Turo - the AirBnB of car rentals (1 Viewer)

[beef]

Anyone ever use Turo or have any stories to share?  They look like the AirBnB version of car rentals.  Never heard of them before until I started searching car rentals.

Heading to Orlando/Disney/Cocoa Beach area and thinking of trying out a Turo car rental instead of the usuals.  Some pretty cool vehicles in the Orlando area.  

 

[gianmarco]

Anyone ever use Turo or have any stories to share?  They look like the AirBnB version of car rentals.  Never heard of them before until I started searching car rentals.

Heading to Orland/Disney/Cocoa Beach area and thinking of trying out a Turo car rental instead of the usuals.  Some pretty cool vehicles in the Orland area.  

I've used it once.  It went well.  Saved $$.  Would recommend.

 

[ManOfSteelhead]

Anyone ever use Turo or have any stories to share?  They look like the AirBnB version of car rentals.  Never heard of them before until I started searching car rentals.

Heading to Orland/Disney/Cocoa Beach area and thinking of trying out a Turo car rental instead of the usuals.  Some pretty cool vehicles in the Orland area.  

Used it last summer in over priced Alaska. I echo the sentiment that it went smoothly and we saved hundreds. 

 

[AcerFC]

Used it in Hawaii. Was great. When I dropped it off, the guy was home and offered to drive me to the airport. He was shirtless and working in the yard. I told him I’ll grab an Uber. 

 

[NutterButter]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread.  I'm going to Phoenix next week and didn't even consider this.   Looks like a lot of good options.   

 

[beef]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread.  I'm going to Phoenix next week and didn't even consider this.   Looks like a lot of good options.   

My M&F in-law just got back from Phoenix/Mesa.  They rented a car for 2 weeks and it was over $1000 for something pretty basic.    

 

[NutterButter]

My M&F in-law just got back from Phoenix/Mesa.  They rented a car for 2 weeks and it was over $1000 for something pretty basic.    

I'm looking at 680 for 8 days for a nissan rouge.  I need the cargo space to haul my mountain bike.   Was looking at 860 from Costco.   Sounds like rental prices are still pretty bonkers.  

 

[CGRdrJoe]

used it last year in phoenix and rented a mini van, was only $180 for 3 days. doing the same thing next month in vegas and saving hundreds by using it.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

just looked, 5 days for $366 for a 2016 dodge caravan. we get a 1000 miles over that time but won’t come near that. headed out to mesquite to play golf and the minivan handles all our clubs perfectly

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I've used it a couple of times on ski trips since you can get cars with snow tires and 4wd and ski racks with little to no mark-up, whereas those things are INSANELY expensive if not completely unavailable at traditional car rental places.

Good experiences so far.

 

[culdeus]

There's an FBG that has nudes of the Avis ceo or something that can get you an insane deal with them.  That's the only thing I've seen cheaper than turo.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

There's an FBG that has nudes of the Avis ceo or something that can get you an insane deal with them.  That's the only thing I've seen cheaper than turo.

It’s gotta be video. I sent him a buncha beer and tshirts. Unreal. 

 

[soothsayer]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread.  I'm going to Phoenix next week and didn't even consider this.   Looks like a lot of good options.   

I just rented a Turo in PHX. Def cheaper than a rental agency would have been. Have rented with Turo once before (Vegas). Both experiences were good.

One thing to be aware of during the rental process is you almost certainly need to purchase the insurance offered (you determine which level). Most car insurers do not cover Turo rentals (as they don't classify Turo as a rental agency - or some wordplay like that).  Whether Turo ends up being cheaper or not really depends on the location and current market - sometimes it is and other it is not.

You also need to factor in the hassle of going to the Car Rental company location (is it at the airport, is it off-site, etc.) and compare that to where your Turo rental would be picked up/dropped off. In the case of my car in PHX, it was parked at an off-site airport parking facility. So I had to get on their free shuttle to the parking lot then do check-in there on the app. It was easy enough.

