Advice On Type Of Car To Hire

[Greensludge]

I am on the south side of the island for 2 weeks with my family and wasn't sure what type of car I should hire. Will a compact car be OK to explore the island or do I need an SUV?

Thanks

[goldfish]

Anything with 4-wheels and an engine will be fine, unless you feel a need to try some off-roading over the centre of the island

[costalot]

Just about any 4wd should be fine. An armoured tank would be best for the ring road, then maybe even a concrete truck, taxi, or hotel minibus may give way to you........just joking, I think!!

[sometieguy]

Just about any 4wd should be fine. An armoured tank would be best for the ring road, then maybe even a concrete truck, taxi, or hotel minibus may give way to you........just joking, I think!!

no no, I agree....do they rent tanks here? nthat would really be the safe way to go on the ring road

[happylarry]

I had a 4wd when I was living on Samui and I wouldnt consider anything else. Its not about whether you want to go off road, but with all the pot holes and especially when it rains and the roads flood you need the extra height in order to keep ploughing through the water.

HL

[Eric1949]

I had a 4wd when I was living on Samui and I wouldnt consider anything else. Its not about whether you want to go off road, but with all the pot holes and especially when it rains and the roads flood you need the extra height in order to keep ploughing through the water.

HL

I didn't realise 4WD were higher than 2WD?

[Greensludge]

Thanlks everyone for your advice. Pretty clear a 4WD is the order of the day. Not sure my budget will cover a tank

Ideally I would get a 4 seater jeep (softtop) from a reputable company. Looking at the global names (Hertz, budget etc.) companies they don't seem to do this "fun" style. I

Any advice on where to go and how to spot the cowboys? Should I book in advance or wait until I am there?

[Birdman]

No, you do NOT need a 4x4 and you do not need to book in advance. You can have any kind of car on the spot. Plenty of options. It's up to your taste and your budget.

[carmine]

You don't need 4WD and you are not, to my knowledge allowed to take vehicles off road. A small jeep at 700 baht per day with full insurance (for rental) will probably be adequate although the back seat will only cater for two small kids. The island is not busy and you can get a vehicle at a moments notice.

[happylarry]

hahaha...come on carmine, half the roads in Samui are like going off road!!!

And anyway the small jeeps that you are recommending ARE 4WD.

HL

[carmine]

Fair point Larry, the jeeps do have 4WD, and yes, the roads are still in poor condition. But, i still won't go along with 4WD being necessary (unless they are planning a home high up in the hills) when all the taxis on the island are 4 door saloons. But, at the end of the day, if 4WD gives them peace of mind then why not, and i think i'm correct in saying, a pickup is the same cost to rent as a 4 door saloon.

[mattcodes]

A small jeep at 700 baht per day with full insurance (for rental)

Falang renting a jeep... where on samui will give full insurance? I've not heard of someone having an accident and paying just the excess yet... Slightly OT, but important to bear in mine if you have accident you'll almost be guaranteed to paying a significant amount regardless of the circumstances..

Edited July 22, 2009 by mattcodes

[Birdman]

A small jeep at 700 baht per day with full insurance (for rental)

Falang renting a jeep... where on samui will give full insurance? I've not heard of someone having an accident and paying just the excess yet... Slightly OT, but important to bear in mine if you have accident you'll almost be guaranteed to paying a significant amount regardless of the circumstances..

........have heard, have not heard........Don't say something, if you know nothing!

There are good car rental companies on Samui, with full insurance/5.000 Baht retention. Look at the car rental counter at the big hotels for instance. Sure if one rents from the next mama/papa shop it could be problematic.

[koheesti]

Stay away from the small Suzuki jeeps. I've ridden in several and the ride is horrible. Of course, it could just be that all those people didn't know how to drive. Spend a little more and get something better.

[happylarry]

Koheesti I agree with you but it is probably not "a little more" but double the price of a suzuki.

However I know what you mean about the bad ride BUT last time I visted Samui I rented a suzuki from a Chang Mon shop TL or something like that, anyway it was a really nice car(good engine , gear box, air-con was good even the radio worked well) and it was a pleasure to drive.

So the point is they are not all the same, like the Birdman said if you go to a good supplier then you get a good car.

The place I got that also supplies all the hotels in Chang mon I believe, so they keep their cars well up to scratch.

I think the price of a pick-up starts at around 1500 baht so if you have it for a week or so then the difference really adds up.

HL

[Greensludge]

Koheesti I agree with you but it is probably not "a little more" but double the price of a suzuki.

However I know what you mean about the bad ride BUT last time I visted Samui I rented a suzuki from a Chang Mon shop TL or something like that, anyway it was a really nice car(good engine , gear box, air-con was good even the radio worked well) and it was a pleasure to drive.

So the point is they are not all the same, like the Birdman said if you go to a good supplier then you get a good car.

The place I got that also supplies all the hotels in Chang mon I believe, so they keep their cars well up to scratch.

I think the price of a pick-up starts at around 1500 baht so if you have it for a week or so then the difference really adds up.

HL

Thanks again all.

So looks like I should probably search the hotels when I arrive and avoid the cowboys - but i knew that really , I was hoping that someone could recommend one or two shops/suppliers. I will look out for the Chang Mon shop.

[Rooo]

I have used Master car rentals in the past, not a cowboy outfit. A bit more expensive then the 700bht jeeps, but a lot cheaper then the other major players , have 24 hour road side assistance , FULL comprehensive insurance with ZERO excess.

Depending on the time of year. I really don't think you need a 4x4 to do your normal sightseeing on the island.

[Marksamui]

You don't need a 4x4

If you want to go off the island on the ferry you need to check with the renter that it is ok. Budget rent a car you can do this for example but a lot of the jeeps you cannot.

If you want to stay on the island then a jeep is fine and can handle the conditions. Just take it easy around the bikes in the built up areas. Spending extra won't necessarily get you a better car. I once paid extra for a nice looking SUV and the steering was shot to bits!

and remember - nothing handles better than a hire car! opps bit reckless I know!!

[happylarry]

Hey Mark I really dont understand your post mate....you start off saying the guy doesnt need a 4WD then go on to recommend he uses a jeep because of the conditions ???????????????????????

sure beats me !!!!

HL