Hi there-

New to the forum, but what I've seen so far has been extremely helpful!

I reserved a Prius for a week in PHX and I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the car comes with options, or is it stripped down and basic? I'm renting the car for the novelty of driving it, not for gas mileage, so if there is a better option/recommendation as to what I should rent, then let me know.

This is on my company rate so unfortunately, the only way I can rent anything other than a mid/full size is if I pay for it, or if Hertz upgrades me - which I have found to be difficult in Phoenix more so than other places.

Oh yeah, in case it matters, I'm a Gold Member as well...

Thanks,
Mike

 

I've rented several and they always only come with Package #1. It's a crappy car to drive, unless you like soulless appliances.

 

Oh, really?!?!?

I thought it might be a "cool" car to drive for a week. Someone told me that they came with back-up cameras and nav, but I wasnt sure...

If not the Prius, any good experiences with other cars - anything other than a vette to that will get the blood flowing? I drive a Navigator and the wife has a Maxima to give you an idea of what I'm used to. That's why I try to get something other than the bland Impalas and Crown Vic's, or the mundane Taurus's they used to have.

 

I have been driving a Prius for 8 years and the newer model one for the past 4 years. It is an ubbelievable techno car. It is not the most comfortable or agile car. If you are looking for a fast, high performance car, it is not for you. If you are looking for the experience of driving a technologically advanced car, go for it. You will be pleased with fuel efficiency, the roominess, quietness, and handling.
I drive the basic one with remote keyless entry. You don't need any other gadgets.

 

Thanks for the info, Gynob001! Have you rented one from Hertz? If so, are they adequately equipped, or any options worth noting?

Thanks again,
Mike

 

I've had a few from Hertz.

The 09 models have the backup camera but no nav. No fancy audio or bluetooth either.

It won't get your blood flowing, unless that is you like the novelty of the hybrid drive system (cool to watch on the screen as you drive) and quiet operation. Personally I actually like it as a rental car since it doesn't use much gas (nice for my employer and better for the environment) and watching the engine monitor is fun. But don't expect a great driving performance..

 

It's an ok car.. great gas mileage for trips. It can throw you off because it's so quiet when you start the car up at first.

Also of note- do not lose the key fob -- not only will not not be able to drive without it, the car has to be towed (the computer inside needs to be reprogrammed)..

No great pickup when I drove it on several occasions.

 

i was pleasantly surprised to discover a prius in my space once in atlanta. granted, my car at home is a prius, so i'm a little biased. the prius i got was the basic, no camera and no NAV.

they are great cars for the mileage, the geek factor, and they are far larger inside than they look from the outside. more cargo space than most suvs, in fact, if you fold the rear seats down.

 

I've gotten a few from hertz. Other than the gas mileage and the backup cam, nothing really special. They lack in power and aren't the most comfortable in my opinion.

Also, they can be difficult to figure out how to start if you have never started a push button. You have to have your foot on the brake. It really surprises me that Toyota doesn't have anything come on the display telling you this. My Altima has a push button and as soon as I sit in the car it tells me to push the brake.

I have shown a couple people in the garage how start them. Look for the ready light to come on, because you won't here the engine.

Overall they have a neat tech factor and are worth checking out for a rental if your curious, but are nothing special.

 

The OP is asking about the PHX location Prius models.

Models of cars across all locations will vary. It's not like a Camry at YYZ will necessarily be exactly like a Camry in DEN (some leather interior, some without key fob, etc.). In addition, locations themselves can and will have different variants of the same car.

So in order for anyone to accurately answer the OP's question, they will have to know PHX's Prius compliment.


Now in terms of the Prius in general, I enjoy getting this car for long drives since it saves a ton on gas. It's nice and quiet too.

 

it is a great opportunity to try and experience a fairly unique and iconic car. I'd definitely go for it.

 

The options actually depends on the rental company and location. Most if not all of them come with a rear camera.

I have driven over 12,000 miles on the freeway. I drive conservatively and often my fuel economy on freeway (not in freezing weather) exceeds 55 mph. In city, I average 50 to 55. In winter (in Columbus, OH) it drops to about 43-50. I haven't had any problems in the passing lane or entering the freeway.
In gusty winds, the car does quiver and understeers in wet conditions. The performance also depends on the tires. The goodyear tire that comes with Prius are good even in harsh weather, although low rated. On the other hand, the high performance, high rated tire that I just installed are terrible in icy conditions.
The wind noise is higher in Prius than most comparably priced automobiles.
Technology and high MPG have compromises.

 

Thanks to all for the advice/experiences - I think I'll keep the car for the week and let you all know my experience, unless I get a good upgrade. I've had good luck with upgrades at Hertz in ONT and JNA but no where else. Seems like PHX is very difficult, as every time I go, they barely have cars on the lot, and the ones that are left are usually high mileage...

Thanks again!
Mike

 

Wanted to update you all on my experience, not only with the Prius, but with Hertz as well. First, I must say that the novelty of driving the Prius wore off just after I handed the security guard my contract an license. Other than the perceived gas savings you get --or don't get-- I wouldn't ever consider renting this car again. Here are some of the pluses and minuses that I found:

+ Excellent head room (front and back)
+ Key less operation was cool (kept key in my pocket - that was cool)

- Very sluggish
- Dashboard design is very distracting
- Cheap feel of materials
- Blind spots galore
- Driver seat is very uncomfortable

Overall, this is a very awkward car, but I do understand that it has it's following, and a loyal one at that. Perhaps one that has more options will distract you from how uncomfortable the car really is.

Ok, now on to Hertz. While on my way to California, something came loose on the vehicle, and it started to make all kinds of noises. Also, after that happened, the car would shake pretty violently at around 60-65 MPH - so I decided to drive it to Ontario Airport and get the car replaced. When I got there and explained what happened, they asked if I could drive the vehicle for a couple of days and that they would get me a replacement as soon as one came in (mind you, the lot was full of cars). After much discourse, they switched the car out for a Mustang, which was nice, but they had lost the key fob and so I had to manually lock and unlock the doors and trunk...not that big of deal.

Anyway, to add insult to injury, I'm finally on my way back to Phoenix and I get pulled over just before the border for guess what? Expired plates!! Can my day/week get any better??

CHP let me go, and said that he sees that a lot with rental cars, and that I shouldn't have a problem getting to Phoenix.

I finally get to PHX to drop off the car and promptly spoke with the manager. He offered me the weekend for free and a brand new FX35 to boot - I accepted by the way...

I'm not sure whether or not to be angry since the problem was resolved without any additional cost on my part, but wow - this was like a National Lampoon Vacation movie for me...

I'm making the same trip next week so I called and spoke to the manager (who remembered me and the situation) - he said that he would take good care of me...I'll keep my fingers crossed!

 

Well, you can't say you didn't try something new, lol

The Prius is definately a "cult" car that has a distinct following. I work for Toyota but I echo a lot of your sentiments. I've found I have more legroom up front in a Corolla than the Prius. And yes, the performance is less than inspiring. Personally, as fuel economy goes, I would get a Jetta TDi if I were in the market for a fuel-miser. Much more of a driver's car, very torquey, and still reliably returns 45-50 mpg.

Sounds like despite the shortcomings they took decent care of you. The no key fob seems to be recurring theme with Hertz these days. How was the FX35?