Unusual Travel: Toyota Dealership Rental Car Review

Since the pandemic began, rental cars, like many other common and luxury goods and services, have experienced shortages as more Americans are vaccinated and ready to return to travel. Vehicle shortages have made rental car prices skyrocket.

We experienced this first-hand when planning our trip to Coastal Maine. Rental cars were almost double pre-pandemic prices with daily rates averaging $100+. After some Googling, I found that some Toyota dealerships now offer rental cars. Based on the prices online, it seemed like a much more affordable option than their large rental car competitors. Here’s my Toyota rental car review:

The Car Rental Experience

We rented a car from the Expressway Toyota dealership in Boston, Massachusetts. It was one of the most unusual processes to get a rental car I’ve experienced. There was no online system to select a car like the major brands utilize. Instead, we had to call and inquire about the total cost for a vehicle. The employee wrote down our name and phone number, and that was the last we heard from them. There was no deposit required and no confirmation email. And because the process was so unusual, when we landed in Boston I was worried we wouldn’t have a car.

The initial process was the start of my skepticism. But since rental was advertised at $150 cheaper than anything I saw online, I decided to give it a try. And although we were told that the rental car would cost us $345 – all taxes and fees included – over the phone, when we arrived we received a bill for $495! Additionally, we were told the dealership would include airport transfer. But both when we landed in Boston and when we left, we were told we needed to call a ride service, adding an additional $70. Just like that, the $345 car rental became $220 more expensive.

Outside of the hidden fees, the car itself was great and easy to drive. We were offered a Toyota Prius and had no issues with it during our trip. The car’s fuel efficiency also saved us money on gas. However, when we returned the vehicle, the rentals department had gone home early. This created some confusion with other staff about our return. And, again, there was no offer or mention of an airport shuttle.

The Verdict

All in all, if you are looking to book a Toyota dealership rental car, be sure to get all the cost in writing beforehand. Ask questions about any advertised services. And be wary of any advertised costs. The rental was not worth it. Next time, I’ll be sure to avoid the headache and use the airport rental counter.

Explore on. -K