Driving to Orlando...which car would you take?

iluvwdw · 07-07-2008

OK, guys. I think I asked this question once before a year or two ago, but it's that time again. And now more than ever, with gas prices the way they are, the question is so relevant!!!

With airline prices the way they are, there is no question in my mind that driving is the cheapest way to go. The cheapest airfare I found for the 4 of us to go Thanksgiving week is $1300!

So now that we've decided to drive again (3rd time...won't be the last ), the question now becomes WHICH CAR DO WE TAKE??? We are driving almost 1100 miles each way.

We have a 2004 Honda Pilot and a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The Pilot only gets about 18 mpg all around, 22-24 highway. The Toyota Yaris on the other hand gets about 33-35 all around, 40mpg highway. DH is dead set on taking the Toyota Yaris. We have become budget busters and are trying to make this vacation reasonably affordable.

The Honda Pilot is EXTREMELY roomy, has the built in DVD player and will fit all of our stuff without question. We can fit a cooler in the back seat to stock with drinks and snacks for the road.

The Toyota Yaris is very SMALL...it's a compact car. We'd have to bring a portable DVD player that the kids would fight over, we'd be a bit uncomfortable (DH especially, since he's 6 feet...but he's not the one complaining ) and we couldn't fit a large cooler for our road trip drinks and snacks. It would have to be a small one.

I am estimating gas to be about $4.50. Being conservative, it will cost us approximately $700 round trip in gas taking the Honda Pilot. Keep in mind that includes all tolls, gas while in Florida and coming home with a full tank. If we take the Yaris, it will cost us approximately $350 in gas. So we'll save about $350 by taking the Toyota Yaris.

So...which car would YOU take? Does the budget conscious in you go for the Yaris? Or is the comfort and convenience worth $350?

HELP! I need your HONEST opinions here.

THANKS!!!!!!

mickeysgirlz · 07-07-2008

I'll be the first to vote, I'd go for comfort! Less fighting! And bring along snacks, which will help with less breaks on the road!

Only because I have done that road trip with two kids and the more they can spread out, spread out their stuff helps with the long drive! Less bickering if they can't reach each other either!

I am shocked at the price of your airline tickets. We are doing the reverse travel . . . FL - Newark that same week, leaving Monday night, returning Sat after Thanksgiving and my tickets on continental.com were $218 each round trip!

jk8 · 07-07-2008

Ugh, saving $350 sounds good. I don't know if it is worth it. Obviously the way you describe it makes it sound bad.

Daisee · 07-07-2008

The added room would be very nice.. but I think I would make the Toyota Yaris work, since you are looking for what is most economical. I mean 1/2 the money in gas.. wow.

Elmo · 07-07-2008

Try this website:

AAA Fuel Cost Calculator

I'd go with the comfort. You can probably save that $350 somewhere else in the trip.

dac921 · 07-07-2008

I would say take the smaller of the two.

Andrea · 07-07-2008

I really think that you have to analyze just how much the small car will affect you. If it's just smaller but still comfortable (and you've got a portable DVD player!), go for the Yaris.

But if the really small space is going to make you cranky, I think you have to assess the dollar value of that.

My DH is very tall, and also very budget-minded. I suspect he might choose the Pilot for such a long trip.

**cinderbella** · 07-07-2008

I voted for the Honda! We have the same issue at our house Honda vs. Toyota (not a Pilot and a Yaris but Civic and a Camry) and I hate the Toyota..it's always having problems and whenever we take it anywhere we have drama!
But that really has nothing to do with your situation. I'd think comfort is worth $350. Especially with your kids being older and staying off site for some of your trip (right?! I'm not making this part up right) I think overall you'll like the Pilot better.
And..if it makes you feel better gas hasn't reached $4.00 in SC yet so you might save more money than you think.

Andrea · 07-07-2008

I was curious about what my DH would actually say to this, and he wrote me this back:

Mapquest lists the distance from NYC to Orlando as approximately 1,100 miles. According to my calculations, using the Pilot will only cost them an additional $105.75 at $4.50 per gallon. I figured this using an average of 20 MPG vs. 35 MPG (55 gals. of gas used vs. 31.5 gals.) At $4/gal. the extra cost is only $94.

