tracy - you should check into couch surfing.

www.couchsurfing.com/

as to renting a car - that's going to be tough as most US rental companies don't let their vehicles out of the US.

maybe a better idea is to buy a cheap one in canada first?

sounds like a great trip!

with the price of petrol, you are looking at a very very expensive trip. plus renting the car and having to drive it back.

Hey Tracy

Sounds like an awesome and very ambitious trip.

Need to be real careful driving through Mexico and Central America (especially Nicaragua). Depending on where you are in Canada, you are probably looking at two nights stay in the US and probably two more nights to get to CR (possibly both in Mexico?).

Roads south of the US border can be really bad, so expect some slow travel there. Not sure about rentals in Canada, but as mentioned out of the country driving is certainly a problem renting cars in the US.

John

With the price of gas these days, you may want to re-think the drive portion. Rental cars in CR are about $350 per week. In CR, the gas is over $1.00 per liter, over $4 per gallon. I just got back from CR so I know the cost.
Driving through Mexico is extremely dangerous so you may want to re-think the drive. Best option may be to ship a vehicle (newer is acceptable in CR) to CR and pay the appropriate taxes. Check with the CR consulate on this and they are very helpful. A diesel/gas 4 cylynder4 wheel drive, manual trans is best.
Lou

I lived in Southern Mexico for 3 months before moving to Costa Rica. I absolutely loved it there, but let me tell you that people will steal anything from you, especially if you are white.

I would NOT reccommend driving for more reasons than everyone else has already listed. This may seem crazy to you, but I actually hitch-hiked most of the way here. It was a huge adventure, and I made some awesome friends, as well as inherited an adoptive family in Mexico.

If your looking for the journey of a lifetime without risking your credit line or pocketbook, I would say get some camping gear. Stock up on faith and courage, and let er rip!