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Renting a 2010 Prius

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

  1. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

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    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.
     
    #1 EVdriver, Sep 8, 2009
  2. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

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    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.
     
    #2 creativeguy, Sep 8, 2009
  3. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

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    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

    :(
     
    #3 EVdriver, Sep 15, 2009
  4. tiztim

    tiztim Junior Member

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    Location:
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    2010 Prius
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    III
    I-Go and Zip are local here with Prius available. Don't know if they're national
     
    #4 tiztim, Sep 16, 2009
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    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?
     
    #5 The Critic, Sep 16, 2009
  6. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

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    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!
     
    #6 EVdriver, Oct 9, 2009
  7. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

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    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.
     
    #7 chrisj428, Oct 9, 2009
  8. charansr

    charansr Member

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    I would check with a few Toyota Dealers.. I have heard people rent their cars at the dealerships.
     
    #8 charansr, Oct 9, 2009
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I believe Avis has Priuses in their lineup
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Oct 9, 2009
  10. DianneWhitmire

    DianneWhitmire High PRIUStess

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    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



     
    #10 DianneWhitmire, Oct 9, 2009
  11. EVdriver

    EVdriver Junior Member

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    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
     
    #11 EVdriver, Nov 11, 2009
  12. djeffery

    djeffery New Member

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    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.
     
    #12 djeffery, Nov 11, 2009
  13. AlexanderAF

    AlexanderAF New Member

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    $2000!!! For $2000 I think I would rent a Lamborghini and spend the leftovers on a nice hotel room and dinner for the wifey...
     
    #13 AlexanderAF, Nov 12, 2009
  14. AlexanderAF

    AlexanderAF New Member

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    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!
     
    #14 AlexanderAF, Nov 12, 2009
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