Clearly the answer is to use the Pilot....

Daisee · 07-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea

I was curious about what my DH would actually say to this, and he wrote me this back:

Mapquest lists the distance from NYC to Orlando as approximately 1,100 miles. According to my calculations, using the Pilot will only cost them an additional $105.75 at $4.50 per gallon. I figured this using an average of 20 MPG vs. 35 MPG (55 gals. of gas used vs. 31.5 gals.) At $4/gal. the extra cost is only $94.

Clearly the answer is to use the Pilot....

She did mention that the cash cost included all the driving they plan to do while in Florida. Returning with a full tank, and tolls..Just say'n

cooncat · 07-07-2008

I'd do some serious thinking about the Pilot. While you'd save gas with the Yaris, it's a hefty trip for a big guy and your little one so you'd be better off to have some wiggle room. We've done the New England to FL trip by car for many MANY years since my husband's mother lived in Ocala until her passing a few years ago. We did it with 3 little ones in a station wagon 20 years ago...not bad-they had the way back to themselves since there were no car seat/seat belt laws back then and we travelled at night while they slept. We've done it in a compact car with 4 of us - not so good...little squashed...and a Geo with just us two old folks and a West Highland White Terrier (he was easier than the kids!). You'd still be saving money by driving, and you'd have room with the bigger car, so I'd definitely go bigger. And don't forget to stop fairly frequently and walk! Oh - and have a good time!

**DisneyTeacher** · 07-07-2008

I would want the extra room and would be willing to pay for it. That's a long drive to be stuck in a small car with 4 people. I have a VW Passat and we have taken it on long trips but Mike's TrailBlazer (with a 3rd seat) is so much nicer to take. It has a DVD player and all the extra room for a cooler and all the luggage we could need.

That said, we have taken my car more and more this year. We used to take the TrailBlazer w/o thought but not with $4.00 gas. Just this weekend we took my car on a 2.5 hour trip that we normally would have taken the TB for the comfort.

lovemysons · 07-07-2008

Wow, I say go for the Pilot. Your sanity and overall well being is at stake the other way. Who wants to start off their vacation stressed out? I understand the cost factor, but, honestly, if it were me, I would go with the Pilot.

DayDreamer · 07-07-2008

I voted for the Pilot because the Yaris just seems too small. By the time you pack all the bags and various things for the road you will have stuff packed in every crevice of the car. Florida is a fairly long drive from where you are so I think comfort would play a big part in your overall enjoyment. The savings would be nice but to crammed into a compact car for at least an 14 hour drive can test anyone's patience.

Tinkfan · 07-07-2008

I had to vote for the Pilot. If for nothing else but your sanity

We did 5 days in a 2-door Corolla when I was little, and it was crazy ridiculous!!!

It may cost more, but I think the roominess of the Pilot will be worth the $$.

View Poll Results: Which car would you drive to Orlando??
Honda Pilot...very roomy, built in DVD player, gets 22-24 mpg hwy	35	70.00%
Toyota Yaris...VERY small comact car, gets 40mpg hwy	15	30.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll

