Should You Buy A Used Rental Car? | Cars and Trucks

By JasonLancaster
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If you are thinking about buying a used car or buying a brand new vehicle, you may want to consider a compromise and buy a used rental car. Used rental cars are typically less than a year old and usually have low mileage. The same car purchased, when purchased new, costs thousands of dollars more. On the other hand, used rental cars have quite a bit of wear-and-tear (scratches, dings, dents, etc.) because renters tend to abuse them more. If you don't mind a little more wear, you could save thousands of dollars just by buying a used rental car. There are a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding if you should buy a used rental car.

1) How many years do think you will drive it?

It's important for you to know how long you're going to keep the car you buy. Used rental cars tend to have more general wear, so they don't hold up as well 5 to 10 years down the road as a privately owned used car. If you're looking to buy something that will last forever, you probably shouldn't consider a used rental car.

2) Do stains, smells, scratches, and dents really bother you?

While no one likes stains, smells, scratches, etc., most of us are willing to live with one or two. But used rental cars almost always have more stains, more smells, more scratches, and more dents than you'd find on a non-rental used. If you're sensitive to certain smells (like cigarette smoke), if you're a neat freak, or if you're just picky, a used rental car isn't a good choice.

3) Is simple transportation all you need?

Although used rental cars tend to have more cosmetic defects, they often qualify for "certified used programs." Backed by the manufacturer, they include upgraded warranty coverage and those low financing rates usually offered with new vehicle financing.

4) Do you have no credit or bad credit?

For those of you who have bad credit or no credit, buying a used rental car will give you lower monthly payments. Since used rental cars often qualify for "certified used programs," there are more financing options available for people with credit problems.

5) Rental cars are well maintained and tend to have few mechanical problems.

When compared to used cars that were privately-owned, used rental cars are better maintained. The reason for this is that rental car companies lease cars from the manufacturers rather than buy them. The terms of the lease require that all the suggested maintenance be completed, and the rental car company must keep all the documents that prove they have. Since their cars are under warranty, rental car companies almost always adjust or fix mechanical problems when they arise.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster, an auto business veteran, developed AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate advice on used rental cars and buying a used rental car.

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