3 Overlooked Advantages of Buying a Rental Car

But is there such a thing as a great deal when it comes to buying a used rental car?

Should I buy a rental car?

Most car buyers know all of the benefits of buying a used car including reduced depreciation. However, the general sentiment around rental cars is that they experience heavier wear and tear, or that rental companies dispose of their inventory because the cars are in rough shape. 

The truth is buying a used rental car has some big advantages; you just need to know what to look for. 

3 advantages of buying a rental car

Buying a pre-owned vehicle that once belonged to a car rental company has three main benefits.

1. The vehicles are newer 

Ever arrived at an airport, went to the rental car desk to pick up the keys, and then shuttled to a parking lot only to find a 20-year-old rattletrap? Of course not, because rental car companies consistently maintain newer fleets of cars. The success of their business depends on it. 

Some rental companies remove cars from their fleets after a year or two of use. If you’re looking to buy a rental car, chances are you will be choosing from a relatively new selection of cars.

2. Regularly scheduled maintenance

It might surprise you to learn that rental cars get treated with more care and attention than most used cars in retail circulation. Think about it; rental companies must maintain clean, road-ready vehicles or the company’s reputation will be in a ditch. 

That’s why these companies perform regular, manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules with in-house mechanics or with professional service centres. 

3. Potential for bigger savings

Possibly the biggest advantage to buying a rental car is the potential for substantial savings compared to average retail prices. Car rental companies buy and sell cars in large quantities. In order to sell in large quantities, they are motivated to offer discounted rates. 

To increase sales and eliminate the time-consuming back-and-forth traditionally involved with car buying, prices are low and non-negotiable, which is great news if the thought of trying to haggle makes you sweat.

Tips for buying a rental car 

• Mileage check: Yes, rental cars are newer, but their mileage tends to be higher than non-rental car peers. Always check the odometer to get a read on how much usage the car has endured. Is it worth the discount? Usually. Generally speaking, low mileage means a car has racked up less than 20,000km per year on average. Rental cars with low mileage and in especially good condition will usually be hand-picked for a dealership or retailer’s certified pre-owned program. 

• Look at the vehicle’s history: Aside from telling you if the vehicle was previously a rental car, the CARFAX report informs potential buyers if there have been any accidents or breakdowns. You’ll definitely want to know this information before buying. Look for a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and be sure what you’re buying isn’t a car crash survivor among other issues. If there isn’t a CARFAX report in sight, you need to ask yourself what is the seller trying to hide? 

• Think about warranty protection: You should check to see if the car’s factory warranty is still valid before you buy. If not, you might want to consider extended warranty options. Some retailers and rental companies will include 30-day warranty coverage upon purchase to cover any issues that may arise in the first weeks of ownership.

• Look for a test-own: When you test-own, you are getting lots of time with the car to decide whether it’s the right fit, as opposed to a test drive, where you get an average of 15 minutes. A test-own experience also provides time to bring it to a mechanic for an inspection. If the car doesn’t meet your standard for any reason, you’ll be able to return it after a few days and get your money back.

• Get financing pre-approved: The most confident purchase decision comes when you know all the variables. If you get your financing pre-approved, you will know exactly what price range you qualify for, and what kind of car will be available to you.

Shop confidently with Canada Drives 

If you don’t feel confident about buying a used rental car from the rental company itself, it’s helpful to know that many used car retailers supplement their inventory with rental vehicles. With their expertise, these retailers are able to select the best quality vehicles for reconditioning.

For example, Canada Drives’ inventory includes a carefully hand-picked selection of former rental cars available for online purchase in British Columbia and Ontario, and all vehicles in our inventory are certified pre-owned. 

Certified pre-owned vehicles offer you a peace-of-mind purchase because they meet the most stringent of standards. It means low mileage, meticulous inspection and reconditioning, and warranty coverage – all at a lower price! Test-own one of Canada Drives’ hundreds of certified pre-owned vehicles for seven days, and if it’s not the right fit, we’ll take it back no questions asked! Browse hundreds of vehicles now.

If you’re outside BC or ON, you can still access great deals through Canada Drives, even if you have bad credit. Get pre-approved for finance and we’ll help connect you with one of the multiple dealerships near you and dozens of car options (including rental cars) that you’ll love.