07-07-2008	#1 (permalink)
iluvwdw BLT for me! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Floral Park Village (Long Island), NY Posts: 7,413	Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? OK, guys. I think I asked this question once before a year or two ago, but it's that time again. And now more than ever, with gas prices the way they are, the question is so relevant!!! With airline prices the way they are, there is no question in my mind that driving is the cheapest way to go. The cheapest airfare I found for the 4 of us to go Thanksgiving week is $1300! So now that we've decided to drive again (3rd time...won't be the last ), the question now becomes WHICH CAR DO WE TAKE??? We are driving almost 1100 miles each way. We have a 2004 Honda Pilot and a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The Pilot only gets about 18 mpg all around, 22-24 highway. The Toyota Yaris on the other hand gets about 33-35 all around, 40mpg highway. DH is dead set on taking the Toyota Yaris. We have become budget busters and are trying to make this vacation reasonably affordable. The Honda Pilot is EXTREMELY roomy, has the built in DVD player and will fit all of our stuff without question. We can fit a cooler in the back seat to stock with drinks and snacks for the road. The Toyota Yaris is very SMALL...it's a compact car. We'd have to bring a portable DVD player that the kids would fight over, we'd be a bit uncomfortable (DH especially, since he's 6 feet...but he's not the one complaining ) and we couldn't fit a large cooler for our road trip drinks and snacks. It would have to be a small one. I am estimating gas to be about $4.50. Being conservative, it will cost us approximately $700 round trip in gas taking the Honda Pilot. Keep in mind that includes all tolls, gas while in Florida and coming home with a full tank. If we take the Yaris, it will cost us approximately $350 in gas. So we'll save about $350 by taking the Toyota Yaris. So...which car would YOU take? Does the budget conscious in you go for the Yaris? Or is the comfort and convenience worth $350? HELP! I need your HONEST opinions here. THANKS!!!!!! __________________ Kim LIFE IS JUST BETTER WHEN YOU HAVE A DISNEY TRIP PLANNED! 1997 Double Tree ~ 1998 Vistana ~ 1999 April Vistana ~ 1999 July Vistana ~ 1999 Sept All Star Movies ~ 2000 Vistana ~ 2001 Vistana ~ 2002 Vistana ~ 2003 Aug Vistana ~ 2003 Dec All Star Sports, Polynesian & OKW ~ 2004 Feb Vistana ~ 2004 Dec Vistana ~ 2005 Vistana/All Star Music 2006 SSR and Vistana Villages ~ 2007 Sheraton Safari, Vistana, POP Century ~ 2008 Vistana Villages, Animal Kingdom Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our First Stay at BLT as DVC Members - President's Week 2010! 79 days 4 hours 3 minutes

07-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
mickeysgirlz Substitute Birthday Fairy Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 2.5 hours from the Magic! Posts: 6,316	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I'll be the first to vote, I'd go for comfort! Less fighting! And bring along snacks, which will help with less breaks on the road! Only because I have done that road trip with two kids and the more they can spread out, spread out their stuff helps with the long drive! Less bickering if they can't reach each other either! I am shocked at the price of your airline tickets. We are doing the reverse travel . . . FL - Newark that same week, leaving Monday night, returning Sat after Thanksgiving and my tickets on continental.com were $218 each round trip! __________________ -JEN 31 trips to the Happiest Place on Earth! Dec 17-20 AKL (FIRST TIME @ AKL ) Christmas trip! Yippee I met some members: Wishy, Val, Princess Alyssa, ddoll, vlogilvie and Rowdy! I tweet! Facebook Linkedin My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Another CHRISTMAS TRIP! Shhhh surprise for the DDs! 21 days 4 hours 33 minutes

07-07-2008	#3 (permalink)
jk8 Disney Cruise Alumni Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: IN - the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room Posts: 2,546	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? Ugh, saving $350 sounds good. I don't know if it is worth it. Obviously the way you describe it makes it sound bad. __________________ Julie 2008 OKW - first DVC stay! 2008 WL and Disney Magic Western! 2007 POFQ 2006 Pop Century 2006 CR & 7 day Disney Magic Eastern!!! 2004 POP Century 2004 offsite My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 2010 Disney Magic Cruise 128 days 14 hours 29 minutes

07-07-2008	#4 (permalink)
Daisee taking a break Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,801	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? The added room would be very nice.. but I think I would make the Toyota Yaris work, since you are looking for what is most economical. I mean 1/2 the money in gas.. wow.

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > Orlando Transportation
Driving to Orlando...which car would you take?

