Would you pay more to rent a Prius?

CBS News is reporting that more car rental companies are adding fuel-efficient and hybrid cars to their selections, but at the same time, some may be shooting themselves in the foot by charging a ridiculous amount to rent one. According to the article:

“Those who are looking for a value in terms of dollar for dollar will absolutely not get hybrids,” said Brian Chee, the head automotive analyst at MyRide.com. But he said there’s a growing market that’s willing to shell out an extra $40 for the hybrids during quick vacations.
And some wonder whether consumers will be willing to dish out premiums that typically range from $5 to $15 a day for a hybrid. The premiums could outstrip fuel savings on short-term rentals.

I’ve listed hybrid rentals in previous posts, and I’ve also run the numbers. Without any savings or coupons at all (something I’ve never done while actually renting a car) I was looking at almost $600 for a “green” auto than a regular one. The kicker? Some of these fuel-friendly cars are models they were renting anyway at regular prices!

It looks as though consumers are going to have to be a lot more discerning when renting cars. Make your reservation online, then call and make sure you know you aren’t going to get stuck with a car that would have cost you a fraction of the price to rent a year or two ago.

The good news?

Enterprise has slowly built up its hybrid fleet, boasting 4,000 of the vehicles in its fleet of 1.1 million. Hertz Global Holdings Inc. said it will have spent $68 million to add 3,500 Toyota Prius hybrids by the start of the summer. And Avis Budget Group Inc. spokesman John Barrows said his company now offers 2,500 hybrids.

Finding an environmentally friendlier car to rent is getting easier … even if the price doesn’t come down. It makes me ask the question — would you, personally, budget more for your vacation to drive a “greener” car?

I would, but probably no more than $300.

[photo source Nissan USA ]