The whole family is taking our 4th trip down to Florida for Disney World. Our earlier trips were taken on an airplane but this time we've decided to drive to Florida instead. These are the two choice of ride I'm debating on: Chevrolet Impala or Buick LeSabre. I've rented an Impala before so I know what to expect out of that car but does any of you have any experience with the LeSabre?
Advice? Don't eat the yellow snow! I'm not a Buick fan but they are roomy inside and usually compfy seats. My wife's Buick Century is like riding on a big old couch... handles like one too. [xx(] Been a quite dependable vehicle though.
Blah that buick is a turd of a car, I had one for 5 day as a rental from subaru... Anyways Lots of interior space, I personally didn't find it exciting to drive the the very least, and the radio sucked unless you like talk radio, then you are in luck, it's perfect for talk radio. I didnt think the car was easy to see out of, and I didn't find the seats comfortable, but Between the choice of those 2 I'd probably still take the buick, because it is roomier. But if you really want to do it in style comfort and probably much, much better gas mileage, rent a caddy, drive it conservative you'll get something like 28 Mpg or so, amazing for a big car. Quiet, smooth, and Super comfortable all day long, not to mention pleanty of power to kick it down and pass on the highway. I'm not sure how much more a caddy would cost to rent, but between gas mileage and everything else, I'll willing to bet it's money well spent. Edit: Hmmm after looking it might be hard to get a caddy for a good price driving that many miles, but it's worth looking into, prices seemed reasonable.
i know a lot of poeple up here who have older POS buicks for winter beaters, and they start every day. they are nothign specail. i personally dont care for the uber soft seats they have. i know someone who leased an impala a few years ago. he liked the car. he had no issues w/ it. and i think it looks better i agree w/ mnstrider ont eh fact that a caddy would be the way to go. my friend has a old barom, and the things a tank nothing can kill it. it gets nice mileage on the highway like close to 30. and the seats are quite comfy. although after awhile it seems like you are getting sucked in (car eats you). quick question is the reason caddies get such good highway milage becuase it runs on 4 cylinder while cruising? (not sure how this works just heard of it) on the other hand i believe the choice tht would get you there the fastest and provide the most fun for the driver would be to take the STI, it seats 5 and goes really fast. not to mention you gotta look cool when your rollin' in florida. STi all the way!
I used to drive with my family, when I was (6 - 10) to FL for X-mass.... Resite the urge to drive them down it is hell on the kids and you. Rent a van not a car if you are going to drive. So much more room... I just remember the drive being hell.
but if you take the STi it will only take you 12 - 14 hours vs 24-28 hrs. hehehe you can use the ChuxWagon cruise control method. put it in top gear and hold the gas to the floor.
coming from a big family...my vote would go for the airplane. Ok, and to stay on subject...the le sabre would be much more comfy than the chevy.
Rent a Volvo S80 or V70 wagon from Hertz. Unergonomic American car seats aren't good for road trips. http://www.hertz.com/servlet/ByrServlet?FORM_ID=4&VEHICLE_ID=PSAR&NO_RELOAD_FRAMESET=1
Thanks for the input guys... I'm not taking my STi because I've heard of the theft rate down in FL. My family will be STi sitting for me while I'm gone. Caddies are nice but through Avis, I'm not getting unlimited mileage with my rental. I went with Avis because I had a corporate discount and the prices for a full week rental are as follow: Chevrolet Impala $121.49 (unlimited mileage) Buick LeSabre $125.99 (unlimited mileage) Cadillac Sedan De Ville $356.99 (limited mileage 200-300 mile allow per day @ .25 per extra miles) Hertz is asking $500.99 for a full week Volvo S80 rental. Tom, you have any connection at Hertz that can nab me a lower price? This time around we've decided not to fly down to FL... beside, not to brag but my kids are angels and we've taken plenty of trips in our mini-van on longer trip... not a peep or complaint from them yet. Maybe this trip could be the ice breaker, ya never know. I'm swaying towards the Impala... or maybe end up taking our mini-van again.
