Used Rental Cars: Should You Buy One?
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 long are you going to keep it?
You should consider the amount of time you think you will be driving the car you purchase. If you think you will be driving this car 5 to 10 years from now, you need to consider the fact that there is more general wear with used rental cars than with privately-owned used cars. If you need a car to drive for just a few years, then you might consider purchasing a used rental car.
2) Do stains, smells, scratches, and dents really bother you?
Most people can deal with some minor cosmetic problems like scratches, smells, stains, or dents. When compared to used cars that were privately owned, used rental cars typically have more of these cosmetic problems. A new car won't have any at all. If you can't or don't want to deal with such problems, then you shouldn't buy a used rental car.
3) Is your main concern just getting from here to there?
While not as pretty or nice as a new car, used rental cars often qualify for factory backed "certified used programs", which include upgraded warranty coverage and special financing rates that often compare to new vehicle financing rates.
4) Do you have no credit or bad credit?
If you have problems with your credit, you should consider purchasing a used rental car. You will you have lower monthly payments, which is very helpful to anyone's budget. The "certified used programs" that were previously mentioned also provide more financing opportunities if you have problems with your credit.
5) Are maintenance and mechanical problems are concern of yours? They should be.
It may sound crazy, but rental cars are usually better maintained than cars owned by a private individual. Rental car companies don't actually buy new cars from the manufacturers - they lease them. One of the terms of the lease is that the rental car company must perform all the manufacturer's suggested maintenance, and must retain proof of doing so. Rental companies also tend to do a nice job of getting things fixed or adjusted under warranty.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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Author Jason Lancaster, an auto industry veteran, created AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate advice on buying used rental cars and used rental cars.
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