 

[gianmarco]

One thing to be aware of during the rental process is you almost certainly need to purchase the insurance offered (you determine which level). Most car insurers do not cover Turo rentals (as they don't classify Turo as a rental agency - or some wordplay like that). 

I have State Farm and I called them up prior to using Turo.  They said it was covered and not a concern at all.  So, not all of them cover it but some do.  I would just check with your own first.

 

[Ron Swanson]

I used it to rent a Mach E for the day since the dealers had none available for test drive. Worked great. I've looked at using it for travel a couple times though and I've never been able to beat the rates I get from Avis with my USAA discount.

 

[NutterButter]

I just rented a Turo in PHX. Def cheaper than a rental agency would have been. Have rented with Turo once before (Vegas). Both experiences were good.

One thing to be aware of during the rental process is you almost certainly need to purchase the insurance offered (you determine which level). Most car insurers do not cover Turo rentals (as they don't classify Turo as a rental agency - or some wordplay like that).  Whether Turo ends up being cheaper or not really depends on the location and current market - sometimes it is and other it is not.

You also need to factor in the hassle of going to the Car Rental company location (is it at the airport, is it off-site, etc.) and compare that to where your Turo rental would be picked up/dropped off. In the case of my car in PHX, it was parked at an off-site airport parking facility. So I had to get on their free shuttle to the parking lot then do check-in there on the app. It was easy enough.

Not sure if that technically still applies , but my credit card (chase sapphire) covers liability and theft for rentals.  As far as pickup, the owner is meeting me at the terminal for pickup/drop-off.  Its a $65 fee and I'm usually pretty frugal but I'm really liking the convenience.     

 

[beef]

Not sure if that technically still applies , but my credit card (chase sapphire) covers liability and theft for rentals.  As far as pickup, the owner is meeting me at the terminal for pickup/drop-off.  Its a $65 fee and I'm usually pretty frugal but I'm really liking the convenience.     

Same here.  Being picked up and dropped off at the terminal for an additional $65 too.  The reviews I read from others that used this Host and had them meet at the terminal said it was better and faster than going with an onsight rental car.  

 

[beef]

I don't need anything big or luxurious so I went with the a Honda Civic Sport through Turo.  Thought about going with a Tesla but decided against it since I'm unfamiliar with charging stations in the area. 

I did buy the Standard insurance coverage for $69 ($500 max out of pocket).  Didn't think to check with my credit card.  USAA would only cover me for liability, and not collision/comprehensive.  They would cover me for everything if I used one of their rental car companies they have a pact with and booked through USAA.  J-offs..

I also added a $40 gas option so I don't need to fill up on my way back.  Probably plenty of places to fill up around MCO-Orlando, but at current fuel costs that didn't seem like a bad deal and one less thing to worry about.  Might not even need to fill up during the week either since the car has about a 400 mile range on a full tank.  

So after the $65 dropoff/pickup fee, $69 for extra insurance, and $40 for prepaid gas, Turo is still $150 cheaper than Budget/Avis/Hertz and booking through USAA.  And I'm using compact Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa car rental costs as a comparison.  I'm a truck & minivan guy so I know nothing about these small cars, but that Civic Sport looks way cooler.  

Edit:  Forgot to mention the Turo car includes a FL tolls speed pass at no extra charge.  That's got to be worth a few more bucks too.   

 

[TLEF316]

So are these actual people renting out their personal vehicles or is this more of a little side hustle kinda thing where people own a couple of extra cars that they rent out?

I know everyone's financial situation is different,(some people REALLY need an extra couple of hundred bucks a month to make ends meet. I get that)  but I can't imagine why anyone would rent out their personal vehicle to a total stranger.  Even if any sort of accident would be covered by insurance, that just seems like completely unnecessary stress just for $65 bucks a day (or whatever they're making)

Dont even get me started on AirBnb. Strangers staying in my home like its a hotel. YIKES.

