SUV rental in Granada?

I dont suggest renting a car in Nicaragua, the roads are not marked well at all, and the bus and taxi hire is far cheaper. Do beware there are recent reports of tourist getting shook down by police for minor violations in order to facilitate bribes/payoffs.

You will never travel more than 2 hours between any locale, and you also dont have to pay and wait for the car ferry to Ometepe, not to mention the roads there horrid around the island.

Just so you know, if a accident occurs, you are guilty until found innocent, and if injuries occur to a local, may god be on your side, cause your embassy wont be help much.

You have been warned, so dont come on here and complain after the fact.

Google the name of the rental agency and nicaragua and you'll find local websites. There's budget, europcar, national (?) and a few others. I believe at least some of them have locations in Granada, or you could rent in Managua when you get to the airport and drive to Granada. If you are trying to do a lot in little time you'll have more options with a car as you won't be limited by bus schedules and routes, or by the cost of private taxi or shuttle hire.

About $60/day including taxes, insurance and fees will get you a 4x4 suzuki grand vitara. Wasn't ideal, but we were on some of the worst roads. Will approach 90-100/day for a 4 door hilux (like a tundra) or a prado (like a land cruiser). If you will be on really shitty roads, those would be ideal, as you will probably scare the hell out of your passengers in anything smaller (like I did). If you are cheap and don't mind feeling like sardines, the Daihatsu terios is pretty capable for a great price, like $40/day. Pack lightly. I have a feeling Granada rental will be more expensive, though this might not be the case. Try hertz at the managua airport. Ask for Douglas Perez... he is always working anyway. If you have decent credit card, do not get anything but the minimum insurance required by law, unless you want a Hilux (credit card insurance does not cover pickup truck), or you don't mind wasting money. If you have money to burn, I would go for the prado or hilux. Reserve ahead of time because it doesn't cost you anything to cancel later.

Definitely have a plan in place for when you are stopped by the police, if you will be driving south of Managua. A buddy of mine who lived there for a while recommends (politely) writing down the cop's name and badge (numero de plaque?) number BEFORE speaking with the officer or handing over your license. This puts the officer on the defensive before things even begin. You might also mention in passing about your aunt/uncle/cousin who works with the embassy. They will probably let you go for an easier victim. This requires some huevos grandes and is easier said than done for sure.

Some contact data should be in the Moon guidebook, which is great.

Thanks a lot for the detailed info, aujohn. I think we will just look around in Granada when we get there and see what we find.

Solohobo, too be honest I'm pretty concerned about the hassle and dangers of renting and driving as well, but the other people in the group are pretty set on it. I think it will be a lot more fun than being crammed in the chicken buses though.

krs881, thanks for the suggestions. I didn't find much useful information over the net so we will just wing it when we get to Granada.

Just to close this thread, we ended up not renting an SUV because as a previous poster said, it wasn't worth the hassle. The only reason we really needed an SUV was for Ometepe, but we ended up getting transportation through the tour operators who took us hiking on Maderas. We could have rented a mid-sized SUV for around $450, but were glad we didn't.