Turo for car rental? (1 Viewer)

[Beakertwang]

We’re planning a trip. Just curious about Turo instead of going through one of the big rental companies. Looks like you can save money, but my wife is worried about the trustworthiness of the hosts.

Anyone have experience with this, good or bad? Tips and tricks appreciated.

 

[RocAFella1]

@Lil Tuna

 

[JeepologyOffroad]

I use it all the time. Never had a bad experience.

Edit: fwiw I’ve never tried super cheap cars on there though. I probably end up spending the same as I would with a rental company but I don’t have to wait in lines at the airport and I get to pick/usually drive something interesting

 

[dkellerd]

I’ve done it plenty…it’s way better than rental companies and you can find some really nice cars, I’ve only done it in big cities however, and use highly rated hosts.

 

[Lil Tuna]

Just used it for the first time a couple weeks ago. Easy and convenient, no issues what so ever.

 

[Grimace]

I used them last May out of Toronto and had an older Toyota Corolla and it was great. Car ran like a top and saved a bunch vs a rental company. I’d check reviews and go from there. No different than a Airbnb if the reviews are terrible stay away.

 

[bmacpoker]

Used them several times, never really had an issue. Was the easiest way to do it when I visited Kona, rentals for the size we needed were few and far between. Turo had plenty of options.

 

[Beakertwang]

Does the host just meet you at the airport (or wherever) at the time you specify?

 

[doublebooyah85]

I haven’t saved money using it but found a premium car w less miles and cleaner for the same price as a rental.

Usually airport pick ups they have the car there waiting for you in longterm parking. Keys r in a lock box attached to the car.

 

[bmacpoker]

Does the host just meet you at the airport (or wherever) at the time you specify?

Every time I've ever done it, they have a specified pickup location and the car has a lockbox with the key. I've never met a host before. It's really a lot like an airbnb but with a car. When you drop off, you just return the key to the box and affix to a window.

 

[bmacpoker]

I will say in Kona I had a tad inconvenience with it, their pickup location was on a road and not at the airport (probably rather difficult for them) so I needed to get a taxi to the location.

 

[JeepologyOffroad]

Does the host just meet you at the airport (or wherever) at the time you specify?

Not usually. Depends on the listing. And even if they do they just hand you the keys and you go.

 

[Beakertwang]

Not usually. Depends on the listing. And even if they do they just hand you the keys and you go.

So we don't get a new friend to hang out with on our trip?

 

[doublebooyah85]

So we don't get a new friend to hang out with on our trip?

Sometimes you do have to take them home or even uber to their house from the airport. Be sure to read the listing.

 

[philhut]

We’re planning a trip. Just curious about Turo instead of going through one of the big rental companies. Looks like you can save money, but my wife is worried about the trustworthiness of the hosts.

Anyone have experience with this, good or bad? Tips and tricks appreciated.

I am currently in Los Angeles on vacation and rented a mustang convertible on Turo....my experience so far it great.

- regular rental companies are very confusing and everyone is reviewed seemed to have "additional " fees which i couldn't predict before renting the car.
- I picked up my car easily at the airport from a rental lot, saw knowone except texting the host on the App at arrival time and they sent me the car location. Car was gassed up and off i went.
- my only negative is that the car listed having GPS, it has cell phone enabled pairing that uses your cell phone to use the GPS. As a Canadian i don't have local data so the GPS doesn't work....... makes for some interesting detours lol.

You can arguably get a nicer car on TURO than you will get from Avis or Budget etc... I priced out a Volkswagen Jetta and/or Hyundai Sonata at roughly the same (and sometimes more given the ? fees).

I would definitely look at Turo as an option in the future.
- I got discounts for booking early and 10 days use also came with a 5+ days discount. The discounts seem to vary from host to host so you need to look at a several listing's.

Good luck
I have this for $935 for 10 days with insurance

 

[Budha]

We’ve done it several times and had very good experiences!

 

[DirtyTIVA]

I know people who have used Turo to test drive stuff no car rental company will offer. All positive experiences so far.

 

[RocAFella1]

Be sure to take pictures of any potential damage that already exists in/on the car. I've used Turo a few times with mostly good experiences, except for the very first rental in Hawaii when the owner reported that I broke the AC vent adjuster. Was not expecting that at all after having a friendly chat with the owner when we met up for the return. After a lengthy phone call with customer service explaining that I had pictures of the exterior and the interior, but NOT of the AC vent adjuster that was broken when I received the car, they finally admitted that that was normal wear and tear. Who knew little plastic parts might break inside a black car in Hawaii?