 

[gianmarco]

So are these actual people renting out their personal vehicles or is this more of a little side hustle kinda thing where people own a couple of extra cars that they rent out?

I know everyone's financial situation is different,(some people REALLY need an extra couple of hundred bucks a month to make ends meet. I get that)  but I can't imagine why anyone would rent out their personal vehicle to a total stranger.  Even if any sort of accident would be covered by insurance, that just seems like completely unnecessary stress just for $65 bucks a day (or whatever they're making)

Dont even get me started on AirBnb. Strangers staying in my home like its a hotel. YIKES.

I think most are getting a vehicle and renting it out. Just a few days should cover a monthly payment for most cars.

 

[beef]

The host I'm going through has multiple cars and looks like this might be more than a side hustle.   One of the other hosts I was looking at had a decent commercial sized garage with a detailing station.  These All-Star Hosts seem to be very serious about this.  Just like some AirBnB folks.   

 

[TLEF316]

The host I'm going through has multiple cars and looks like this might be more than a side hustle.   One of the other hosts I was looking at had a decent commercial sized garage with a detailing station.  These All-Star Hosts seem to be very serious about this.  Just like some AirBnB folks.   

I mean....if that's the case...good for them.  That makes a lot more sense then just having someone show up and take your personal Corolla for a few days so you can make 150 bucks (which is what I guess I wrongly assumed this was)

 

[beef]

Dont even get me started on AirBnb. Strangers staying in my home like its a hotel. YIKES.

I wouldn't do it for a house I lived in either.  Vacation home I would though.  And that's what most of the AirBnB's I'm familiar with are like.  No one actually ever "lives" in it.  These are Northern WI cabins, lake houses, vacation homes, that sort of stuff.  Not really any different than VRBO's or some corporation that bought up a former resort and rents them out.  My experience is very limited here though.

 

[the moops]

Have used Turo probably 7 or 8 times. Abroad as well as here in the states. Never had an issue and will continue to use it and avoid car rental agencies.

Most recently got a Tesla for 80 bucks a day down in Phoenix. Have gotten 4WD vehicles, minivans, and sedans.

It has morphed into less of a "I have a 10 year old Celica that I don't drive might as well make 100 bucks off it" and more of "I own a used car dealership or I am going to invest and buy/rent 1/2 dozen cars" thing. The guy I got the Tesla from has 4 or 5 I think. I am not sure how profitable it is, for Turo takes between 40%-70% off the top, but I suppose if it pays for the car payment and adds a little extra cash to your pocket to offset the drop off hassle, then I guess it is a worthwhile investment?

 

[[icon]]

Used it in Hawaii. Was great. When I dropped it off, the guy was home and offered to drive me to the airport. He was shirtless and working in the yard. I told him I’ll grab an Uber. 

You've seen that movie too, eh?

 

[beef]

I used it to rent a Mach E for the day since the dealers had none available for test drive. Worked great. I've looked at using it for travel a couple times though and I've never been able to beat the rates I get from Avis with my USAA discount.

I have USAA too, and I was really disappointed with the "special" rates Avis and Budget had.  Do you have to sign up for something extra, promo code, or anything?  Unless I was missing a step, none of it was any better than what Expedia listed.  I've never really found any USAA perk to be worth it though.  But admit I may not be using it right.         

 

[soothsayer]

I have State Farm and I called them up prior to using Turo.  They said it was covered and not a concern at all.  So, not all of them cover it but some do.  I would just check with your own first.

I have State Farm and was told they would not cover a Turo rental. Now I need to call my agent again. Ugh.

 

[gianmarco]

I have State Farm and was told they would not cover a Turo rental. Now I need to call my agent again. Ugh.

Not a perfect source, but a couple others confirming the same I was told.

FWIW, our State Farm rep/agent is fantastic.  If she tells me I'm covered, I trust it completely. 

