ARTICLES

Search:

Home | Vehicles | Cars & Trucks


Used Rental Cars: Should You Buy One?

By: Jason Lancaster

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) 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?

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?

Despite their cosmetic defects, used rental cars have a benefit over privately owned used cars. They oftentimes are sold with factory-backed "certified used programs." This provides a warranty with upgraded coverage, as well as lower financing rates that are typically offered when financing new vehicles.

4) Do you have problems with your 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) Rental cars are well maintained and tend to have few mechanical problems.

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.

Article Source: http://www.approvedarticles.com

Bookmark and Share

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cars & Trucks Articles Via RSS!

Powered by Article Dashboard