Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

[Straightup]

I have a '98 Silhouette van that has a bunch of problems and will need $2200 to get into good condition - about $600 more than the book value of the van.

My brother in law is the sales manager at a local dealership and says he has two '06 Grand Caravans that are loaded quite nice that belonged to a rental company. One has 27K and the other has 23K miles and he said my price with my van would be about $13,000.

Doesn't sound like too bad a deal, but the rental part scares me a lot. Wonder if anyone has had any experience with this situation? Thanks in advance for any comments.

Jeff

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I wouldn't be afraid of them. They are probably serviced better or at least as well as any other car. Plus, they get cleaned up constantly. And besides, I doubt the Minivan crowd really abused them much. Years ago I bought a Chevy Cavalier that was a rental unit. Never had a days problem with it...

 

[javsam]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

sounds like a good deal. i bought a rental car in 2002 with 27000 miles,and it has been a great car(2001 buick century). I'd say go for it.
javsam

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

Most rental cars are well looked after and most come with an waranty.Only thing i would do is check out an recall page to see if thay have any problems that may need looking after.

 

[JB]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

My pinch-penny brother has only bought rental discards for many years. Usually low-end vehicles.

They have been very well maintained mechanically and each lasted him several years.

His current one, a '98 Corolla, seems bulletproof with over 100K on it.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I agree - rentals are probably a better choice than lease return vehicles, which is what the majority of 2 year old 25,000 mile ued vehicles are. At least the rentals are maintained regularly. Leasing means it's not the lesee's problem in a few years and in many instances (most probably) they aren't maintained.

I'm not sure about the price though - one of the Chrysler dealers in my area (Coon Rapids Chrysler - a bit northwest of Minneapolis, MN) has a banner advertising brand new 2006 minivans for $14,995 - at least that's what I think I saw the other day. I don't know if you can find a comparable price closer to home but it might be worth a phone call anyway. $1,995 isn't much to spend for the peace of mind you get when you buy brand new (plus the two additional years of warranty coverage) but I don't know if they're comparably equipped.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

da wife had two rental cars. both with good factory warranties remaining, in very clean shape and at decent prices. I'm sure they are not giving them away as rental resale has become an integral part of the rental business these days.

However, I believe they are well maintained, for the most part encounter little abuse, have lots of candy on them all for a reasonable price.

I'd say go for it if the price is right. Being related, it ought to be EXTRA right.

 

[DJ]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

[/I wouldn't be afraid of them. They are probably serviced better or at least as well as any other car. Plus, they get cleaned up constantly. And besides, I doubt the Minivan crowd really abused them much. Years ago I bought a Chevy Cavalier that was a rental unit. Never had a days problem with it...
quote]

Agreed. Rental companies cannot afford downtime, thus they maintain the vehicles.

I'd buy one. Just look them both over, your eye will tell you which on is the better buy.

Remember, ALL used cars are unique.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

Thanks for all the positive comments. Sounds like a good thing to pursue. I'll be looking at them tonight and will post an update later.

Jeff

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

We bought a 1997 Cavalier Convertable with 50K on it, former rental car- this vehicle was screwed to put it blunt. The car had been driven so hard that the engine knocked and did not rev over 3000 rpms by 60K miles. We got rid of that, 2 vehicles later we are in another formal rental vehicle, we were afraid to say the least but not a single problem in 2 years on this one, now has 105K miles, have not done a THING to it.

As someone said above, not many people rent a minivan and beat the snot out of it, some family on vacation might use it to cruise to the beach and back in.

Good luck.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I'd look for wear... and get the more expesive to rent vehicle.

A cavalier is the bottom of the line cheapo to rent by any college kid.

When I drove up to WI for a convention, we rented a minivan... .....but I will say I accelerated a lot harder than I would in my own vehicle... and spinning the tires once saying "it's a rental" is a requirement.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I have had a couple... both were Ford Certified so no worrys. Still have one, traded the other for my truck.

If you like it... buy it.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I drive rentals cars at least 3-4 days weekly....
anyone who would consider buying a used rental fleet vehicle needs their head examined.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Opinions? Buying a Rental Co. Vehicle

I bought the one with 27K miles. I've been real happy so far, except it drifts badly to the right after you let go of the wheel for a sec. I took it back for an alignment and they said everything is in spec. They said they would need it for a day to check the tires and everything. They said all 2006's steer that way, but my dad has a 2006 wheelchair conversion and it goes straight down their road. ???