There are a lot of options available to those looking to buy a car. One of these options is to purchase a used rental car. Purchasing a car in this manner has both pros and cons that consumers should be aware of before they make a decision as to what type of vehicle to purchase. We’ve outlined some of the main pros and cons of buying a rental car below. It’s up to consumers to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing this type of car and decide whether or not it’s an option they want to explore
Pros of Buying a Rental Car
Price: One of the most significant benefits of buying a used rental car is the price. Rental cars are usually for sale for a lower price than what you would find elsewhere for the same vehicle with comparable year and mileage.
Recent Model Year: Rental vehicles for sale are typically only a few years old, usually from one or two model years back. You’re guaranteed to find a relatively new car complete with the latest features and safety equipment.
Try It Before You Buy It: Some programs give you the option to try out a rental car before you buy it. This way, you can take some time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and get an idea of whether or not it’s right for you. Instead of the typical 5-minute test-drive where you can barely make it around the block and back, many rental car companies allow you to try out the car for a few days before making your final decision.
Less Hassle: Because the rental company takes care of the tedious aspects of the transaction, including paperwork, title, and loans, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of the purchase yourself.
Warranty or Money-Back Period: Most companies offer a short-term warranty on the vehicle and/or a money-back period. This allows you to fix any problems that become immediately apparent and give you a little cushion in case you change your mind.
Well-Maintained: Rental car companies service their vehicles as recommended by the manufacturer. They always want a top-quality and well-functioning fleet in operation, meaning any car you purchase is sure to be taken care of when it comes to regular inspections and maintenance. You can rest easy knowing that any and all problems with the car while under the company’s purview were fixed immediately.
Cons of Buying a Rental Car
Limited Selection: When you’re picking out a rental car, your choice will be limited to the cars available in that rental company’s fleet. Though this is the case when searching for used vehicles in a specific rental company’s inventory, the Rent2Buy autos section will offer a kind of virtual auto mall, with comparative shopping so you can compare price and selection between various companies.
Basic Vehicles: The vehicles in a company’s fleet are typically very standard, without too many bells and whistles. If you are looking for specific features that do not come usually come with the standard package, you may need to do a little more searching within the company’s fleet or reconsider buying a rental car.
Car Was Driven: Many people believe rental cars are driven especially “hard,” with less care than if the car actually belonged to the person driving it. This may be true in some cases, but certainly does not apply to every vehicle. You will have to examine the car yourself and determine whether you can live with the wear and tear the vehicle has seen.
Relatively High Mileage: Depending on the year of the car and how much it was driven, rental cars may have relatively high mileage. This is not always the case, as each vehicle is different, but you may want to pay attention to vehicle mileage when conducting your search.
Less Warranty Coverage: The warranty on the vehicle you purchase will be different from company to company. Some certified pre-owned car dealers offer big warranties that you will not find when you purchase a rental car. This is something to consider when making your decision.
Now that we’ve addressed some of the pros and cons of buying a rental car, we want to know what you think. Does purchasing a rental car have to be a tradeoff between the benefits and drawbacks outlined above? Or can you find a rental car in good condition and with reasonable mileage at a good price?
Please share your stories and experiences if you have ever purchased a rental car or thought about exploring the option. Join us on facebook and share your thoughts.
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