Features to Consider When Choosing a Car

Size and type of vehicle

Think about where you plan to drive and how many people and bags you need to carry.

• Mostly city driving: a smaller car or a compact SUV is easier to drive and park in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
• A group or family: you need enough seats for everyone and room for the luggage. Our luggage guide explains how to read the bag capacity on a listing.
• Outback or rural trips: a roomier car, such as an SUV, is more comfortable on long drives. Most hire cars are generally restricted to sealed roads, so if your route includes unsealed roads, read about road restrictions before you choose.

You book a vehicle category, not a particular model. Types of vehicles describes each category, and what "or similar" means explains why the car you get can differ from the picture.

Kilometre allowance

Check how many kilometres the rate includes. For long country trips, look for unlimited kilometres. Some locations, for example in the Northern Territory, may limit the kilometres you can drive each day, and going over the limit can mean extra charges. Your quote and booking confirmation show the allowance for your hire. Our guide to kilometre allowances explains where limits apply and what extra kilometres cost.

Insurance options

Compare what each quote includes, how much excess you would be liable for, and whether the rental company offers excess reduction. Our insurance and excess reduction guide compares the options.

Driver age

Some rental companies don't hire to drivers under 25, and those that do may charge a young driver surcharge. See age restrictions.

Pick-up and drop-off locations

Some airport branches are off-airport and reached by shuttle. Check whether a shuttle runs and whether the branch will be open when you arrive. Our guide to on-airport and off-airport car hire explains the trade-offs.

Transmission

Most hire cars in Australia are automatic. If you want a manual, filter for it when you search and check that one is available.

Fuel type and fuel policy

Consider fuel efficiency, especially for long drives. If you don't want to refuel the car yourself, some rental companies let you pre-purchase fuel at pick-up. Otherwise, refuel near the branch, keep the receipt and return the car with the fuel level your agreement requires. Refuelling charges from the rental company are often higher than local service station prices. Our petrol guide has tips on finding fuel near the branch. If you are considering an electric car, read about hiring an electric vehicle first.

Roadside assistance and extras

Check whether roadside assistance is included or costs extra. If you need a GPS or child seats, see what optional extras you can request with your booking.

Next steps

• Understanding pricing: why rates change and when your price is locked in
• Using DriveNow's comparison tools: filter results by car type, seats, transmission and location

Part of Before You Book in the Car Hire Handbook.