 

[TLEF316]

Not a perfect source, but a couple others confirming the same I was told.

FWIW, our State Farm rep/agent is fantastic.  If she tells me I'm covered, I trust it completely. 

I mean....if she's wrong, her E&O coverage should step in to cover your loss. That's why they have it.

She's a licensed professional. Its her responsibility to be right.  As an underwriter on the carrier side, my suggestion(to individual people)  is ALWAYS have your broker answer coverage questions in writing. If they can't do that (because they dont understand the coverage), find a new broker. Many of them (not all. There are plenty of very knowledgeable brokers)  are just sales people that dont understand the contract. That's a problem.

During my underwriting training, lesson #1 was NEVER ANSWER HYPOTHETICAL coverage questions. (no good can come of it. All you're doing is opening the company up to additional liability if you're wrong)   Its the broker's job to review their client's policy and advise them on what would and would not be covered (pre-claim). That's why they make commission. Its their responsibility to know the contract, not just sell it to you.   Once a claim happens....then it becomes the claims department's job.

 

[NutterButter]

Have used Turo probably 7 or 8 times. Abroad as well as here in the states. Never had an issue and will continue to use it and avoid car rental agencies.

Most recently got a Tesla for 80 bucks a day down in Phoenix. Have gotten 4WD vehicles, minivans, and sedans.

It has morphed into less of a "I have a 10 year old Celica that I don't drive might as well make 100 bucks off it" and more of "I own a used car dealership or I am going to invest and buy/rent 1/2 dozen cars" thing. The guy I got the Tesla from has 4 or 5 I think. I am not sure how profitable it is, for Turo takes between 40%-70% off the top, but I suppose if it pays for the car payment and adds a little extra cash to your pocket to offset the drop off hassle, then I guess it is a worthwhile investment?

Is that how it works?  In addition to the daily rate, there's also a trip fee of $5.73/day.  I was thinking that was Turo's cut.   

 

[Summer Wheat]

So are these actual people renting out their personal vehicles or is this more of a little side hustle kinda thing where people own a couple of extra cars that they rent out?

I know everyone's financial situation is different,(some people REALLY need an extra couple of hundred bucks a month to make ends meet. I get that)  but I can't imagine why anyone would rent out their personal vehicle to a total stranger.  Even if any sort of accident would be covered by insurance, that just seems like completely unnecessary stress just for $65 bucks a day (or whatever they're making)

Dont even get me started on AirBnb. Strangers staying in my home like its a hotel. YIKES.

I know a guy who has a new loaded Chevy Tahoe.   He rents it out 5-6-7 days a month.  Pays his note and insurance in full.  When all is said and done he hopes to own a 50K vehicle in 4-5 years without any out of pocket money into it. Also uses it to drive people for airport pickup and dropoffs and driving people to concerts or whatever. 40 dollars each way for airport within 30 miles.

 

[jb1020]

I've only used them one time and it was a bad experience.  I don't consider it to be the norm, and I would use it again.  

Went to Palm Springs 2 years ago and rented a Tesla thru Turo.  I had one so It wasn't anything new.  Guy said he would have it waiting for me at the airport.   Guy spoke very little English.  He showed up about 45 minutes late and the battery on the Tesla was at about 10% when he dropped it off.  I didn't get much of an explanation out of him due to the language barrier. 

We let the car charge a bit at the airport and decide to go into town and leave it on the super charger and grab lunch.  I wanted a full charge and then be done.  Get to down town and there is a parade going on and we couldn't get to the Super Charger.  

We bail and said, screw it, let go tot the hotel, put the car up on their charger and relax.  Get to the hotel and all their over night chargers are down!  We have to limp back down to another super charger and kill some more time.  

For a quick, 3 day vacation our experience was a disaster.  Once we got a charge it was fine.  And if the owner had gotten it to us with a proper charge it would have been fine.  

Just don't get fancy and rent an EV. 

 

[beef]

Just don't get fancy and rent an EV. 

