With over 100 years of experience in the transportation industry, rental giant Hertz entered the used car sales market in 2013. Hertz Car Sales gives shoppers access to well-maintained low mileage vehicles coming off their rental fleet. The no-haggle buying process provides attractive pricing if you don’t mind the limited history of a rental car.
This comprehensive guide will examine the inventory, buying process, pricing structure, and pros and cons of acquiring your next car through Hertz Car Sales. Let’s dive into the details of how their unique used car operation works.
An Introduction to Hertz Car Sales
The Hertz Car Sales program allows the public to purchase newer model lightly used vehicles that were previously part of the company’s rental fleet. Hertz acquires hundreds of thousands of cars and trucks each year to support their rental operations.
These vehicles are well-maintained corporate fleet vehicles driven for 12–24 months before being cycled out of rental service once they reach 15,000–40,000 miles. They are then inspected, reconditioned, and sold to consumers through standalone Hertz Car Sales lots located across the country.
The model provides shoppers an alternative way to buy late model used vehicles with factory warranties remaining. Hertz advertises no-haggle pricing discounted well below normal used car market retail values. This combination of fixed low pricing on near-new cars presents an intriguing option for certain car buyers.
Sourcing Rental Vehicles from the Hertz Fleet
Hertz vehicles are sourced from a few channels. The majority of inventory comes from Hertz’s own U.S. corporate rental fleet. These vehicles may have been used at airport locations or local neighborhood rental lots.
Models not meeting Hertz’s standards for returning to rental service are also sold through Hertz Car Sales rather than wholesaled. Additionally, Hertz may acquire batches of low mileage retired rental vehicles from other agencies.
No matter the original source, the cars sold by Hertz Car Sales are from large corporate rental fleets rather than individual owners. The vehicles tend to be 1–3 years old with 10,000 to 40,000 miles when sold. You can find economy, family, and luxury cars plus SUVs, vans, and light trucks.
The Hertz Car Buying Process
The process of finding and buying a used rental vehicle through Hertz involves these key steps:
Online Searching and Shopping
Those interested can first browse current Hertz used car inventory online by location. You can view photos and inventory specs without any contact. They have both nationwide listings and local market inventory.
In-Person Inspection and Test Drive
Once you spot interesting vehicles online, you visit the local Hertz Car Sales center in person for inspection and test drives. Test drives and vehicle walkarounds allow you to thoroughly assess condition.
Certification Process
Every vehicle sold by Hertz undergoes a 150+ point inspection and reconditioning process. Repairs and detailing are performed so cars meet certification standards. The completed checklist is provided.
Financing and Purchasing
Hertz offers financing services online through preferred lenders where you can get pre-approved. There is also an on-site finance office for assistance. Purchasing can be completed quickly the same day.
Nationwide Home Delivery
If you don’t want to drive your new car home across multiple states, Hertz provides delivery services to bring your vehicle directly to your door. Home delivery allows easy out of town purchases.
The process provides a streamlined no-pressure car buying experience focused on convenience. Now let’s look at a unique aspect of Hertz — the ability to “test drive” vehicles for rent first.
Exploring the Rent2Buy Program
Most used car dealers don’t offer extended test drives. However, Hertz also operates Hertz Rent2Buy, a program allowing you to rent a vehicle for up to 4 days as an extended evaluation before deciding on purchase. Here’s an overview:
- Pay discounted daily rental rates instead of a full-on test drive.
- Try out the rental for up to 4 days and 250 miles. Extensions may be possible.
- If satisfied, you can complete purchase on-site at a Hertz Car Sales location.
- $100 of your rental cost is applied towards the car price if purchased.
Rent2Buy allows an long test drive to truly determine if a vehicle fits your needs. You can rent sedans for around $35-$55 per day depending on location and vehicle class. It’s a clever way to extensively evaluate a car.
How Used Car Prices Are Set by Hertz
Pricing from Hertz Car Sales aims to offer consumers significant savings off the normal used car market. Hertz advertises their vehicles as priced below Kelley Blue Book values. Here are some pricing specifics:
- No haggling policy — All vehicles are offered at fixed, no-negotiation prices.
- Market value pricing — Cars are priced according to local market demand trends and conditions. This means adjusting prices frequently based on supply, seasonality, and economic factors in each region. Adjusted prices are clearly displayed on the windshields.
- Third-party validation — They use KBB and Black Book’s pricing data to keep offer prices discounted relative to broader market asking prices. What they save on auction fees and reconditioning is passed on.
