The used car industry is a growing industry in the United States: not only were 41,000,000 used cars sold in the country in 2013, but an estimated three out of every four car transactions involves a used vehicle. As a result, there are a number of good used cars for sale throughout the U.S. However, some people think the best used cars are former rental cars, as they typically receive regular inspections, repairs and more. If you are one of these savvy customers, you should be able to find a number of rental cars for sale in any given area. But whenever you are buying used cars, there are steps you should take to ensure you are getting the best car for your money. Rental cars are no exception: before you purchase a former rental vehicle, follow the steps below.
Check Rental Websites
Rental car companies will typically advertise that they are selling some of their vehicles on their websites. This allows potential buyers to identify rental cars for sale of the model and year that you want at different retailers and compare the prices. This also gives you the chance to compare used cars at local dealerships with these rental cars: the prices may be lower, or the quality may be better.
Inspect the Car
Plan to see the potential vehicles you are interested in by scheduling an appointment, which may or may be at the rental location. Once there, ask to see the service record, take it for a test drive, and consider having a mechanic take a look at the car to make sure it is in proper working order. If any point you become concerned about the quality or state of the car, move on to the next option.
Negotiate a Sale
Once you find the right vehicle, discuss the warranty and price with the seller. Find out if the automobile manufacturer offers a factory warranty, which should still be in effect as long as the vehicle has a clean title. If the car does not, ask the dealer if they offer extended warranty opportunities. Once the warranty is established, see if the dealer will accept a lower price than the one advertised: remember, the rental company stands to gain nothing from rental vehicles for sale that they can’t use, and may be willing to take less than the original price.
Every year, the U.S. used vehicle industry generates an estimated $101 billion dollars. Despite this high number, there are several million used cars and rental cars for sale at any given point. If you think a rental car would be right for you, follow the tips above to help you and your preowned car get on the road! Get more on this here.