While buying a used rental car means it has some history, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unreliable or in poor condition.
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Many used rental cars are available at great prices depending on your needs. They are also usually well maintained and may offer additional benefits. Are you looking for a used car? Here are some of the best rental cars you can buy and what to look for.
Also look for used cars that last longer than the average new vehicle.
Should you buy a used rental car?
Used rental cars are generally cheaper than comparable cars. While price differences can also be due to condition or mileage, they can also be due to rental car companies buying in bulk. According to Edmunds, discounts can be 10% or more, depending on the vehicle.
“Used cars can be very competitively priced, with a wide range of models under $20,000,” says Michael Crossen, a mechanic at Consumer Report’s Auto Test Center. “Depending on the company you buy from, used rental cars may also come with warranties that can reduce financial risk.” Large car rental companies also often offer roadside assistance, fixed rates, financing and the ability to return the car within a week. Some even accept trade-ins.
But there are also disadvantages.
According to Edmunds, used rental cars may be out of warranty, requiring you to pay for any necessary repairs out of pocket. Fleet rental cars also have higher mileage and it’s difficult to determine the history and mileage of the car. While there may be a wide selection of vehicles, rental car companies typically buy base models. Luxury cars and advanced technology or safety features are harder to find.
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Sources
You’ll have better luck buying a used rental car from a major company like Hertz, Enterprise or Avis. CR pointed out that these companies have car sales websites where you can find the terms of their programs and browse inventory by location, make, price and more. Delivery may be an option, but watch out for an additional fee.
Some smaller rental companies are selling their inventory, but CR said they are not offering any additional guarantees or perks.
Before you buy
Before purchasing a vehicle, request a free history report and service records. Crossen also recommends having an independent mechanic inspect the car for problems. He also advises making sure the car comes with an owner’s manual, floor mats and two sets of keys.
Another thing to look for is protection. Many companies offer a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty. “I wouldn’t buy from a company that didn’t offer at least that protection,” Crossen says. “It shows they stand behind the condition of the car.” Another common benefit is roadside assistance, and some companies also offer a “rent-to-buy” program where you can rent the car for a longer test drive at a cheaper rate.
If you’re buying an electric vehicle, Crossen said you should have the battery checked by a specialist and make sure the battery warranty is still valid after purchase. “Used rental vehicles may have been charged very frequently on DC fast chargers, which can put a lot of stress on the battery,” he said.
The best used rental cars to buy
The best used rental cars are reliable, recommended models used in rental fleets. According to CR, some of the best deals are currently available on electric vehicles, and you can usually find these for sale at rental car companies.
Using data from U.S. News & World Report, here are the best used cars to buy in 2024, including low average price and JD Power Score.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 10 Best Used Cars to Buy and What to Look for
