Car hire for special occasions: what to look for
Want your transport to feel as special as the occasion you're celebrating? Here's what to keep in mind when choosing a premium rental car.
Some special occasions call for extra-special treatment.
We're talking the big 5-0. Hen nights and stag dos. School proms, family reunions and spectacular staycations. These are the kinds of events where no stop stays unpulled and every guest remembers every little detail.
So, it makes sense you'd want your transport to be unforgettable, too. After all, there's not much point hiring a five-star hotel for a party if the birthday boy turns up in a beaten-up Ford Fiesta.
Premium car hire is a great way to give your party transport the VIP treatment. For the driver and passengers, it means getting a taste of luxury and making a momentous first impression. And for the person footing the bill, it's refreshingly economical: a shiny set of wheels charged at an affordable daily rate.
But not all premium cars are created equal – and some car hire firms are more expensive than others. As with any investment, it pays to stay savvy and do your research.
Good news: we've done the groundwork for you. In this guide, we show you exactly what to look for in a premium rental and how to snag a great deal on your wheels.
Let's start with the basics.
What is a premium car rental, anyway?
Car rental firms – ours included – tend to categorise their vehicles into classes. This makes it easier for customers like you to choose the right car for the job.
You've got economy cars, for instance. These tend to be five-door cars with decent luggage space and legroom, but not much in the way of mod cons. Then you've got compact cars (usually hatchbacks), standard (good all-rounders), full-size (oodles of space)… The list goes on.
Right at the top of this pedigree are luxury cars. These are your Bentleys. Your Lamborghinis. The Rolls-Royce of Rolls-Royces. Cars that scream style and have a price tag to match.
Premium car rentals sit right under luxury cars in the pecking order. While they're not quite as fancy as their luxury cousins, they're typically top-of-the-range models with all the extras thrown in. And they're decidedly more affordable, too.
Popular premium rental cars include:
- Volvo S90
- Jaguar Xe
- BMW 5 Series
- Range Rover Sport
- Mercedes C-Class
What to look for when hiring a car for a special occasion
Reliability and vehicle quality
We'll level with you. The chances of something going wrong with a rental vehicle – any rental vehicle – are very low.
But it's always better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want, after all, is for your special occasion to be upstaged by a breakdown en route.
So, keep your quality sensors on standby. Ask how often the cars are cleaned, serviced and inspected. Make sure you get 24/7 breakdown assistance as standard. And trust your eyes and your gut – if a car looks a little bit ropey, it probably is.
Premium features
Premium cars are all about enjoying premium treatment. Whatever the occasion, you want your journey to the venue to feel almost as special as the celebration itself.
That means mod cons – plenty of them. And the more indulgently unnecessary, the better.
We're talking heated seats. Air con. Built-in Bluetooth for your favourite playlists – and a sound system that does justice to the tunes. Anything that helps you and your guests get into the party mood.
A few practical features wouldn't hurt, either. We're sure your driver wouldn't complain if your premium rental came with sat nav, parking assist and adaptive cruise control.
Space and comfort
Premium rental cars come in all shapes and sizes. But as a rule, they're more generous with legroom than their economy cousins.
This is good news for you and your party guests. As passengers, you'll have plenty of room to kick back, stretch out and perhaps even touch up your make-up on the way.
Of course, as the list of passengers grows, so does the need for space. Most premium cars comfortably accommodate five people (driver included). If, however, you're planning a celebratory road trip with six or more pals, it might make more sense to
hire a minibus.
The right vibe
Looks aren't everything. But there's nothing wrong with wanting your choice of transport to make a great first impression.
Perhaps you want to roll up and watch jaws hit floors. Or maybe you'd just enjoy the thrill and the adventure of travelling in a top-of-the-range motor. Either way, it's important to make sure your rental car looks and feels the part.
It all comes down to personal taste. But the occasion you're celebrating might also play a part in your decision-making. Need transport for wedding guests? A shiny black Mercedes would be just the thing. Heading to a work function? A silver Audi A6 will give you more corporate cred than a month of overtime.
Flexible and affordable hire terms
One of the biggest perks of premium car hire is that it unlocks sophisticated transport options at affordable prices.
But that doesn't mean a good deal is guaranteed. Some hire firms are more affordable than others. And sometimes, hidden costs and inflexible contract terms can quickly turn a bargain into a car hire headache.
So, shop around. Keep an eye out for:
- Lower prices at local firms: look beyond the big brands and comparison websites. Often, local independent firms offer cheaper rates than the household names.
- Transparent pricing: don't be stung by hidden costs. Make sure you know exactly what you're paying for before you even set foot on the forecourt.
- Early deals: most of the time, you'll snag the best deal when you book in advance. If you've got the time, start searching a few weeks before the big day.
- Flexible terms: only need your car for a few hours? Most firms rent out vehicles in 24-hour blocks, but an especially accommodating one might bend the rules for you.
- A full-to-full fuel policy:
this means you get a full tank of fuel when you drive off and fill it up again before you return the car. It's usually cheaper and fairer this way.
How we can help
At MVH Rental, we have an extensive fleet of vehicles for hire – including a nifty collection of premium rental cars.
If you're in the northeast of England, why not take a look?
You won't be disappointed. All our vehicles are maintained to an exceptional standard and go through a full valet before we hand over the keys.
And we look after your wallet, as well as our cars. With our Price Guarantee, you can be sure of a good deal. How it works is simple: if you find a cheaper quote locally, we'll match it.*
We're here to help your special occasion feel that little bit more spectacular. To get started, contact our friendly team online or call 0191 4888 700.
