How to Buy a Used Rental Car

Buying a used car can save you a lot of money over a new car purchase if the car is operationally and electrically sound. Obtaining a used car from a rental company can potentially save you even more. Although rental cars have a reputation for being abused, most of the time that reputation is an exaggeration. Most rental car companies replace their inventory often, usually every two to three years. The cars are thoroughly inspected before they are offered for sale and usually have warranties.

Instructions

1

Decide what brand and type of car you want to buy. Many rental car companies keep specific brands of cars on their lots. For example, Budget uses Dodge vehicles to fill their inventory. Therefore, you can save a lot of time by only focusing on rental companies that sell the brand and type of vehicle you want to buy.

2

Go to the website of the rental company. Most rental companies list the inventory they have for sale on their websites. For example, hertzcarsales.com, enterprisecarsales.com and budgetcarsales.com are rental agency sites dedicated to selling their cars. Select the type of car and your location from the drop-down menu on the main page. A list of cars with your search criteria will be displayed.

3

Arrange to take a test drive. Select the vehicle you are interested in. Click on the "I am interested in this car" or "I want to buy this car" button. On the next page fill in your contact information in the open fields. Add a comment or question if you have one. The company will contact you as soon as possible with a date and time for a test drive. Alternatively, you can call the company directly and speak to someone to schedule a test drive.

4

Inspect the car. Thoroughly check the car, both the interior and exterior. If possible, take a mechanic with you to verify that the car is in good working condition.

5

Check the price of the car against the current market value. Use a valuation guide such as the Kelley Blue Book to ensure the price is within the constrains of the fair market value for the vehicle.

6

Review the paperwork. Ensure there is a good warranty, the price and the odometer are accurate and there are no miscellaneous charges that are not related to the sale of the car in the contract. Sign the contract only after you are satisfied that the stipulations of the contract are in your best interest.

7

Drive your newly purchased rental car off the lot.