That's how I found Turo and why I was thinking of using them because I wanted to rent a Tesla.  Your story is exactly why I decided not to go with one though.  Sorry you had to go through that, but appreciate you sharing it.  I'd be so f'n pissed.  Also why I filtered All-Star hosts only so I could have a little added reassurance that it's more of a pro I'm working with.    

 

[jb1020]

That's how I found Turo and why I was thinking of using them because I wanted to rent a Tesla.  Your story is exactly why I decided not to go with one though.  Sorry you had to go through that, but appreciate you sharing it.  I'd be so f'n pissed.  Also why I filtered All-Star hosts only so I could have a little added reassurance that it's more of a pro I'm working with.    

Yeah, it sucked, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.  I think everything that went wrong for us could have.  If just one thing had been different it would have just been a minor inconvenience.    

And in my 2+ years of owning a Tesla that was the only time I haven't been able to get to a SC and the only time I've gone to a hotel with EV charging and it has not worked.  Done both dozens of times now without issue.  

 

[Ron Swanson]

I have USAA too, and I was really disappointed with the "special" rates Avis and Budget had.  Do you have to sign up for something extra, promo code, or anything?  Unless I was missing a step, none of it was any better than what Expedia listed.  I've never really found any USAA perk to be worth it though.  But admit I may not be using it right.         

You have to login to the Avis website with the Avis discount code from USAA and then validate your member number. I've found Avis rates to be substantially less than I can find elsewhere without the USAA discount. Hertz and others, not so much.  It may also be where I rent...

 

[the moops]

Just don't get fancy and rent an EV. 

That's how I found Turo and why I was thinking of using them because I wanted to rent a Tesla.  Your story is exactly why I decided not to go with one though.  Sorry you had to go through that, but appreciate you sharing it.  I'd be so f'n pissed.  Also why I filtered All-Star hosts only so I could have a little added reassurance that it's more of a pro I'm working with.  

Car rental agenicies are pretty terrible themselves. I would much prefer to take my chances with Turo knowing that the guy renting you the car needs a good review more so than the rental agency

 

[Beef Ravioli]

I have State Farm and was told they would not cover a Turo rental. Now I need to call my agent again. Ugh.

Please report back as I am a State Farmer and was looking to rent a Turo convertible for a day or two in May while in Myrtle Beach. 

 

[Major]

Turo is nice option especially for the variety of vehicles available.   You can often get a really fun car to drive for the price of some compact Chevy at a typical rental lot.  And like AirBnb, your experience really depends on the host.  Look for people with good reviews and traction.  

 

[Helaire-ious]

Looked at it many times, but everything I am looking for is always stupid overpriced

 

[the moops]

Looked at it many times, but everything I am looking for is always stupid overpriced

This seems like an odd take. Rental agencies are charging like 100 bucks a day for their cheapest car these days. You can get a Tesla for that price on Turo, or still rent someone's Chevy Spark for like 25 bucks

 

[Major]

This seems like an odd take. Rental agencies are charging like 100 bucks a day for their cheapest car these days. You can get a Tesla for that price on Turo, or still rent someone's Chevy Spark for like 25 bucks

I often find it cheaper but probably has a lot to due to location and where you're picking up.   I really appreciate the service during vacations where you want something nice to drive instead of a generic convertible or SUV. 

 

[flapgreen]

Looked at it many times, but everything I am looking for is always stupid overpriced

This was my experience. Was going to use it in Kauai because all the rentals were sold out, but one came available at the last minute. Was way more expensive than the car rental places. Might be different elsewhere 

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Checking out convertibles on Turo for an upcoming trip where we want to take one day to do a coastal drive (one day rental). One option that came up was a Polaris Slingshot. Anyone ever ride one? Comfortable? Difficult to drive? Etc? 

