The quick answer
Pick small for the city, bigger boots for families, higher seats for comfort on mixed roads, and an automatic if you prefer an easier drive in traffic or on hills. If you plan day trips to waterfalls or mountain villages, a compact estate or small SUV makes life easier. Add child seats and cross border at booking so your papers and kit are ready when you land.
Start with five simple questions
- How many people will travel most of the time
- How many hard suitcases do you need to fit inside the boot
- Do you prefer automatic or manual
- Will you drive only in the city or also take day trips into hills and along the coast
- Do you plan to cross a border or do a one way to the coast
Answer those and the choice is clear nine times out of ten.
Class by class: what each one is good at
Economy
Best for solo travellers or couples with hand luggage. Easy to park in Old Town areas, light on fuel, and simple to thread through narrow streets. Two soft bags and a small hard case will fit under the cover. For Kravica, Blagaj and Počitelj it is enough if you pack light.
Compact
Good for two to four adults with normal luggage. Fits two hard cabin cases and a couple of soft bags in the boot. Stable at motorway speeds to Dubrovnik or Split. Choose automatic if you want a calmer drive on hills and in summer traffic.
Compact estate
The sweet spot for families. Low running costs with a longer boot that swallows a pushchair and two hard cases. Ideal for mixed days that combine towns and beaches. The longer wheelbase makes it a relaxed motorway cruiser.
Small SUV
Higher seating for easier entry and better visibility. Extra ground clearance helps on uneven car parks and rural turn offs. Boots are similar to a compact estate, sometimes a touch shorter but taller. Great for day trips north along the Neretva or into the Prenj foothills.
Seven seat MPV or large SUV
For bigger families or two families in one car. Seats fold to create a flat load bay when you do not need all seven. Book early in peak months as these sell out first. Check the exact luggage space with seats up if you really need all seven on the same day.
Automatic or manual in and around Mostar
Automatic removes clutch work in stop start traffic near Old Town and on busy summer weekends. It is also kind to drivers who are new to mountain roads. Manual gives keen drivers more control on the coastal switchbacks. If in doubt, go automatic. Availability is strong across classes.
Luggage that actually fits
The easiest way to choose is by real luggage, not litres in a brochure.
- Economy Two soft weekend bags and one small hard case under the cover. Anything more sits on a lap.
- Compact Two cabin hard cases plus one or two soft bags. A medium hard case will fit if you drop one rear seat a notch.
- Compact estate Two medium hard cases and a pushchair or three cabin hard cases with room for day packs.
- Small SUV Similar to a compact estate in volume. The opening is taller which helps with square cases.
- Seven seat MPV With all seven up, boot space is limited to soft bags only. With five seats, it becomes a van for family kit.
Tip at pickup: place the largest suitcase into the boot first, wheels to the side, then stack soft bags around it. Keep coats and towels on top so you can reach them at waterfalls and beaches.
What to choose for common Mostar trips
- Old Town stays with tight parking Economy or compact. Short wheelbase helps in older streets and smaller hotel car parks.
- Kravica waterfalls plus Počitelj in one day Compact estate or small SUV. Space for swim kit, water and a cooler. Higher seats make getting in and out easier when you are wet and sandy.
- Dubrovnik or Split day trip Compact or compact estate for fuel economy and motorway comfort. Small SUV if you want the higher driving position.
- Family of four for a week Compact estate. It will take a pushchair and two hard cases without blocking the rear view.
- Two couples with photo gear Compact estate or small SUV. Seats fold to take tripods and a cooler. You will appreciate the extra room when everyone buys gifts.
- Older travellers with limited mobility Small SUV. The seat height reduces the bend and makes entry and exit easier.
Comfort, safety and features that matter here
- Air conditioning is essential in summer Check that the car cools properly during the handover. Tell us at once if anything feels weak.
- CarPlay or Android Auto Connect your phone for maps and music. It keeps your eyes higher than a phone in a vent mount.
- Parking sensors or camera Handy in tight hotel entrances and older side streets.
- Cruise control Useful on the motorway sections towards the coast.
- Tyres and tread We check them at handover. If you plan a long loop day, ask for the tyre photo on file for peace of mind.
- Winter kit In season we fit winter tyres. Chains are available on request for mountain days. We show you the basics at handover if you want a refresher.
Insurance and deposit by class
Clarity helps you pick with confidence.
- Economy Typical excess €1,500, deposit pre authorisation €300.
- Compact Typical excess €1,500, deposit pre authorisation €500.
- SUV and seven seat Typical excess €2,500, deposit pre authorisation €800.
You can reduce liability to zero with premium cover. If you prefer to use a debit card, ask about zero excess options that allow it. We release deposit holds at return and your bank clears the authorisation shortly after.
Cross border and one way choices
If you plan Dubrovnik or Split, add Croatia cross border at booking and your Green Card will be in the pack. For a one way, select the return city in the form and you will see the fee before you confirm. Montenegro or Serbia are available on request. Tell us early so we can prepare the papers.
Two minute checks at pickup
These quick checks save time later.
- Open the boot and place your largest case inside
- Pair your phone to CarPlay or Android Auto while parked
- Set the first destination before you move
- Confirm the fuel policy on your agreement
- Take a quick photo of each corner and the wheels
- Check you have the Green Card if cross border is on your booking
Frequent questions
Is an SUV really necessary for Mostar ?
No for city only plans. Yes if you value a higher seat, easier entry and a bit more clearance for rural car parks and turn offs. A compact estate covers most needs if you do not want the extra height.
Will an economy car cope with hills and motorways ?
Yes. Modern small engines handle local hills and motorway limits. If you plan four adults with luggage or daily motorway runs, step up to a compact.
Automatic cars sell out in summer. What then ?
Book early or hold a compact estate manual as a plan B. If an automatic returns early we can move you across.
How do I choose between a compact estate and a small SUV ?
Pick the estate if you want a longer boot and the lowest running costs. Pick the SUV if you want an easier step in and a taller view.
Can I add roof racks or a bike rack ?
Tell us before you book. Options depend on the exact model on your dates. Many travellers fold a rear seat for sports kit instead.
Is fuel economy very different between classes ?
Economy and compact are the most efficient. Estates add a small penalty. Small SUVs use a little more because of height and weight. Driving style and load make the biggest difference.
What about child seats and ISOFIX ?
Most cars have ISOFIX on the outer rear seats. Tell us ages and approximate weights so we prepare the correct seat type. We can fit the seats for you or you can do it yourself.
Do I need snow chains in winter ?
Not in Mostar city most of the time. For mountain trips in active snowfall or on untreated roads, chains help. Ask us and we will advise based on the forecast and your route.
What if my luggage does not fit at pickup ?
Do not force it. We can usually offer an upgrade on the spot if available. It is easier and cheaper than driving with bags on laps.
Before you book
Tell us your group size, luggage, preferred gearbox and whether you will cross a border. We will point you to the best fit and set up the right cover, deposit and paperwork so you collect the keys and go without surprises.
