by Tony Rushin
My car was in the body shop way too long and my insurance coverage for a rental car ran out. I was looking for a less-expensive alternative for temporary transportation when I remembered Turo.
Turo is basically Airbnb or VRBO for cars. From the Turo website: “Skip the rental counter: Discover the world’s largest car sharing marketplace.”
When I discovered Turo several years ago I thought it was a place you go to rent cars you wouldn’t otherwise have the budget to experience. Indeed, there are several cars on Turo in Atlanta that serve the high-end market:
However, when my car was in the shop too long I was looking for cheap, reliable, basic transportation. To my surprise, Turo had the low-end covered too:
Besides the car and price there are other things that can help you choose the right car for your needs including: host rating, # of trips, specific pickup location (pickup is free; if you want the car delivered to you there is a fee), # of miles included in the price (and the price / mile if you go over). All cars have free cancellation as long as you provide 24 hours notice.
There is one “hidden fee” and that’s the Trip Fee. This is a Turo fee that is variable based on the price the owner has set (it was $5.25 for the Chevy Spark; $31.25 for the Alfa Romeo). There is also a Young Driver fee if you are between 18-24. Other than that any charges are optional: delivery, pre-paid fuel, post-trip cleaning, etc (hosts set their own price for the extras). There is no sales tax (unless the state you live in insists).
Next time you need wheels – or want to surprise someone with an Alfa Romeo for a day – check out Turo. And if you decide to be the first person to rent the Crown Vic, let me know how it goes!
Tony, I have a client that actually is in this business on the side….. He is also an attorney. Great article!