Are Rental Cars Good to Buy?
Buying used cars from rental companies in the United States may sound risky, but it can offer great value when the pros and cons are measured properly. Generally, it is a good idea to invest in rental cars, as they are well-maintained, equipped with new-age technology, and come with no haggling.
At the same time, these cars may have some downsides, such as reduced resale value. Therefore, it is suggested to thoroughly check the positives and negatives to make a wise choice.
Should I Buy a Rental Vehicle?
There are scenarios when it is safe to buy a rental car, as many benefits can be acquired. Below, some important points have been mentioned that make buying a rental car a more sensible decision:
Maintenance: Since a car rental company follows proper guidelines for maintenance and does it regularly, you will get a well-maintained vehicle.
Lower Rates: Rental cars are already in use; hence, the selling prices are comparatively lower than the other options available for purchase.
No Haggle: Price negotiation is one of the most peeving things for buyers. Thankfully, rental cars come with a ‘one-price’, which is often easily payable.
Zero Hidden Cost: As mentioned above, rental cars only have one final price, it does not have any hidden fees involved. This makes them a cost-effective option.
Extended Warranty: Some leading car rental companies, such as SIXT and Hertz, offer an extended warranty of 1 or 2 years. However, duration and related rules may vary.
Easy Trials: Some rental car agencies allow renting a car for some days before purchase (with additional fees, which are refundable in general) for a better experience.
When Is It Bad to Purchase a Rental Car?
Rental cars are good to buy, but not always. There could be times when it is not recommended to purchase a rental car. Here they are:
Mileage of the Car: Rental cars are used, so the mileage is affected. If you need a car that you can drive seamlessly for a longer period, rental cars are not ideal to buy.
Resale Value: When resale value is in mind, there will be no benefit to buying rental cars in Los Angeles and other states, as they come with depreciated value.
Fewer Options: Car rental companies do not sell every car that they have in the fleet. This limits the options and increases the challenges to have the most suitable vehicle.
Wear and Tear: People often drive rental cars roughly, even if there is car insurance. This increases the risk of frequent wear and tear. So, it could be a downside of buying a rental car.
What to do Before/While Purchasing a Rental Car?
Buying a rental car is a direct process. Many rental agencies, such as Hertz (Hertz Car Sales and Rent2Buy), run a special program to sell rental cars with easy test drives.
Once you are determined to buy a rental car after considering the pros and cons, just do the following:
Find a Company: Start by exploring the rental companies that offer the purchase of a rental car. Some notable names include Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise.
Arrange Finances: Connect with your bank or arrange funds to proceed further.
Have a Test Drive: Ask the company to give the car for a test drive so that you can assess it better.
Vehicle Inspection: Before and after the test drive, thoroughly inspect the car and notify the company regarding the wear and tear.
Buy It: Once everything is okay, complete the necessary paperwork to get the car.
Conclusion
If you are ready to purchase a rental car, always research well. Since it can have some drawbacks, measure them with the benefits attached to make an informed decision. Lastly, opt for test drive options to know if the chosen car is best-suited.
