How/where to rent a Toyota 4Runner ?

[T4Rookie]

Hi everyone,

Total newbie to this forum. I'm super excited !

I'm in the market for a new/used 5th generation T4R and wanted to try one out before making the purchase. I've read a couple of people were lucky enough to find rental agencies (Hertz, Enterprise, TRAC) that rent them out. So far, I've been unsuccessful.

I live in Philadelphia, and would be willing to travel a bit to rent one for a day or the weekend. Does anyone know of a place where I could rent one in the Philadelphia/NJ/Delaware area, etc ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm excited about my future purchase, but have never experienced a T4R, or really even driven an SUV before.

Thanks !!

 

[bofa]

I'd start with a simple test drive. You might even find a dealer that will let you try it for the day or even weekend.

 

[T4Rookie]

Thanks for the reply bofa.

I've already spoken to one local salesperson, who would only allow me to do an extended test drive (like an hour or so). He wasn't thrilled about anything much longer than that. It's tougher than I thought. It would be nice to just have a worry free weekend with the truck, and see how I feel about it.

 

[Jaker]

Here you go: Toyota Rental Program

Search for a dealership in your area that has the program.

 

[Snooperstyle]

When I did my test driving, the dealer had a CPO vehicle with 20k on it and they let me have it for the weekend. It seems as if they are more willing to let people take home the used ones. Just a thought.

 

[T4Rookie]

Thanks Jaker. I've already tried the TRAC program, and wasn't able to find any nearby dealers that rent the 4Runner so far. Seems that they rent everything BUT the 4Runner :cry2:
P.S. Your HID retrofits are outstanding !

Thanks Snoop. That's definitely worth a try. Maybe if they have a used 5th Gen, they may be willing to leave it with me over the weekend. I sold my car when I moved to Philly, so hopefully they cover collision, etc ...

 

[bofa]

Oh, if you don't have insurance I wouldn't count on them handing you the keys at all. Sorry.

 

[Flip-er]

If a dealer REALLY wants to sell you one, they will allow an over night test drive with a limit on mileage.
I'd check a few different dealers

 

[sage1]

Hop a cheap flight to Reno where you you can rent one at Reno Toyota. Run around the desert a little and then hit the Hwy 80 where you can run at 80-85 without too much worry about a ticket... Maybe you can win enough at the casinos to buy the car (don't count on it)

Seriously, I rented a SR5 for the weekend last year for 45- a day, no problems, handled great off road... not a speed machine when passing and tough to carry the same amount of gear that fits in my Excursion. Haven't bought one yet but thinking about it.

 

[T4Rookie]

That's a terrific idea Sage :thumb3:
I might actually consider that. If the flight is cheap enough, it could be a nice weekend get away. I like it. :thanks:

Thx Flip, bofa ... I need to make some more calls on Monday and push my weight around a bit, lol. :vader:

 

[esto70]

4runner rental

I rented 2010 sr5 from power Toyota in Tempe, Arizona a couple years ago. It was fairly inexpensive and convenient. They even shuttled my wife and I to and from the airport. I would do it again.

Having lived just outside of Phoenix, I can assure you that a weekend getaway to Tempe (about 15 minutes from downtown phx) would make an EXCELLENT weekend getaway.

Good luck!

 

[T4Rookie]

Thanks Esto !

Looks like this is turning into a vacation/test drive ! :surfer:

 

[esto70]

4runner rental

You're welcome. If you head out to phoenix, post up and I can give you some advice on food and fun. There are also a bunch of spectacular road trips this time of year that you could take in the 4runner rental.

Thanks Esto !

Looks like this is turning into a vacation/test drive ! :surfer:

 

[adam2562]

i was originally looking for a 4th gen 4runner 08 or 09.. but when i went to my cabin in the mountains i decided to rent the 5th gen from my local Toyota dealer (Darcars 355 Toyota in Rockville, MD).. (used to work there so i got a very good price) i drove that thing about 1,200 miles total.. i fell in love.. not even 3 months later.. there was MINE sitting in the driveway LOL

 

[T4Rookie]

Adam ... exactly ! I think if I could really DRIVE it and experience it, I would feel more comfortable with my purchase. As I mentioned, I've never owned or really driven an SUV.

I googled your dealer, and he's about 140 miles away. That's not too bad. I'll have to see if it's doable.

Thanks.

 

[T4Rookie]

Thanks Esto ... will definitely keep in touch if I end up in Phoenix. I love road trips, especially in a Runner.

 

[adam2562]

T4rookie yea i had never owned before either.. i only rented suv's and pickups for tailgating or occasional trips.. so having it for a long period of time helped.. ps you might want to call ahead and see if its available.. my rental was a 2011 black limited with tan leather. good luck!

 

[chetJ]

T4Rookie-this is not exactly related to your question about renting. Carsense.com on I-76 near exit 312 has some great used , low milage 2011 and 2012 4runners. I always look whenever I pass there and was on their website just now and they have 3 listed.
Dr. J

 

[T4Rookie]

Thanks chet. Looks like a nice site. They only have 4 Runners listed though. I'm also one of those annoying people that wants to buy Toyota new or Toyota Certified only, from a Toyota dealership. I'm always paranoid about that type of thing.