Customers on a strict budget may be willing to overlook the restricted selection and higher mileage of previously driven used rental automobiles in favor of the lower overall cost. However, purchasing a rental car is a hazardous move. Will it still be dependable after having so many past drivers?
Experts assure used-car buyers that they have nothing to worry about. Automobiles previously served as rental vehicles are often in excellent condition, readily available, and inexpensive.
There are a lot of advantages to buying an automobile from a dealer that deals in used cars. Major rental car companies provide thorough pre-sale inspections, warranties, longer test drives, and trade-in policies. However, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a pre-owned rental vehicle.
Why Do Automobile Rental Firms Market Their Vehicles?
Companies that rent out vehicles typically replace their vehicles annually or after two years because doing so allows them to take advantage of the significant fleet concessions and tax and other benefits manufacturers offer. Many automobile manufacturers have "programmed cars" on Autotrader lots that they bought back from renters at a set price within a particular time and usage limits. Vehicle rental businesses also frequently buy automobiles entirely, intending to resell them from their own parking space.
A Greater Degree of Wear and Tear Tends to Result in Excellent Maintenance
Buyers could be concerned that a rental automobile has been driven by many people who have yet to give much thought to the vehicle's long-term upkeep. According to David Bennett, director of the maintenance department at AAA, such an assessment is pretty close off target. He believes those renting cars "may not maintain as thorough care of the automobile which isn't their own." On the other hand, drivers should try to cause as minor damage as possible to the rented car to avoid paying a fee whenever they hand it back.
Even though rental automobiles are subject to additional wear and tear because of their many occupants' driving, precautions are made to guarantee that all necessary maintenance is carried out. In addition to that, they undergo a comprehensive examination before being put up for sale.
According to Bennett, most rental car companies keep their automobiles in reasonably good condition. The three significant competitors adhere to very regimented servicing schedules. Before placing their automobiles on the market, they perform their comprehensive inspections using qualified mechanics and go through a series of checkpoints.
Used Automobiles Higher Mileage
Another possible problem for purchasers is the fact that rental automobiles typically have a higher number of kilometers on the odometer as compared to regular used vehicles of the exact age. However, Bennett emphasizes that mileage is "only one element" that should be considered while evaluating a car. He argues that even a vehicle with a very high number of miles on the odometer can be in excellent condition if it has received proper maintenance.
In addition, because rental car businesses offer relatively new automobiles (typically just one to two years old), the vehicles may still be covered by the guarantee that was supplied by the manufacturer when they were manufactured.
However, the firms that offer rental car purchases also have been impacted by the lack of available automobiles. They got rid of most of their vehicles to save from going bankrupt after April 2020, when transportation was made impossible. Once they could return to the road, they discovered it was difficult to get replacement automobiles. They have kept their vehicles for extended periods and even purchased old automobiles for their fleets.
This indicates that the vehicles you might find on dealers' parking lots could have cars with higher mileage than in previous years but less manufacturer warranty or may even be out of the period covered by their original manufacturer's warranty.
Excellent Deals with No Room for Negotiation
The pricing at which rental car businesses sell their vehicles are often set in stone and may include discounts. On the other hand, it can take more work to discover attractive offers in the present market. The significant decline in prices occurred at the onset of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. When fewer used cars were available in later years, the current value or even higher prices were reached.
It is still possible for purchasers to obtain a good quality product from some brands and models, but they must do their homework beforehand. Some car dealers, Avis Car Sales, claim that the pricing for automobiles is lower than the regular dealer listing price that Kelley Blue Book publishes for the region. Enterprise Car Sales will display the average vendor listing retail price if its cost exceeds their prices. The web listings provided by Hertz Car Sales give a better understanding of pricing by adding Kelley Blue Book's reasonable market price point. This range gives you an idea of the price you should anticipate paying for that particular automobile.
It is excellent practice to compare the prices mentioned against internet pricing guidelines before making a purchase. Some examples of such a guide. This will ensure that you are saving a lot of money.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Rental Car
Following are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Rental Car:
Advantages of Rental Car
- The prices of rental automobiles are lower than the market average.
- Cars available for rental are both clean and well-maintained.
- Rental vehicle firms typically incorporate their own guarantee in their customers' packages.
- You know that the automobiles available for rent get routine maintenance and upkeep.
Disadvantages of Rental Car
- The mileage on rental automobiles might be very high.
- Leasing an automobile is more expensive in the long run.
- There is a limited selection.
