If you’ve ever had to drive a long way by car, you’ll know that your choice of vehicle makes a huge difference as to whether you have the trip of a lifetime or endure a slog never to be repeated.

Of course, not everyone has the luxury of choice – sometimes the car you’ve got is the one you’re stuck with – but if you need to rent one for a particular trip abroad or within the UK, or you drive a lot and want to choose a suitable vehicle, it’s worth bearing a few things in mind.

Fuel efficiency
This is very important for long trips, both for the environment and your pocket. You should pick a car that does lots of miles to the gallon, but also make sure you are maintaining the engine well so that it runs smoothly.

Durability
Some cars look great but their parts can wear out very quickly. If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand car, you should always check reviews to see what other owners have said about maintenance frequency.

Engine noise
A big, fierce engine sounds initially impressive, but an hour later and beyond, it can start to grate on you – especially on motorway journeys. A quiet engine and well-insulated interior are absolute musts.

Comfort
This can’t be emphasised enough. If you are comfortable, you’ll enjoy your trip more – it’s as simple as that.

The above features are quite easy to find in a large vehicle, but less so in a small one – though they do exist. For example, the Renault Clio Sport Tourer has had excellent reviews for its soft-sounding engine and suppression of road and wind noise. In fact, it’s quite easy to pick up a cheap Renault Clio from a nearby dealership – and they’re also available to hire.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!