Renting Before Buying: Where and Who? So, you're thinking about buying a hybrid car relatively soon, but you're not sure which one to get? One great option for people interested in buying a car is to get a hybrid rental car for a little while.
Renting a hybrid car can be relatively inexpensive, and will give you a better idea of what a given car feels like than that quick trip around the block with the dealer in the passenger seat.
Two of the most popular hybrid choices are the well known Toyota Prius, now in its third generation in Japan, and the Ford Escape.
Here's a look at both of them, and the rental process.
First, you're going to need to decide where to rent from.
If I were you, I'd check out Enterprise Rent A Car.
While hybrids cars are quite popular, you will be limited to a handful of agencies who rent hybrid cars.
Enterprise Rent A Car has not just the biggest rental fleet in the US, but also the largest selection of hybrids available for rent.
Currently, four thousand hybrid cars are available for rent across the country.
That increases the chance that you'll be able to try one out.
Every location is a little different, so be sure to call ahead to find out if your area Enterprise has the car for you.
I was able to find several available in my area without a problem, but some smaller Enterprise locations may not have what you're after.
Remember to ask, though - they may be willing to let you know of a nearby location that does have the Prius or Escape hybrid you'd like to test.
Types of Hybrid Cars Available for Rent The Prius is a great car for people who don't want a lot of vehicle, but still like to have some space.
Surprisingly roomy inside for such a snub-nosed little vehicle, the Toyota Prius offers plenty of cargo space in its hatchback trunk, and enough room to seat four comfortably inside, or five with a little squishing.
The advertised gas mileage is impressive, but you should remember that the actual mileage you get depends on how you drive.
Sedate drivers who allow lots of time for acceleration and stopping will get better results.
How about the Escape? It's a vehicle in a completely different class - literally.
This hybrid SUV is one of the few around, and offers a spacious inside and stylish outside.
It also gets the highest gas mileage of any hybrid SUV on the market, though just like the Prius, you'll have to drive it right.
Performance for the Escape is a little lower than the V6 version, but higher than the four cylinder type.
You can expect fuel efficiency in the 30 mpg range - excellent for an SUV.
This is a larger vehicle, but might be just right for big families or people who need to carry a lot of equipment regularly.
Either way, renting gives us the ability to check out a hybrid before we buy.
It takes a little time to get used to the look and feel of a hybrid, and that turns many people off when they take their test drive with the dealer.
But it doesn't have to! Driving a hybrid isn't all that different from driving a regular car, once you get used to it.
So, if you're considering a Ford Escape hybrid or a Toyota Prius, be sure to rent one before you buy.
The extra time to experience what the car has to offer could make your decision easier.
I know it made mine a lot simpler.