How to Buy a Vehicle From a Rental Agency
Conventional wisdom says it is never a good idea to buy a used rental car. Most people mistakenly think these cars are never maintained and that renters drive them recklessly. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rental cars must be maintained better than most private vehicles, and most cars have a humdrum commuter-type existence.
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Instructions
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Buying a Rental Car
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Start by looking on the Internet for car rental agencies such as Hertz, Enterprise or National. You can find those with sales locations in your area and learn what vehicles they have in stock. Select two to three cars you are interested in looking at that will fill your needs. This makes you better prepared when you finally go to the sales lot.
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Once you select the car you want to buy, ask to see a CARFAX report to see if there has been accident damage to the car or if it has been salvaged. In either case, walk away from the deal. There are plenty of cars for sale, so don't get your heart set on one specific car.
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Many rental companies will offer a three-day test drive to people considering buying their cars. But if it isn't offered, ask for it. You want to make sure the car is in proper working order and right for your lifestyle. Also, most rental agencies have ASE Certified Mechanics inspect the cars, but it is a good idea to have your own mechanic check it out as well.
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Once you decide on a specific used rental car, ask what kind of extended warranty comes with the vehicle. Manufacturers will honor whatever is left of the vehicle warranty. Ask the rental car agency if it offers an extended warranty, and if not, demand that it add at least a 12 month/12,000 mile extended warranty, as it is pretty standard in the industry.
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Stop worrying and enjoy driving your new car. Most people who rent cars don't damage them. And your research can go far in helping ensure you don't get one of the lemons.
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Tips & Warnings
Shop around at more than one rental agency or dealer.
Demand an extended warranty
Demand an extended test drive
Trust your instincts about possible mechanical problems
Rental Cars are less expensive than other used cars. But keep in mind that a rental car you've bought will be worth less when you sell it. Being less than candid about the car with the next buyer won't work, either: Any CARFAX or similar history report will divulge its past as a rental vehicle. So once you have picked the model you want shop at different rental sales lots or dealerships to find the best deal.