 

[[icon]]

Checking out convertibles on Turo for an upcoming trip where we want to take one day to do a coastal drive (one day rental). One option that came up was a Polaris Slingshot. Anyone ever ride one? Comfortable? Difficult to drive? Etc? 

Slingshot is closer to a Jazzed up go-cart than a full on sedan... but reportedly they are a LOT of fun to drive on twisty, scenic roads.

I wouldn't want to take one on a long straight freeway trip as that type of riding is tiring in an open air vehicle (learned this in a jeep).  I'd also want to look into luggage space, if needed. 

So... 400 miles of freeway? Probably avoid. 
100-200 miles of winding scenic coastal highway in a "good weather" climate? Absolutely. 

 

[DA RAIDERS]

whenever i have looked, turo has been similarly or higher priced than hotwire or whatnot.   i've gotten lucky renting the biggest suvs on hotwire, 60% or more discounted.  when the wife and I went to ATL last year we got one for the same price as a midsize.  

and then there's our boy with the noooods of the avis ceo.  @culdeus   am i right??  

 

[Helaire-ious]

This seems like an odd take. Rental agencies are charging like 100 bucks a day for their cheapest car these days. You can get a Tesla for that price on Turo, or still rent someone's Chevy Spark for like 25 bucks

How is my real world experience an odd take? YMMV

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Just used Turo for the first time. It was really easy and seamless. I rented a 2023 platinum Pathfinder really nice car and the price was half of what a rental agency would have charged me. I would definitely do it again.

 

[the moops]

Just used Turo for the first time. It was really easy and seamless. I rented a 2023 platinum Pathfinder really nice car and the price was half of what a rental agency would have charged me. I would definitely do it again.

Yep. Only use Turo unless I am going one way and am not returning car to pickup location.

Car rental agencies are stuck in the early 2000's still. Why the hell the long lines? I already reserved the car and gave all the info. Why am I giving the same info to a lady typing on a computer from the 90's? Just give me the damn keys and let me be on my way.

Compared to Turo. Car is parked in the daily fee lot with a prepaid parking ticket. Keys are in the car. Owner texts me a pic of where in in the lot the car is. I get off the plane, grab my bags, walk to the car and leave. Easy

 

[NutterButter]

Just used Turo for the first time. It was really easy and seamless. I rented a 2023 platinum Pathfinder really nice car and the price was half of what a rental agency would have charged me. I would definitely do it again.

Yep. Only use Turo unless I am going one way and am not returning car to pickup location.

Car rental agencies are stuck in the early 2000's still. Why the hell the long lines? I already reserved the car and gave all the info. Why am I giving the same info to a lady typing on a computer from the 90's? Just give me the damn keys and let me be on my way.

Compared to Turo. Car is parked in the daily fee lot with a prepaid parking ticket. Keys are in the car. Owner texts me a pic of where in in the lot the car is. I get off the plane, grab my bags, walk to the car and leave. Easy

I might need to splurge for this. I usually uber to the car to avoid the airport fee. I guess it saves me about 40 bucks but it is a bit of a hassle.

 

[the moops]

Just used Turo for the first time. It was really easy and seamless. I rented a 2023 platinum Pathfinder really nice car and the price was half of what a rental agency would have charged me. I would definitely do it again.

Yep. Only use Turo unless I am going one way and am not returning car to pickup location.

Car rental agencies are stuck in the early 2000's still. Why the hell the long lines? I already reserved the car and gave all the info. Why am I giving the same info to a lady typing on a computer from the 90's? Just give me the damn keys and let me be on my way.

Compared to Turo. Car is parked in the daily fee lot with a prepaid parking ticket. Keys are in the car. Owner texts me a pic of where in in the lot the car is. I get off the plane, grab my bags, walk to the car and leave. Easy

I might need to splurge for this. I usually uber to the car to avoid the airport fee. I guess it saves me about 40 bucks but it is a bit of a hassle.

Thing is you don't need to splurge. In my experience it has been at worst the same price as rental agencies, and most times way cheaper.