Different cars are ideal for different trips. If you’re in Paris, London, or another large city, you likely want to either take taxis, public transportation, or get a small car for parking purposes. When you’re looking for a car rental in Costa Rica, it’s a different story. There’s many things to consider, and choosing the right vehicle can make or break your experience.
Four Wheel Drive
If you plan to exit the city at any point, you’re going to need four-wheel drive. There are many roads that are rough or bumpy, and many tight winding roads in the mountains that may not have guardrails. Four-wheel drive is an absolute necessity when dealing with these conditions to ensure your safety.
Airbags
You should prepare for the worst. Accidents are fairly common in Costa Rica, and while you hopefully will not experience one, a full complement of airbags is a precaution you should take. While it might hike up the price of your rental, you want to make sure you have a sturdy car that will protect in a worst-case scenario.
Good GPS
Road signs are not as common as you’d probably like them to be in Costa Rica. They’re getting better in cities, but especially in the mountains and smaller roads, you’re going to need a good GPS that’s not going to lose signal, or you’ll end up lost. Getting a car with a built in GPS will keep you from having to use your phone and shorten its battery life.
Having the right car rental in Costa Rica will drastically improve your experience. It will increase your level of safety and confidence in your travels, and is well worth the little extra that you may have to pay. There are still some precautions you should take though; always avoid driving at night, as even the best headlights can miss some of the potholes and drop-offs on the roads.