07-07-2008	#5 (permalink)
Elmo Big Cheese Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Doylestown, PA Posts: 587	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? Try this website: AAA Fuel Cost Calculator I'd go with the comfort. You can probably save that $350 somewhere else in the trip. __________________ Off-site - 9/96 POFQ - 3/03 BCV - 12/04, 3/05, 10/05, 4/06, 12/06, 1/07, 11/07, 3/08, 1/09, 11/09 (Thanksgiving in WDW) ASM - 11/09 My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thanksgiving in WDW

07-07-2008	#6 (permalink)
dac921 MissSmig's Mom! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: To far from DISNEY Posts: 4,078	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I would say take the smaller of the two. __________________ Dee Avatar: Mr & Mrs. Grumpy! MBers that we have meet: Princess Tesse/Rosebud/Val & Princess Alyssia/TinFan/KarlieBug/Bransworth/LISALOVESMICKEY/Angell1975/Timkelmom/Rowdy/KingOMiami Maybe 2016 CSR - 9/08 & 9/09 Hilton WDW - 4/07 w/Miss SMIG! * Hilton WDW - 10/06 * POR - 9/06 * CB 11/96 * USASMIG789 My Amanda (Nikki) My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Can't wait to go back.... 2487 days 9 hours 36 minutes

07-07-2008	#7 (permalink)
Andrea Dole Whip Apostate Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Shasta in my heart Posts: 2,815	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I really think that you have to analyze just how much the small car will affect you. If it's just smaller but still comfortable (and you've got a portable DVD player!), go for the Yaris. But if the really small space is going to make you cranky, I think you have to assess the dollar value of that. My DH is very tall, and also very budget-minded. I suspect he might choose the Pilot for such a long trip. __________________ x´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨"...make sure you don't grow up stupid.¸.•´¨) (¸.•´xxxxxxxxxxxxIt's bad for the world."xxxxxxxxxxx ¸.•´ xxxxxxxxxxxxx--Tami Taylor, Friday Night Lightsxxxxxxxxxx(¸.•`* My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I have absolutely nothing to look forward too. :-(

07-07-2008	#8 (permalink)
cinderbella Crackhead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: south carolina Posts: 7,226	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I voted for the Honda! We have the same issue at our house Honda vs. Toyota (not a Pilot and a Yaris but Civic and a Camry) and I hate the Toyota..it's always having problems and whenever we take it anywhere we have drama! But that really has nothing to do with your situation. I'd think comfort is worth $350. Especially with your kids being older and staying off site for some of your trip (right?! I'm not making this part up right) I think overall you'll like the Pilot better. And..if it makes you feel better gas hasn't reached $4.00 in SC yet so you might save more money than you think. __________________ WDW Restaurants and Resorts Moderator Bella I Deltaco. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: A baby is coming!!!! The baby is here..or at least it should be soon.

07-07-2008	#9 (permalink)
Andrea Dole Whip Apostate Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Shasta in my heart Posts: 2,815	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I was curious about what my DH would actually say to this, and he wrote me this back: Mapquest lists the distance from NYC to Orlando as approximately 1,100 miles. According to my calculations, using the Pilot will only cost them an additional $105.75 at $4.50 per gallon. I figured this using an average of 20 MPG vs. 35 MPG (55 gals. of gas used vs. 31.5 gals.) At $4/gal. the extra cost is only $94. Clearly the answer is to use the Pilot.... __________________ x´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨"...make sure you don't grow up stupid.¸.•´¨) (¸.•´xxxxxxxxxxxxIt's bad for the world."xxxxxxxxxxx ¸.•´ xxxxxxxxxxxxx--Tami Taylor, Friday Night Lightsxxxxxxxxxx(¸.•`* My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I have absolutely nothing to look forward too. :-(

07-07-2008	#11 (permalink)
cooncat Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Waaaay North of WDW Posts: 147	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I'd do some serious thinking about the Pilot. While you'd save gas with the Yaris, it's a hefty trip for a big guy and your little one so you'd be better off to have some wiggle room. We've done the New England to FL trip by car for many MANY years since my husband's mother lived in Ocala until her passing a few years ago. We did it with 3 little ones in a station wagon 20 years ago...not bad-they had the way back to themselves since there were no car seat/seat belt laws back then and we travelled at night while they slept. We've done it in a compact car with 4 of us - not so good...little squashed...and a Geo with just us two old folks and a West Highland White Terrier (he was easier than the kids!). You'd still be saving money by driving, and you'd have room with the bigger car, so I'd definitely go bigger. And don't forget to stop fairly frequently and walk! Oh - and have a good time! __________________ "...We're all mad here...You may have noticed that I'm not all there myself...!" Back from FW Starting to save for GF!

