You’ve tried car dealers and private parties but somehow you can’t get the right deal or car that you want. But if you don’t mind a car that has been driven my lots of people, you may be able to pick up a great used car from a car rental agency.
Although these “fleet” cars have been driven by different drivers, the car rental businesses have to keep them in excellent running condition day in and day out. If their cars aren’t in top shape, they lose business, plain and simple.
But what people might not know is that the cars that are offered for sale by car rental companies are the cream of the crop—the best condition used cars they have to offer to the public.
Three-Day Test DrivesWhen you buy a used car from a car dealership, the most you can hope for is that they changed the oil, topped off the fluids, adjusted the air pressure, and gave the car a good wax job before sending you home with it.
In the best case scenario, the car has been “certified” or has gone through a process where various checks, evaluation, and tweaks have been performed on the car to bring it up to dealer specifications. Often these cars also offer a good warranty.
If you want to buy a used car from a rental car agency, such as Hertz or Avis/Budget, you can actually rent your prospective car purchase for three days to check it out at the mechanic, test drive it, and get a general feeling for how the car performs and handles.
At the end of three days you can either buy the car or just return it. Now that’s something you definitely cannot do through a car dealership.
Lower Than Kelley Blue BookSelling directly to the public is a win-win situation because the rental car company can get a portion of their investment back, and the customer can get a great deal. When retired cars are sent out to be sold, the best ones from the fleet are picked.
These cars are selected for visual appeal (no dents or dings), mechanical reliability, and overall good condition. These top-of-the-line picks often sell below Kelley Blue Book prices, and may also carry a 7-day buyback option; if you don’t like it after 7-days, the car rental company will buy it back from you.
A Good SelectionYou won’t be stuck with hundreds of mediocre cars to choose from but will see popular cars for sale such as Toyota Camrys, Hyundai Elantras, Minis, and Fiats, just to name a few. If a good selection is what you are after, mainstream car rental agencies are a good place to start.
WarrantiesMost cars sold through the used car division of car rental firms offer 12-months/12,000 mile warranties. So you’ll be covered for any possible car trouble for at least a year.
A Safe Way To BuyThe “try and buy” strategy is a good one for potential used car customers. Where else can you rent to buy over a three-day period, and have a chance to thoroughly inspect and drive the car during this time? Certainly, all you could get at a used car dealership is a 10-minute test drive to make your decision on.
If you are willing to take a chance on a rental car for your used car needs, it may turn out to be a very good experience as you’ll be able to skip the long hours of trying to get a deal from the car salesman. The price for used cars at rental car companies is set so you won’t need to play the “price game” anymore.
Source:
Kiplinger