My experience with Turo: Car rental convenience at a great price
Editor's Note
Some trips don't require a rental car. If I am staying at an all-inclusive resort and don't plan on leaving my lounge chair on the beach, there isn't much need for a vehicle. But, depending on your itinerary, there are plenty of trips that do require having a car to drive around town or from city to city.
On a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I stayed at two hotels and explored several area attractions with my family. I traveled much farther than a short walk between my hotel room and the beach, and I needed a vehicle to get around.
I don't know if you've priced out rental cars lately, but I was shocked when I started researching cars for our trip. I'd used Turo a few years ago and decided to give it another try for this trip to see how it stacked up against a traditional car rental.
Turo basics
Rather than a traditional rental car company, Turo is a car-sharing service that allows car owners (or "hosts" in Turo terminology) to loan their cars to travelers (or "guests") for a set length of time.
In some ways, the experience is similar to renting a car. Utilizing Turo's app or website, you can input your travel dates and destination to receive a curated list of results that align with your search. Within those results, you'll see the daily rental rate and the total cost (excluding taxes and fees).
Turo is available in more than 16,000 cities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and France (up from 7,500 cities just a couple of years ago). So, it's easy to find the car make, model or size you are looking for while skipping the long lines at the car rental counter.
In terms of pricing, here's a direct comparison between Turo and Budget picking up and dropping off at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for Dec. 10 through Dec. 15. Through Budget, a full-size SUV (Chevrolet Tahoe or similar) that seats seven passengers would cost $639.
Related: Renting a car in Hawaii with Turo during rental 'apocalypse'
A similar full-size SUV, a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, rented through Turo would run $461. That's $178 less and still includes airport pickup, minimum damage protection and free cancellation up to 24 hours before your rental period starts.
Rather than continuing to speak in hypotheticals (although Turo is looking like a pretty good option so far), let me share more about my recent real-life experience.
Choosing a car
At home, I drive a minivan out of necessity. And even when I use a traditional rental car company, I choose the car based on price rather than aesthetics. To start our search, I entered PHX as our pickup location and entered our arrival and departure dates and times.
From there, I further filtered the search results to only display cars under $75 per day that I could pick up from the airport. Turo has tons of additional filters, too. You can filter results for a specific vehicle type, make or model; the number of seats; features like Apple CarPlay, heated seats and sunroofs; and more.
Turo had so many cars to choose from that I went with one I knew we would have more fun with — a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. With a daily rate of $71.80, the total cost with taxes and fees was $527.83 for a five-day rental.
After I booked the car, I immediately received an email from the host with everything I needed to know about my rental. (You can also communicate with the host through the Turo app.) They shared general information about the car's pickup location and told me exactly when to expect detailed pickup information.
Twenty-four hours before the trip, I had to "check in." This involved verifying my identity by uploading a selfie and a photo of my driver's license to the Turo app.
Picking up your car
A few hours before my rental period began, I received a message from Turo that included the exact location of the car, how to get there using the airport shuttle and directions on how to access the car keys.
We found the car right where the host said it would be and followed the instructions for accessing the keys, which were in a lockbox attached to the car. Guests are also instructed to take several interior and exterior photos and upload them to the Turo app before driving the car. (TPG always recommends documenting your rental car's condition before you hop in the driver's seat.)
The host even included detailed instructions for finding the keycard that would get us out of the parking garage so we weren't scrambling to find our way out.
Our rental included 1,250 miles, and I knew we wouldn't be in danger of exceeding that limit.
During the rental period, driving with Turo felt much the same as any other rental car company. The one time I actually did need assistance, Turo turned out to be more helpful than a traditional car rental because I was able to message the host and get immediate help.
Because I don't normally drive a Jeep, I had trouble getting the front seat to lock into place after moving it back and forth to let the kids in the back. I messaged the host, who immediately responded with instructions to help me.
Aside from that, our entire rental was smooth sailing (or driving, as it were).
Returning your car
Similar to the check-in experience, we received a message with drop-off instructions the day before our trip ended. The host told us which section of the airport parking garage to leave the car in, and they told us to send them the parking space number after we dropped it off.
They also gave details on the closest gas station to fill up the car and how to reattach the lockbox with the car key inside. We took several more interior and exterior photos and uploaded them to the app to complete our rental process.
The final step was leaving a review for our host. After we returned home, the host sent us a coupon code to save 15% off future rentals. I doubt I'll return to Arizona before it expires, but I still appreciate it.
I've already booked our next Turo rental for an upcoming trip to Orlando, and I am really looking forward to avoiding the airport crowds and going straight to our car after we land.
Turo tips
- If you are worried about missing out on discounts by booking through Turo instead of a traditional rental car company, don't worry. Turo often has Amex Offers for eligible cardholders. I redeemed an offer for $30 back after spending $150 at Turo and paying for my rental with The Platinum Card® from American Express. When you scroll through the search results, you'll also often see early bird and multiday discounts.
- It's possible to earn points and miles on Turo rentals if you pay with a card that earns bonus points for travel purchases because Turo rentals code as travel.
- You can also earn points when you link your Delta Air Lines SkyMiles account to Turo. You'll earn 2,000 SkyMiles miles after you complete your first Turo rental and 500 miles on additional rentals.
- If you want to ensure you rent a quality car from a reputable host, look for search results marked "All-Star Host." All-Star Hosts have at least 85% overall five-star ratings, at least 80% five-star ratings for maintenance and cleanliness, a 3% or lower cancellation rate, and at least 20 completed trips.
- Turo offers a variety of add-ons, which may vary from host to host. For example, we paid $80 for prepaid refueling to save time before our morning flight. You can also pay an additional fee for one-way trips and add-ons like child safety seats, strollers and even coolers.
- One major difference between Turo and traditional rental car companies is that your credit card insurance will most likely not cover your Turo rental. Turo offers several levels of damage protection. You do have the option to decline coverage, but Turo recommends booking with at least minimum coverage.
Bottom line
All in all, I was happier with the Turo experience than a typical car rental. I didn't have to navigate the car rental counter at the airport, and I was able to choose the exact car I wanted. Plus, I could read former guest reviews to make sure I was getting what I paid for.
Once I had the convertible top off of the Jeep and the warm Arizona breeze blowing through my hair, I knew I had made the right choice.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.