Is Buying a Used Rental Car a Good Idea?
Red Flags For Buying a Used Rental Car
There are many ways to find a great deal on a pre-owned car. An increasingly popular option is to look at rental car agencies looking to unload older inventory. However, there are a few red flags that people should consider when buying a used rental car. Mileage and time are the natural enemies of any automobile. Rental cars come with a lot of both. Our team compiled a handy guide to help potential buyers prepare themselves with helpful information. Let’s take a closer look at what they found.
READ MORE: Which Brands Offer The Best Trade-In Value?
Rental Cars Have More Kilometres
Rental car agencies only make money when their vehicles are on the road. Buying any former vehicle from such a business will mean additional wear and tear from overuse. A comparable model of the same age owned privately is likely to spend less time on the road than a rental. Additionally, people who rent cars tend to drive them harder than they would their own.
The average rental vehicle has between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometres on the odometer before they are sold.
Higher-Than-Average Wear and Tear
Rental cars are not typically treated very carefully by drivers. This translates into additional wear and tear that wouldn’t appear on a privately owned vehicle. Every dent and paint scratch is where rust could start forming and destroying the vehicle. People who drive rental vehicles aggressively also stress the engine more, which could lead to expensive repairs after it changes hands.
Lower Resale Value
Resale value should always be in the back of a car owner’s mind. Buying a used rental car might have a lower upfront price, but the additional mileage and extra wear and tear aren’t going to help when it’s time to trade it in. In fact, it’s not uncommon for dealerships to decline to accept former rental cars for trade because of the problems highlighted above.
Davey Auto Sales offers one of the best lineups of pre-owned vehicles in Ontario. Make an appointment with one of our product experts today if there is something we can help you with.
Aug 31st, 2024