07-07-2008	#12 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,310	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I would want the extra room and would be willing to pay for it. That's a long drive to be stuck in a small car with 4 people. I have a VW Passat and we have taken it on long trips but Mike's TrailBlazer (with a 3rd seat) is so much nicer to take. It has a DVD player and all the extra room for a cooler and all the luggage we could need. That said, we have taken my car more and more this year. We used to take the TrailBlazer w/o thought but not with $4.00 gas. Just this weekend we took my car on a 2.5 hour trip that we normally would have taken the TB for the comfort. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 238 days 9 hours 33 minutes Last edited by DisneyTeacher; 07-07-2008 at 12:16 PM.

07-07-2008	#13 (permalink)
lovemysons Single digits!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In my house Posts: 7,716	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? Wow, I say go for the Pilot. Your sanity and overall well being is at stake the other way. Who wants to start off their vacation stressed out? I understand the cost factor, but, honestly, if it were me, I would go with the Pilot. __________________ Dopey is the boss of us. Missing the madness. Peppy is still my partner in crime. Is that you, Pu? Fabulous avatar, courtesy of the fabulous Mr. R2Go! ´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)xxxx¸.•¨) (¸.•´xxxxxx(¸.•`xxx´¨)Make just one person happy. ´¨) My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Holidays full of magic 6 days 16 hours 3 minutes

07-07-2008	#14 (permalink)
DayDreamer The Executive Gentleman Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,246	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I voted for the Pilot because the Yaris just seems too small. By the time you pack all the bags and various things for the road you will have stuff packed in every crevice of the car. Florida is a fairly long drive from where you are so I think comfort would play a big part in your overall enjoyment. The savings would be nice but to crammed into a compact car for at least an 14 hour drive can test anyone's patience. __________________ Imaaaaaaginaaaation, imaaaaaginaaaation A dream can be a dream come true, With just that spark in me and you. 2008 - Polynesian & Vacation Village 2006 - Contemporary & Sheraton Vistana 2005 - Orange Lake 1996 - Offsite 1993 - Honeymoon Offsite 1986 - Offsite 1982 - Great Aunt's House 1980 - Great Aunt's House 1977 - Disneyland - Aunt's House

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
car rentals...	50 ANNIVERSARY	Orlando Transportation	6	12-23-2005 07:40 PM
car care center rental	bribert	Orlando Transportation	3	09-23-2005 09:37 PM
Has anyone done the Petty Driving Experience at the WDW Speedway?	smee57	WDW Theme Parks	27	12-27-2004 09:52 PM
Car Rental Adventures	MaulerDude72	WDW Resorts	9	11-22-2004 03:38 PM
Half way mark btw Houston & Orlando	kphil89	The Mouse Trap	3	04-25-2004 01:15 AM

07-07-2008	#15 (permalink)
Tinkfan Big Cheese Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: DelCo, PA Posts: 522	Re: Driving to Orlando...which car would you take? I had to vote for the Pilot. If for nothing else but your sanity We did 5 days in a 2-door Corolla when I was little, and it was crazy ridiculous!!! It may cost more, but I think the roominess of the Pilot will be worth the $$. __________________ Sharon YAAAAAY!!!!! I finally met some MBers Arielmom ~ Dac921 ~ MissSmig ~ Val 32 ~ Princess Alyssa My mind works like lightning, one brilliant flash and it's gone. 1977~Disneyland 1978~Disneyland 11/2001~Off-site 12/2003~POR 05/2005~POFQ 11/2006~POR~Grand Gathering http://www.myspace.com/scl1122 I'm still workin on it My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Goin Back to my Disney Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!