- Extra fees disclosed upfront — Required fees like documentation fees are disclosed on the listings rather than tacked on at signing. Still expect some extra costs beyond the list price.
The model aims to provide genuine discounts in exchange for a streamlined buying experience. Just know that the price you see really is the final price at Hertz. Now let’s weigh some benefits and drawbacks.
Key Pros of Buying from Hertz Car Sales
There are some advantages to acquiring your next used vehicle through the Hertz Car Sales program including:
- Competitive pricing — The fixed discounted prices really do represent attractive savings compared to normal used car listings if you dislike haggling.
- ** WARRANTY coverage** — The remaining factory warranty transfers to buyers providing peace of mind. Optional extended warranty upgrades are also offered.
- Reconditioning and inspections — Hertz does refurbish and certify the vehicles before sale. The 150-point checklist provides some transparency.
- Recent model years — With cars 1–3 years old, shoppers can obtain nicely equipped vehicles still feeling modern. This can be a value.
- Convenient experience — The streamlined online shopping and on-site process offers low pressure and ample test drive time.
- Ability to try before buying — The unique Rent2Buy program allows you to rental test drive vehicles at length before purchase.
For certain consumers, buying through Hertz Car Sales can be a compelling proposition considering their pricing model and focus on customer convenience during the car buying journey.
Potential Downsides of Buying Hertz Used Cars
However, there are also some notable drawbacks to weigh:
- Limited service history visibility — You won’t know specifics on how renters treated the vehicle during service. Hertz provides their own mechanical history and inspection results.
- Higher mileage cars — With 10,000–40,000 miles already, high mileage comes quicker. The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty offered helps ease this concern.
- Past accidents possible — Even with reconditioning, you won’t know if a car was in a minor accident with repairs made during Hertz service.
- Excess wear and tear — More occupants and shorter trips may accelerate interior wear vs typical family use. However, exteriors are generally well-maintained.
- Out of area purchases — If purchasing from a distant location, you’ll need to rely on home delivery rather than driving locally. This requires trusting their logistics.
While each car’s history merits inspection, in general these are low-risk concerns for someone wanting a nicely equipped used car at a competitive price.
Making an Informed Decision on Hertz Car Sales
The Hertz Car Sales program presents a unique used vehicle buying option ideal for value-focused shoppers who prioritize a streamlined experience with competitive pricing over maximizing car history transparency.
Drivers simply seeking reliable recent-model transportation without breaking the bank may find real value in the Hertz inspection, certification, warranty, and reconditioning process. By maintaining their rental fleet diligently, Hertz is able to confidently offer these lightly-used vehicles to the retail market at attractive price points.
However, the model does appeal more to pragmatic buyers rather than those who meticulously track maintenance records and seek maximum history disclosure. Drivers wanting to know the full story of how all previous owners cared for a vehicle over the years may prefer more traditional used car purchases.
Whichever approach resonates with you, having this detailed knowledge of how the Hertz Car Sales operation works allows you to make an informed decision when considering them as a source for your next used vehicle. For the right consumer, they represent a compelling option in the market.
FAQs
How does Hertz Rent2Buy program work?
Hertz Rent2Buy is a program that allows customers to try out a rental car for up to three days before deciding to purchase it. Customers can browse Hertz’s inventory of used cars online, select a car to test drive, and then pick it up at a Hertz location. If the customer decides to purchase the car, the rental fee is waived.
Are Hertz used car prices negotiable?
Hertz used car prices are typically non-negotiable, as they are already priced competitively based on market value and condition. However, customers can potentially negotiate the price of a car if they have a valid reason, such as finding a similar car at a lower price elsewhere.
What are pros and cons of buying Hertz rental cars?
Pros of buying Hertz rental cars include the fact that they are typically well-maintained and come with a detailed maintenance history. Additionally, Hertz offers a variety of makes and models to choose from, and their prices are often competitive. Cons of buying Hertz rental cars include the fact that they may have higher mileage than other used cars, and they may have been driven by multiple people, potentially leading to more wear and tear.
Can Hertz Car Sales deliver vehicles to your home?
Yes, Hertz Car Sales offers home delivery of vehicles for an additional fee. Customers can complete the purchase process online and have the car delivered to their home or another location of their choice.
Does Hertz offer warranties on their used cars?
Yes, Hertz offers a limited powertrain warranty on their used cars, which covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, customers can purchase extended warranties for additional coverage.
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