Vehicle rental program popular at Findlay Toyota

A unique Findlay Toyota rental program giving customers the chance to rent before purchasing has erupted in popularity since being introduced about two years ago.

The fleet of rental vehicles includes economy cars such as the Corolla, Yaris and Scion; luxury vehicles like the Camry, Avalon and Solara; along with Prius and Camry hybrids; Tundra trucks for hauling and recreation; Sienna minivans; and vehicles for the snow country including 4 Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander and Rav 4 SUVs. Rentals are available in two- and four-wheel drive and offer a total of 60 vehicles.

Illustrating the popularity of the program is the fact that 75-80 percent of the vehicles are rented throughout each week.

The opportunity provided by the Findlay Toyota rental department allows customers the chance to test drive a vehicle for an extended period of time before purchasing or take a vehicle on short or long trips.

"There is no question that the program has taken off," said Rental Car Manager Anthony Conway. "We have seen the demand for rentals of all models increase dramatically, especially in the past year. This is the perfect way to make sure the particular model is precisely what you want."

In fact, many customers who are leasing vehicles utilize the Findlay Toyota rental program so that they don't exceed the mileage allowed on a lease.

In addition, the Toyota rental program includes 24-hour roadside assistance covering mechanical breakdowns, fluid delivery, tire changes, jump starts, lockout service and towing.

Among the customers utilizing the program is Robert Provencher, a retired, 34-year resident of Las Vegas who rents a vehicle when having his own car serviced at the dealership.

"I use the rental program because it is very efficient," said Provencher. "When I get my car in service, I always get a rental car and never had any problem. It's the best."

Provencher said his sister Lisette Poulin also uses the program.

"She is very satisfied with the Findlay Toyota rental program," he said. "She has been coming to the dealership for years and always uses it whenever she needs a car."

Jody Allen uses the program because her family has only one vehicle.

"We already have a 2001 Toyota Celica and sometimes I need another car," she said. "It's really neat, especially when I have to go to work."

Curt Stuby, Toyota-certified used vehicle/Toyota rent a car field manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA, lauded the program.

"This is our largest selling Toyota-certified dealer in the Denver region," said Stuby. "These rental cars ultimately become Toyota-certified used vehicles. The dealership has had their possession from day one, so the dealership is generating its own preowned vehicle inventory. It's almost like they are one-owner cars.

"And besides, this a great opportunity for the general public to test drive a new car with minimal risk."

Further information regarding the program, along with rates and available vehicles, can be found by calling Conway at 566-2588 or by visiting www.mytoyotaservice.com.

Situated in a 145,000-square-foot building on 12½ acres at 7733 Eastgate Road in Henderson, Findlay Toyota is part of Findlay Automotive Group founded 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now spearheads automobile dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

Findlay Toyota is led by General Manager Rich Abajian.