[Merlin_83]

Hello,

I was thinking of using Turo, for the first time when my wife and I go down to parents' weekend in SoCal next month. I've used Hertz for over a decade, and am a Gold Member, but they rarely have trucks in San Diego. I found a couple of really nice GMC trucks and Toyota Tundras I could rent, even meet us at KSAN too.

But are there any 'gotcha's'? Or does anyone here use Turo, and like the experience?

Cheers,
Merlin

[Alfisti]

Iv'e used it a couple of times, it's been good and fairly priced with the big hassle being location. One needs to meet up somewhere convenient for both parties or it gets expensive quickly. Also credit cards don't cover it like a rental company, the rules are REALLY grey from most credit cards, so you need their insurance and it is EXPENSIVE.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Who would use a rental car company nowadays!?
Only those who have stocks in those companies like National, Hertz, and Enterprise… looking to have a positive discussion

Just get an AirBNB that comes with the car you want. Whatever the question, AirBNB is the answer, apparently.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Who would use a rental car company nowadays!?
Only those who have stocks in those companies like National, Hertz, and Enterprise… looking to have a positive discussion

I prefer rental companies.

Convenient airport locations, easy pickup/drop off. Faster, etc. They won't cancel last minute because of service or last renter like Turo hosts do.

Also credit cards cover insurance and they don't cover Turo.

Turo pricing used to be better but not anymore unless you rent a beater.

I've priced it out several times but could never make it work so I stick to rentals now.

[Esteban]

I've seen a couple of Turo commercials on TV; one where a Porsche 911 is rented, and another where a guy rents a classic VW Microbus. So isn't it trying to advertise itself as a different kind of car rental? If you're looking for a particular kind of car.

[Alfisti]

Yeah i used it twice to rent big power convertibles for shits and giggles before i bought my 997. I wouldn't use it for rent a Malibu.

I rented this GT, was a ton of fun if heavy.

[spazzyfry123]

It seems like a cool option if you're looking to try out a specific car or have a special event that an atypical car can be beneficial.

But for usual travel that requires a rental (typically a flight in), the convenience of a rental company definitely wins for me. Get off the plane and go right to my rental car VS having to coordinate a pick up location with "some dude."

[wtwo3]

I use Turo all the time, but mainly because I want to rent something nice (usually).

Here's my rental history:

2011 BMW M3
2015 Mercedes C300
2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
2018 Mercedes E43 amg
2018 Tesla Model 3 performance
2013 Volvo S60
2019 BMW X7
2020 Lexus ES350
2018 Porsche Macan GTS
2014 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

Going in if I knew I was planning to rent an economy type car, I'd probably just stick with traditional rental agency unless Turo was significantly cheaper.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

It seems like a cool option if you're looking to try out a specific car or have a special event that an atypical car can be beneficial.

Originally Posted by Esteban

So isn't it trying to advertise itself as a different kind of car rental? If you're looking for a particular kind of car.

Yes, and yes.

The only use that I personally have for a service like Turo would be to rent an exact or similar vehicle to one that I'm considering for purchase. I'm actually debating the purchase of a high-roof Mercedes Sprinter van as a replacement for our Mighty Dodge road trip vehicle right now, but would really like to spend a few days with one and get the feel for how it handles after a few hours on the highway and for a trip to the big-box store.

All of the car rental places in our area have the corporate "or similar class car" on their booking sites. It is darn near impossible to book an exact/similar car to spend time with it, and *nobody* has Sprinters in their regional rental fleet. Turo has a few nearby, so that's the only reason that I would even sign up for an account with them.....

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Well you’re just ignorant; I was hoping for some opinions.

Everything I said was factual or my opinion.

You are entitled to yours.

[br438]

I've used it. It's been good, but I am VIGILANT about the owner, the vehicle, and the process (pics of any little detail, dirt inside, ashes, etc. Read reviews and looks for clues.

Insurance is a thing - check with yours, check with your CC company, find out specific answers on your coverage for what you want to rent.

I think I've only used it in LA - where it is pretty commonly used. I've rented a Wrangler Rubicon, a 4 series Cab, and an SQ8. - the owners of the 4 series and SQ8 were amazing renters. Still - I am wary of doing it again.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

It seems like a cool option if you're looking to try out a specific car or have a special event that an atypical car can be beneficial.

But for usual travel that requires a rental (typically a flight in), the convenience of a rental company definitely wins for me. Get off the plane and go right to my rental car VS having to coordinate a pick up location with "some dude."

Depending on the location - the host will either leave the car at the airport or even 'touchless' is available depending on the car.

Most rental car places have very long lines

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by tdott

I prefer rental companies.

Convenient airport locations, easy pickup/drop off. Faster, etc. They won't cancel last minute because of service or last renter like Turo hosts do.

Also credit cards cover insurance and they don't cover Turo.

Turo pricing used to be better but not anymore unless you rent a beater.

I've priced it out several times but could never make it work so I stick to rentals now.

To me turo only makes sense if you want to take a flyer on an interesting car. If youre just needing more standard transportation youre always better off with a big rental company. They maintain their own fleet (usually turn them over). Have convenient locations. Have insurance.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Most rental car places have very long lines

Huh? Are you just showing up without a booking? Whenever Ive rented from the airport (or even an urban location) they have it prepped. The airport ones you see a board with your name and location. You go to the car and show someone your ID on the way out. For the strip mall locations you come in, they hand you a key, and point you to your car.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by ryan stewart

To me turo only makes sense if you want to take a flyer on an interesting car. If youre just needing more standard transportation youre always better off with a big rental company. They maintain their own fleet (usually turn them over). Have convenient locations. Have insurance.

Agreed.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by ryan stewart

Huh? Are you just showing up without a booking? Whenever Ive rented from the airport (or even an urban location) they have it prepped. The airport ones you see a board with your name and location. You go to the car and show someone your ID on the way out. For the strip mall locations you come in, they hand you a key, and point you to your car.

Yep. I travel a decent amount and I wouldn’t be able to tell you the last time I encountered a line to get a car.

[tdott]

Because of this, I was looking at Turo again for an upcoming trip.

Saw something I'd spend more for than a normal rental, but then saw this:

[ryan stewart]

Uhh, yeah. I wouldnt be booking with someone like that. They are treating like they drive for Uber or something "Oh, I dont need the car today, maybe I can make some money off of it."

If Im flying into someplace they had better have my damned car, hell or high water.

[Theruleslawyer]

I'd treat Turo like I would a shady rental car company. Extensive pics and video at pick up and drop off. Make sure you take pics of tread. I've heard some horror stories of damage and cleaning fees, but regular car companies do that too. Turo has a mix of people just like aribnb. Some are essentially running an unliscenced rental agency off it. Others are just renting a personal car.

[Alfisti]

The ones running a rental company are better in my experience. They know what they are doing and don't cancel.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

I'm actually debating the purchase of a high-roof Mercedes Sprinter van as a replacement for our Mighty Dodge road trip vehicle right now, but would really like to spend a few days with one and get the feel for how it handles after a few hours on the highway and for a trip to the big-box store.

What's with the high-roof and traveling? My wife keeps seeing these thinking it would be good as a retirement/travel the country choice. "Why do we need the high roof?" (she's 5'-nothing, if I stand REALLY straight I can cross 5'10")

She also keeps looking at the Ford version (she doesn't know any better) but those look SOOO unstable, especially if we were to drive thru the desert Northwest and find any wind.

So now we're back toward a conversion van!! Shag, baby!!!!!!

[Alfisti]

Aussies call it a sandman