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Used Rental Cars: Should You Buy One?
by Jason Lancaster

When it comes time for you to buy a vehicle, you have a few options. You could buy a brand new one or a previously owned (used) vehicle. There is a third option you might not have considered; you could buy a used rental car. There are quite a few benefits of buying a rental car. They are thousands of dollars cheaper than a new car of the same model. Most of the time, rental cars are less than one year old. They have lower mileage than privately-owned used cars of the same model and year. However, it is important to consider that they usually have more dings, dents, and scratches because renters tend to be much less careful with rental cars. If a few cosmetic defects don’t bother you too much, buy a used rental car and save yourself thousands of dollars. Now the question is: should you buy one? Before you answer, ask yourself this:

1) For how long will you use the rental car?

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?

Cosmetic problems include things like scratches, dings, dents, stains, and smells. Most of the time, used rental cars have more cosmetic problems than privately-owned and, of course, new cars. If cosmetic problems really bother you, then don’t purchase a used rental car.

3) Is simple transportation all you need?

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 your credit is less than perfect, a used rental car is a good way to buy a fairly new car while keeping your monthly payments down. Used rental cars often qualify for factory backed “certified used” programs, which usually have aggressive financing available for people with bad credit.

5) Are maintenance and mechanical problems are concern of yours? They should be.

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.

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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