by Gabrielle DeSantis

As many folks looking to rent vehicles this summer might know, the rental car market is busy right now. But other than high prices, automobile rentals have another issue, this time in manners of safety. Here’s a look at how the rental car problem is worse than you think.

How we got to this point

The good news is that this issue is likely temporary. That’s because the problem has stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, governments began sounding the alarm. Many people hunkered down in their homes, and as a result, the economy took a massive tumble. This affected rental car companies, too, because few people were traveling.

So rental car agencies sold off portions of theirs fleets, partially because customers weren’t renting vehicles and partially because the companies needed the money to survive. As a result of that decision, when the economy began bouncing back, agencies didn’t have enough cars to go around. Due to the laws of supply and demand, that lack of supply, combined with high demand, meant prices for consumers skyrocketed.

But high prices aren’t the only problem for customers.

With high prices came rental car scammers

Rental car companies can resolve the high prices by expanding their fleets. That’s why this issue is expected to be temporary because eventually, they’ll have enough cars available to rent, and prices will go down. Until then, however, customers will see exorbitant prices.

Due to those high prices, scammers are trying to get a piece of the pie, the Federal Trade Commission reports. From would-be criminals’ perspective, things are ripe for the picking, as few people want to pay that much money to rent a car for a few days. As such, those scammers are offering cars for rent at below-market rates. For the average person, those rates are too good to be true. And in this case, they are. 

That’s because, according to the FTC, those scammers are advertising their supposed vehicles for below-market rates on sites that look legitimate. But the sites are fake, hoping to trick people into paying for rental cars that will never materialize. This is a pretty classic scam, and as a result, it’s easy to beat as long as customers are aware of it.

How to protect yourself from rental car scammers

The most obvious thing to do is to stick to reputable, well-known rental car companies. This is the easiest thing to do, but it’s also the most expensive option because those companies are charging high rates right now.

If you want to save money but don’t want to get scammed, the FTC has some advice. The best way is to pay with a credit card. Many scammers want you to pay with gift cards. They do this so they can run away with your money with little consequence, but credit cards can protect you.

Another good piece of advice is to do some in-depth research on the rental car company first. Googling the company’s name and a keyword like “scam” or “review” can be helpful, the FTC says.

RELATED: What Happens if You Get in an Accident in a Rental Car?

The post The Rental Car Problem This Summer Is Even Worse Than You Think appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There was a time, decades ago, when the minivan was all the rage. Soccer moms and morning coffee addicts adored their minivans, and there wasn’t a family at the PTA meeting without one. But then came the sport utility vehicle, and parents began ditching their vans for muscular, four-wheel-drive SUVs.

Some say the transition was a status thing. Others point to SUVs’ versatility. But whatever the reason for the mass exodus, the minivan had to step up its game. Today’s minivans are vastly different from the family haulers of 20 years ago. And because many have the same features and capabilities as SUVs, you might wonder if modern minivans should be considered SUVs. 

How minivans and SUVs are similar

You might assume the minivan and SUV are in the same class because of their similarities. Both can tow, though today’s SUVs can pull more. However, every minivan can tow 3,500 pounds.

Also, both provide three comfortable rows of seating, making them great family rides. Interior tech and infotainment features tend to be tied, too, U.S. News reports.

And even consumers interested in hybrid and EV versions can find what they need in both segments.

But is a minivan considered an SUV?

There are key differentiators between the two vehicle types that clearly separate them. MotorTrend says minivans have the advantage in cargo capacity and storage space. For instance, the Ford Expedition offers the most cargo space — 104.6 cubic feet — among SUVs. But that pales compared to even the minivan with the smallest cargo space, the Kia Sedona, with 142 cubic feet. 

However, SUVs tend to boast better safety ratings than minivans. With their higher stance and better visibility, SUVs are superior at collision avoidance. And despite the increased availability of driver assists in both segments, SUVs tend to score better in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests.

Car and Driver points out that when it comes to customization options and variety, minivans don’t dominate as they did in the 1990s. And though you can expect redesigned models for 2022, you won’t have as many options and features to choose from as you will with the still-growing SUV segment. Dozens of two- and three-row SUVs offer style, comfort, and performance options you can’t find among the handful of vans.

The affordability factor might help you decide

The biggest difference between minivans and SUVs might be pricing. In the battle of average MSRP among three-row vehicles, one clear victor emerges. For instance, the popular Honda Pilot starts at $32,650. But its sibling, the Odyssey, starts at over $800 less and offers many of the same features.

Another example: The highest trim level of the family-favorite Toyota Sienna will set you back about $49,415. Compare that to the Ford Expedition, with its range of $52,810 to $80,000, and anyone on a budget would have an easy decision to make. 

There’s really no verdict on which is better, the SUV or the minivan. How you determine which vehicle is best for your family will boil down to your hauling, driving, and budget preferences. But don’t mistake the minivan for an SUV because they’re still entirely different vehicles. Sure, they share similarities, but their differences draw a clear line between the two segments. And it’s those differences that will likely help you decide which to buy.

RELATED: Honda Odyssey Maintenance Costs Are the Highest of All Minivans, Consumer Reports Shows

The post Is a Minivan Considered an SUV? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.