Many used rental cars come with great deals depending on what you’re looking for. They’re also typically well-maintained and may come with additional perks. Are you in the market for a used car? Here are some of the best rental cars to buy and what to watch out for.
Used rental cars are typically cheaper than similar cars. While price differences can also be due to condition or mileage, they can also be because rental car companies buy in higher volume. According to Edmunds, discounts could be 10% or more, depending on the vehicle.
“Used rental cars can be priced very competitively, with a wide selection of available models under $20,000,” said Michael Crossen, a mechanic at Consumer Report’s Auto Test Center. “Depending on which company you buy from, used rental cars can also come with warranty protections that can reduce financial risk.” Major car rental companies may also offer roadside assistance, no-haggle pricing, financing and the option to return the car within a week. Some may even accept trade-ins.
But there are downsides, too.
According to Edmunds, used rental cars could potentially be out of warranty, which means required repairs will need to be paid out of pocket. Rental fleets also have higher mileage inventory, and it’s difficult to determine its history and how hard the car was driven. There may be a wide selection of vehicles, but rental car companies usually buy base models. Luxury cars and advanced technology or safety equipment will be harder to find.
You’ll have better luck purchasing a used rental car through a major company, such as Hertz, Enterprise or Avis. CR noted that these companies have websites dedicated to car sales where you can find the terms of their programs and search inventory by location, brand, price and more. Delivery may be an option, but look out for an extra fee.
Some smaller rental companies sell their inventory, but CR said they don’t offer additional warranties or perks.
Before You Buy
Before buying a vehicle, request a free history report and service records. Crossen also recommends having the car inspected by an independent mechanic to look for problems. He also said to make sure the car comes with an owner’s manual, floor mats and two sets of keys.
Another thing to look out for is protection. Many companies offer a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty. “I wouldn’t buy from a company that doesn’t offer at least that much coverage,” Crossen says. “It shows that they stand behind the condition of the car.” Another common perk is roadside assistance, and some companies also have a “rent-to-buy” program that allows you to rent the car at a lower rate for an extended test drive.
If you’re purchasing an electric vehicle, Crossen said to have the battery checked by a specialist and confirm the battery warranty will still be in effect after purchase. “Used rental EVs may have been charged at DC fast chargers very frequently, which can be hard 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 right now are on electric vehicles, and you can usually find them for sale through rental companies.
Using data from U .S. News & World Report , here are the best used car rentals to buy in 2024, including the low average price and J.D. Power Score.
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