Consumer Reports: What to Know About Buying a Used Rental Car

You’ve probably seen the promotions: used rental cars, low prices, big savings.

“That low price can be attractive, and most rental companies do maintain their vehicles. But you still have to be a savvy consumer,” said Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Auto Editor.

Rental cars can rack up substantial miles. Hertz, Avis and Enterprise show mileage running on their cars anywhere from about 10,000 to more than 50,000.

And while most of those cars are no more than 18 months old, they have had many drivers - Avis says on average cars are rented between 55 and 65 times annually.

“With that much use and by drivers who don’t have a personal stake in the rental car, these vehicles have likely taken a beating,” Linkov said.

There are protections in place. Most rental companies do inspect their cars regularly.

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, many rental companies offer them for a year or up to 12,000 miles - whichever comes first - and include roadside assistance. And it pays to look for cars which have 5 year or 60,000 mile warranties from the manufacturer, like Hyundai or Kia.

But Consumer Reports says nothing beats knowing the history of the car and recommends Carfax.com or Autocheck.com to see if it has ever been in an accident, and recommends getting an independent mechanic to inspect it too.

And it’s a good idea to take a look at Consumer Reports’ Used Car Reliability Scores which tell you cars that are well performing and cars that have demonstrated years of better-than-average reliability.

Enterprise offered the following statement to NBC DFW:

"All of our vehicles follow a regular maintenance schedule, determined by the manufacturer’s recommended requirements. This means, that specific to each manufacturer’s recommendation of preventative maintenance, a “holds” system in our rental management program is used. As needed – and when recommended intervals require, a preventative maintenance “hold” is placed on each vehicle to alert the rental operation of a preventative maintenance recommendation. In addition, a basic visual trunk-to-trunk inspection for safety items, such as tires and warning lights, change in vehicle condition and personal items left behind is completed with each rental. 

Also, each Enterprise Car Sales vehicle must pass a rigorous inspection performed by an ASE-certified technician. And, free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ is available for all Enterprise Car Sales vehicles. Additionally, keep in mind the majority of mainstream auto makers transfer the balance of all factory warranties to subsequent owners."

MORE: Consumer Reports: Should You Consider Buying a Used Rental Car?