Will buying a car that used to be a rental car be a good idea?

Most people will think that buying a rental car is risky. It is, at some point. However, purchasing an ex-rental vehicle is just the same as buying a used car.

It both has its benefits and drawbacks in terms of resale value, model year, maintenance, mileage, and a lot more. If you are planning to buy a car that’s been used as a rental car, you first need to know its pros and cons.

Philkotse.com will help you decide whether purchasing a former rental car is a good or bad option.

Former rental car pros

Cars that are formerly used as a rental car are typically newer models

More often, rental car companies use cars of more modern models to attract customers. These companies will not use vehicles that are ten years old or older. 

Rental car companies use cars of more modern models to attract customers

They buy newer car models regularly. They need to sell their older cars – which are usually just a couple of years younger. These vehicles are perfect for used-car shoppers.

A former rental car with only two years of age can already have modern safety features and technology, and you can get it a much lower price than a similar 2-year-old car model that is used by a single owner only.

>>> Also check: 5 practical tips on how to negotiate a car deal in the Philippines.

Regular cleaning and maintenance

A rental car might have been driven hard by various drivers; you can rest assured that it has been well taken care of the entire time it is used as a rental car.

Rental companies make sure that their vehicles are always in excellent condition. That's why most of them follow maintenance schedules and hire professional and well-qualified in-house mechanics.

There are instances where rental companies outsource vehicle services to their trusted dealerships. 

Rental companies make sure that their vehicles are always in excellent condition

Former rental cars are cheaper

Former rental cars can be sold at lower prices because rental companies purchase vehicles in volume and at a discounted price. So, whenever these companies need to replenish their fleet, they sell their older vehicles at much cheaper rates.

Former rental cars can be sold at lower prices

Easy purchase process

The process of buying a used car rental is different than buying a brand-new car from the dealership.

Most of the buying process in dealerships happen on the lot while the buying process of used rental car is done online. Usually, the only time you need to go to the rental office is for paperwork and test drive.

No upsell

When buying a used rental car; what you see is what you get. There will be no dealers who will try to upsell and convince you to add tinted windows and deluxe stereos to your car. 

>>> Make sure you know: 

• [Philkotse tips] 4 truths when buying cars from a dealer
• 8 problems with dealerships that car buyers should be aware of

Cons of a former rental car

It often has high mileage

One of the major disadvantages of a rental car is having higher mileage compared to similar privately owned vehicles.

More prominent car rental companies commonly sell their vehicles at 25,000 to 40,000 miles. Usually, these cars were driven hard by multiple drivers who were not so inclined to take good care of the rental car.

One of the major disadvantages of a rental car is having higher mileage compared to similar privately owned vehicles

>>> Also check: How to unmask true low-mileage second-hand cars in the Philippines?

Rental cars usually suffered more wear and tear

As aforementioned, rental cars have most probably been through tough miles. It most likely experienced different driving styles.

One driver might like to floor the accelerator while the other is heavy on the brake – these two can often cause early wear. Different drivers will mean different driving styles.

Rental cars most likely experienced different driving styles

hey also tend to get rougher on the car as they get used to driving it. Some renters will handle the car will and will avoid damaging the car because they'll have to pay for it.

However, there are also lots of renters who are more aggressive with rental vehicles than their own cars.

>>> Worth your attention: How to Negotiate When Buying a Used Car in the Philippines

It will have lesser resale value

You might enjoy the perks of having an almost-new rental car at a very affordable price, but it will also return much less money when you plan to sell it later.

You'll have a hard time getting the used rental car's maximum resale value. It is because lots of car shoppers are cautious when buying a car that used to be a rental vehicle.

The fact that these cars are sold in high volumes impacted their value. If there are thousands of cars available in the market, with the same make, model, and mileage all at the same time, the price of the specific car will significantly be reduced.

You might enjoy the perks of having an almost-new rental car at a very affordable price

If you're the type of car buyer that just plans to drive the vehicle until it can still operate, then a lower resale value will most probably not bother you.

But, for consumers that plan on trading their car after a few years and expect to get a big amount of money after trading-in their vehicle, they should keep in mind that former rental cars have lower resale value.

>>> Check out: What factors might decrease the value of your car?

Rental car companies have limited inventory

Another disadvantage of buying a used car rental is that you only have limited options to choose from. Unlike when you buy in car dealerships with a vast inventory. Car rental companies only have a few and selected makes and models of a particular vehicle.

Car rental companies only have a few and selected makes and models of a particular vehicle

There are no upgrades available

If one of the pros of buying a used rental car is there’s no upsell, the cons are that there's no option to upgrade. You will get the rental car as it is. There's no option to add other features, such as a tinted window or a backup camera.

What you need to know before buying a former rental car

Buying a former rental car is just the same when buying a used car from private car owners. You need to have the vehicle inspected by your trusted mechanic.

You also need to check the vehicle’s maintenance records and read the service policies of the rental company.

You also need to check the vehicle’s maintenance records and read the service policies of the rental company

>>> Useful article: How to get a car history check before buying a car

You can also ask for the vehicle history report (VHR) because it provides essential information on car liens, past ownership, accident history, service records, mileage, title, and car’s retail value.

Also, you can request an extended test drive, especially if it is a direct-consumer rental buying. Use it to inspect and observe the car if it has unusual noises and check for signs of damage to the car’s interior and body.