Would you ever buy an ex-rental car?

[Fazda]

Umm, probably not, would probably go for an equivalent privately owned second hand vehicle.
Based on nothing but best guess, how I've seen rental vehicles treated in terms of clutch abuse, engine stresses etc.

After many years in the Motor Industry, I can assure you that the vast percentage of privately owned cars are NOT treated with any respect at all. At least a rental has had constant maintenance and servicing. A car that pushes up mileage quickly is also a happier car in the end.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I disagree based on personal experience.
I bought a vehicle (ex AVIS stock) in 2008 with just over 100,000 km on it, full service history, etc.
I found out a couple of months later that the engine had big end knock which was masked at the time of sale with an oil thickener.
At around 130,000 km the front suspension started giving problems and the clutch started slipping.
These are the types of items you won't know are problems unless you start stripping the vehicle to inspect the parts.

I replaced it with a new vehicle. I know the exact service history and any problems.
I've performed my own repairs outside of maintenance and know that the vehicle is in good condition.
I know that the vehicle hasn't been driven half into the ground by some idiot Michael Schumacher wannabe.
Above all else I know that any defects haven't been temporarily masked by an underhanded dealer.

Strange they would only sell at 100 000km.

Normally it's <40 000km.

In that case yes, maybe it did work a little bit too hard.

*****

Suspension at 130 000km is pretty normal in my opinion though.

 

[TehStranger]

Suspension at 130 000km is pretty normal in my opinion though.

On what cars? I've run multiple cars to 150,000km+ without suspension issues. My old A3 only needed some suspension attention at 210,000kms. My Accord is on 120,000kms (and is turning 10 this year) with no suspension issues even in sight. SO's mother's Accord is on closer to 240,000kms (also turning 10 this year) and her suspension feels near identical to mine with no work done.

Other cars to note:

Honda Ballade - shocks done just after 300,000kms, currently on 460,000kms+ happily with the second set.
Toyota Hilux KZTE - suspension only done after 200,000kms, and that was to change it to an aftermarket setup, not because there was anything wrong with it.

There were more, but you get the point.

 

[Colin62]

I voted yes in the survey, and have voted with my wallet in the past and have owned an ex-rental, and been very happy with.

 

[marco79]

I would. I am considering buying one in a few months time. I think they offer good value for money. And with the 30 day exchange offer you could drive the living daylights out of the car and if it doesn't break down then you have a keeper.

 

[Paul_S]

Strange they would only sell at 100 000km.

Normally it's <40 000km.

In that case yes, maybe it did work a little bit too hard.

*****

Suspension at 130 000km is pretty normal in my opinion though.

It was an AVIS staff car, not rental stock. Mazda Etude 160iE
I had driven three Mazda's before that (two 323's and one 626) and none of them displayed suspension wear or problems until well after 300,000km even though they were driven over 10km of corrugated dirt roads on a nearly daily basis.
I suspect serious abuse (like ramping speed humps at 60km/h) because Mazda's are usually pretty darn tough.
That experience has pretty much put me off second hand vehicles.

 

[JackWhite]

Rental car: Abused by half its drivers
Non rental: Not abused at all or abused 100% by 1st owner

 

[Colin62]

Rental car: Abused by half its drivers
Non rental: Not abused at all or abused 100% by 1st owner

I suspect that rentals are abused by less than 10% of their drivers.

 

[Dan C]

Voted no, purely because I don't buy 2nd hand cars.

 

[remus786]

If its an autobox and under 50000kms I will buy it, imho manual boxes get rekt, with over 50k I wouldn't chance it.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

No. They're driven to hell and back. I would know, I've made the journey...

 

[Ecco]

Yes.

My first car was an ex rental

 

[ToxicBunny]

Yeah, for the right price...

They're maintained better than most private vehicles, and driven no worse really.

 

[ahoudet]

Bought 3 or 4 so far... No issues

 

[Gunner182]

My mother has a 2007 Toyota Yaris ex rental. That thing is a workhorse.

 

[supersunbird]

My one is 10 years old and on 183 000km (got it a 3 years old with like 27 000km on the clock, has been used for 1 year and then stood for 2) . Clutch finally gave in on that in December, but that car suffered a lot of N1 highway stop and go crawling. Also had to get a new alternator last year and the year before a new starter. But those are age related, not rental related.

3 year old Ford Figo just went for its 60 000km service (got it at 1 years old with 22 000 on the clock).

 

[Rickster]

Who wouldnt want to see what the car does when you put it in 2nd gear at 100KM/h

 

[broken1]

Yes if the price was right. I don't think there is any difference to buying another used car or dealer demo, risk is the same (unknown), product is the same so the only differentiator would be price.

 

[dunkyd]

Bought various cars from Avis. All top notch !

 

[supersunbird]

Yes if the price was right. I don't think there is any difference to buying another used car or dealer demo, risk is the same (unknown), product is the same so the only differentiator would be price.

Easily a 20% to 25% saving one a brand new version of the same car (using a 1 year old, 20 something 000km model)