1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Renting a 2010 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by EVdriver, Sep 8, 2009.

  1. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    39
    10
    0
    My friend from Europe is planning to visit Los Angeles on vacation this October and would like to rent a 2010 Prius. Unfortunately major rental companies don't list it on their web site (only Gen. II). Toyota Rent a Car is not an option because my friend doesn't have US driver license (only national and international) which is a requirement.
    I'm running out of options so any ideas would be appreciated.
     
  2. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    301
    17
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Those really are the ONLY options unless you can find a private party to lend one to you for the day. Can you rent the car under your name and then put your friend on as a secondary driver? I have no idea if that would help but maybe they allow it.
     
  3. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    39
    10
    0
    Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I'm not going to be there at that time.

    In the meantime I sent some e-mails to major car rental companies and asked 2010 Prius availability. The results:

    - Fox: they have Honda Insights only
    - Budget: no response
    - Hertz: no response

    :(
     
  4. tiztim

    tiztim Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2009
    49
    7
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I-Go and Zip are local here with Prius available. Don't know if they're national
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,316
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    The Zipcars here are all 2009. They just added one more car last week, but it was a 2009. Perhaps the major agencies are shying away from the 2010 until prices drop?
     
  6. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    39
    10
    0
    In the mean time I've found SymplyHybrid
    This seems a pleasant rental company - almost only hybrids, 2010 Prius in their fleet -, except their prices.
    2010 Prius for 2 weeks (with insurance and all but with LIMITED mileage) costs more than $2000. Ouch!
     
  7. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2009
    680
    144
    35
    Location:
    Vernon Hills, IL
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I rented an '09 from National when I was in Denver. They might have '10s; however with demand being what it is, I'd be surprised if any are being directed towards fleet sales at this point.
     
  8. charansr

    charansr Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2008
    107
    0
    0
    Location:
    Concord CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I would check with a few Toyota Dealers.. I have heard people rent their cars at the dealerships.
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I believe Avis has Priuses in their lineup
     
  10. DianneWhitmire

    DianneWhitmire High PRIUStess

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2007
    4,062
    1,123
    64
    Location:
    Laguna Niguel, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    We have a Prius to rent here. I'm unsure of how much it's been reserved, but you should call here to the store and talk to Sarah.

    For those of you who are on the fence and MIGHT want one but wish to try one for a few days, come rent ours. Since the supply of cars is so low, Toyota's only allowing each dealership 1 Prius TRAC car (Toyota Rentacar) for now. If you get your car from me, I will delete the rental car bill from your car's selling price. (Some minor restrictions apply, see me for details!!)

    Dianne



     
  11. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    39
    10
    0
    In the very last moment Fox refreshed their hybrid fleet with 2010 Priuses and my friend managed to notice that. They got a brand new 2010 Prius (probably a base model for fleets) and had a very pleasant journey.
    Anyway, they saw 17 another Gen III. and countless Gen II. Priuses during their 2 weeks journey. :cool:

    Go Fox, go like a pro. :D
     
  12. djeffery

    djeffery New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2009
    7
    0
    0
    Location:
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    We rented a 2010, Gen. 3 from our local dealer, Koons Toyota, Easton MD for three days to serve as an extended test drive. Worth the cost.
     
  13. AlexanderAF

    AlexanderAF New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    48
    4
    0
    Location:
    Dayton, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid

    $2000!!! For $2000 I think I would rent a Lamborghini and spend the leftovers on a nice hotel room and dinner for the wifey...
     
  14. AlexanderAF

    AlexanderAF New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    48
    4
    0
    Location:
    Dayton, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid

    I'm just curious...how much did the three day rental cost and how many miles could you drive? Did you get to pick whether it was a III, IV or V, or was it just a base version? That sounds like a really good idea!