 

[Beakertwang]

How do I find out how pickup/dropoff work? I’m going through checkout, but it never says anything specific. Do I book, then communicate with the host? I can’t seem to ask the host a question before booking, unless I’m missing something.

 

[doublebooyah85]

It should say airport pick up and even be a filter etc

 

[doublebooyah85]

Also most have free cancellations

 

[BamaT8ter]

How do I find out how pickup/dropoff work? I’m going through checkout, but it never says anything specific. Do I book, then communicate with the host? I can’t seem to ask the host a question before booking, unless I’m missing something.

Beaker: "Is this the google? Alexis, how do I find Toro rental cars on the Google?"

 

[Lil Tuna]

How do I find out how pickup/dropoff work? I’m going through checkout, but it never says anything specific. Do I book, then communicate with the host? I can’t seem to ask the host a question before booking, unless I’m missing something.

Best thing to do is use the Turo App. It will take you through a step by step process.
I didn’t have any communication with my host till pick up and drop off.

Once you find a vehicle to rent and it’s available for the days you want, you’ll just get a confirmation notice.
Sometime shortly before pick up the host will send you instructions on where the vehicle is and how to get entry.
Usually a combination lockbox attached to the vehicle with the keys inside.

You’ll take pictures of the exterior and interior and submit them on the app. This is to cover you for any preexisting damages. You’ll do the same when you return the vehicle.
It’s a very simple process, doesn’t take long at all and my entire experience was a breeze. I’ll use Turo again in the future.
Below is the Lexus I rented on my Florida trip a few weeks ago.
Was about $90 a day with full coverage insurance and all taxes and fees.

 

[CraigT78]

I've stumbled upon the Turo subreddit. Horror stories. I'd personally never use it. YMMV.

 

[DirtyTIVA]

I've stumbled upon the Turo subreddit. Horror stories. I'd personally never use it. YMMV.

The horror stories I hear are from the owners. Woman put gasoline in a Porsche’s motor oil intake. It’s a wonder anyone Turo’s their car unless they absolutely despise it.

 

[ekricket]

The horror stories I hear are from the owners. Woman put gasoline in a Porsche’s motor oil intake. It’s a wonder anyone Turo’s their car unless they absolutely despise it.

Cleans all the funk out of the engine

 

[CraigT78]

The horror stories I hear are from the owners. Woman put gasoline in a Porsche’s motor oil intake. It’s a wonder anyone Turo’s their car unless they absolutely despise it.

I travel frequently. I wouldn't use turo for the simple fact that if something went wrong, it's unlikely there is a backup rental available.

And yes, many of the horror stories are from owners, but like the Airbnb subreddit many of the posts are "How can I charge my customer more" type of posts. It's a big #NOPE for me.

 

[RocAFella1]

Below is the Lexus I rented on my Florida trip a few weeks ago.

Complimentary nail in the sidewall upgrade!

 

[BirdCage]

Just not worth it. I've attempted booking via Turo several times and the hassle of pickups/meeting owner plus extra costs, fees and rules just don't add up.

I often travel to locations with larger airports where Hertz has Ultimate Choice. You just walk past all the rental lines into the garage and select any car in the category (or below) they've listed you in on the monitor - Gold, 5 Star, President's Circle, etc. Show your license to the gate agent on the way out of the garage and you're off. Drop offs are just drop and walk away. Grace periods up to 1 hour on returns.

I've paid $35 to $45 per day for my last 20+ rentals via Hertz, inclusive of everything except gas/electricity. Options included Volvos, Mustangs, VWs, Buicks, Chevys, Polestars, Kias, Fords, GMC's, F150's, etc. Really tough to beat.

Expert tip: Shop Hertz rates via AAA, AARP, Expedia, Marriott, etc. - and include your Hertz number on the reservation.

 

[CraigT78]

Just not worth it. I've attempted booking via Turo several times and the hassle of pickups/meeting owner plus extra costs, fees and rules just don't add up.

I often travel to locations with larger airports where Hertz has Ultimate Choice. You just walk past all the rental lines into the garage and select any car in the category (or below) they've listed you in on the monitor - Gold, 5 Star, President's Circle, etc. Show your license to the gate agent on the way out of the garage and you're off. Drop offs are just drop and walk away. Grace periods up to 1 hour on returns.

I've paid $35 to $45 per day for my last 20+ rentals via Hertz, inclusive of everything except gas/electricity. Options included Volvos, Mustangs, VWs, Buicks, Chevys, Polestars, Kias, Fords, GMC's, F150's, etc. Really tough to beat.

Expert tip: Shop Hertz rates via AAA, AARP, Expedia, Marriott, etc. - and include your Hertz number on the reservation.

Pro tip - most car insurance companies have a partner rate code with rental car companies.