I've been searching for car rental places that offer hybrids as an option, but to no avail. Anyone have any luck? Or know of a company that does? Is this just specific to the Kansas City area?

I'm hoping to buy a hybrid in a few weeks and thought this would be the best way to get to know a few types as I have some weekend trips up coming. But so far I've called Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz in the Kansas City area and NONE of them offer hybrids.

Which made me think of the bigger picture of WHY aren't car rental places offering them?

Depending on what kind of hybrid you are looking at... try calling your local car dealers. For instance, most Toyota dealers in my area have a rental program. Not all of them have rentals available for hybrids, but it may be worth a try.

For Toyota, go to their website, and click on "locate a dealer". Put in your zip code, and it pulls up a list of dealers, and should also list what services they offer... look for ones that offer rentals.

I'm not sure if other companies offer this.

Good luck.

There is one company I know of and have rented from: Fox Rent-a-car. Here's a link to their site:

www.evrental.com

I rented a 2006 Civic Hybrid out of San Diego and dropped it off in Phoenix back in April. It's not the cheapest rental you'll find, but at least you'll get a feel for the car and you will save gas money, which will offset some of the extra cost, compared to a non hybrid.