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.
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.
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
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?
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!
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.
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
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. Go Fox, go like a pro.
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.
$2000!!! For $2000 I think I would rent a Lamborghini and spend the leftovers on a nice hotel room and dinner for the wifey...
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!