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Featured CNN-How to get a Toyota Prius without paying for it

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by JamesBurke, Oct 31, 2016.

  1. JamesBurke

    JamesBurke Senior Member

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    How to get a Toyota Prius without paying for it - Oct. 31, 2016

    Some kind of short term/hourly rental scheme in SF Bay area.

    Toyota wants to make it easy for car owners to turn their vehicles into profit-making machines.
    The automaker is launching a 500-car pilot test in San Francisco this January that will let select Toyota (TM) owners seamlessly rent their vehicles through Getaround.


    Getaround is a startup that helps drivers rent their cars to strangers for a few hours or even days. Currently 20% of cars on Getaround are Toyotas.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    They would need to lock down the hv battery so it doesn't get swapped out in a short term hour rental
     
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  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Tesla is going to do the same thing but with autonomous driving and free supercharging as part of their solution. This will be interesting.
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would rather rent someone else's car, than rent them mine.:sneaky:
     
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  5. JamesBurke

    JamesBurke Senior Member

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    Thinking of starting a similar service called Getaway. Wonder if any Bank would be interested in being corporate sponsors.
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wells-fargo.;)
     
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  7. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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  8. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    I spotted this:

    In January 2017, Toyota are launching a 500 car pilot in San Francisco
    Those with a Prius or Lexus CT200h eligible
    You opt into renting your car to others through Getaround
    According to figures, current Prius owners in SF get around $500 by renting their car through Getaround
    That figure of $500 is based upon the owner renting the car out 75% of the time, but you get to choose which hours it is available
    If you buy your car from January and are invited to be part of the pilot, you can even direct the income to pay off your lease
    If this pilot is successful, Toyota will consider selling the 'smart box' to existing owners (the smart box is what enables people renting your car to get inside and drive it using their smartphone)
    Source: How to get a Toyota Prius without paying for it - Oct. 31, 2016

    I understand Tesla is considering a similar concept, in terms of your car earning money for you when you are not using it.

    This makes financial sense, i.e. if you have an asset like a holiday home that you use 2 weeks in the year, it would be logical to rent it out when you are not using it.

    Your thoughts? I'd hesitate at this for my own Prius, mostly because I'd be concerned that those renting my car wouldn't treat it in the same (loving) way that I treat my car.
     
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  9. wrprice

    wrprice Active Member

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    Yeah, not a chance.
     
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  10. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Only me allowed to pass wind in my car :oops:
     
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  11. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Some treat a car as an "appliance", some as a personal possession. I won't argue with either concept, just make sure they don't cross each other. ;)
     
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  12. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    This is probably only profitable by circumventing the regulation and insurance requirements on traditional car rental agencies; see Uber/Lyft.
     
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a brave new world out there. i'm too old to participate, but young people will probably buy into this hook, line and sinker, just like uber and zip car.
     
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  14. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Thanks for letting the whole world in on my battery swap idea.
    ;)
    Young people ... used to to be 17 & under. At our ages - young people can even be in their late 40's
    :(
    :LOL:
    .
     
    #14 hill, Nov 1, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2016
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  15. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I tried renting my car in Turo. There were no takers in suburbia where I live. I can't wait for self driving cars so that my car will drive itself to the renter. My car literally sits for 10+ hours at a time in two locations. What a complete waste of money. Feel free to pass wind in the drivers sear. I've done it plenty of times in rentals.
     
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  16. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Stop on by for some cabbage & boiled eggs. You reminded me of the funniest commercial i ever saw

    .
     
    #16 hill, Nov 1, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2016
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