him as a driver because if there does happen to be a problem the penalty can be far worse than the cost to add a driver.

[CRCrazy]

I'd definitely go with a rental from either National or Alamo, so that you can choose your car. If you don't like the seating in the first car you see - look for something else on that row that is different. Most cars do have a seat adjustment - I drive a Pontiac Vibe - it doesn't have power seats, but it does have a lumbar height adjustment (manual - acts like an air pump.)

If you are renting off-site, or with a different company - I'd just ask for something different that will work for your body type.

[jimmymac]

Check the policy. I think spouses are allowed to drive the rental car; DW always rents ours and I usually drive. We use Hertz and they had no problem with it

[Ashli]

Enterprise also allows you to add your spouse to the driver's list with no extra fees.

[joker365]

I can't give you any tips because i am 6'5" so.....yeah. Good luck.

[Colexis Mom]

I'm just under 5' and have never had any issues. I usually end up driving most of the time when we're in FL. This past trip we had a Corolla and a Hyundai Sante Fe and both were fine.

[twinsljo]

I'm 4' 11" and I rented a Chevy Cobalt (an economy size) and it worked out fine for me.

[Sue M.]

If you rent on the Costco site, it includes another driver at no charge. I'd be very careful letting someone drive who's not listed as a driver on the rental agreement, cause if there is an accident, you don't want to be held financially responsible

[JoanneS]

[quote=srsatkowiak;2967604]How short are you? I am 4'11". I have driven chevy's almost all my driving life with no issues and now own a Jeep. I can also drive my Husband's big truck with no problem. I do need to make major seat adjustments up and forward but for the most part I don't have any issues seeing over the dash. Most newer cars have that option. The only cars that I have real trouble with are ones with deep bucket seats like sports cars or coupes.

I'm just under 5', but I have a 29" inseam, so my problem is not reaching the pedals, but seeing over the steering wheel. If the driver's seat doesn't adjust up and down, I'm out of luck.

I did receive a very nice email from a representative from LPA (Little People of America) who suggested that when booking a reservation, I ask what cars are available to rent at a certain location. (That way, I'll know if I'm going to be stuck with a PT Cruiser again. ) He also suggested a few inexpensive car "booster seats" that I could check with my luggage if I thought I would be needing one. He told me that he has never been charged extra to check the booster seat that he uses and he travels frequently.

So thank you guys, and thank you LPA !

[srsatkowiak]

Originally Posted by JoanneS

I'm just under 5', but I have a 29" inseam, so my problem is not reaching the pedals, but seeing over the steering wheel. If the driver's seat doesn't adjust up and down, I'm out of luck.

Interesting. I have the same inseam and don't have many issues with this. It is more of a comfort thing with me. It just shows how people are different. I hope it works out better for you next time.

[janicelovesmickey]

I am 4'11" and I put the seat all the way up I never had a problem driving any car being this short.

[Carousel96]

We join DH on a lot of his business trips and has always been able to add the spouse to the rental without a fee. So DD and I go off exploring while DH sits in boring meetings.

[eff051102]

Originally Posted by Carousel96

We join DH on a lot of his business trips and has always been able to add the spouse to the rental without a fee. So DD and I go off exploring while DH sits in boring meetings.

Yep me too! We only rent with Hertz though so I don't know if that matters.

[Alexandrea]

5' 2" here, I like car lots where you get to go pick your own car out that have a few different once, I go and sit in every one in my cost range to check to see if I can see out of the rear view mirror blind spot and all until I find my best pick.
I now always also put my husband as the driver now though, SOME car companies don't charge a second driver fee for spouses, I found this article. I did not take my husbands last name when I got married so some companies won't let us have a free spouse as a second driver though, and say both people need to have the same last name. I can't remember which ones I used that have and haven't, so just call and find one thats more user friendly!