Things to know when buying an ex-rental fleet vehicle?

[bpapa9013]

I just found out about a rental company in L.A. that is apparently selling 3 or 4 used 2000/2001 ex-rental insights that have around 50,000mi, so I am going to be hunting these for a while. I also have a friend that works for Enterprise Rentacar in their Midwest Regional Corporate office, so I will be checking with him about possibly finding a used rental fleet insight through him.

Does anyone know any specific things to look for when buying an ex-rental fleet vehicle? Besides just saying it is generally a bad idea! My friend that works for Enterprise has bought 3 ex-rental fleet vehicles well below the market rate for those cars and he has not had a single problem with any of them! (albiet he gets the pick of the litter as he works for them!)

Any specific information would be greatly welcomed, I have purchased (or been involved in purchasing) several used cars and I know what generally to look for in a used car. But if anyone knows anything about ex-rental fleet vehicles that may be specific to that market, or if anyone has any general experiences buying ex-rental fleet vehicles they would like to share please feel free!

[iibbmm]

My 2001 insight was an ex rental from the same (I assume) hybrid rental place. I bought it with 55,000 or so miles on it and it was problem free until I sold it at 66,000 miles. I made a good deal of money on the sale, too.

[bpapa9013]

Awesome, thanks for your story!

Everything I have heard from my friend at Enterprise is good, he says they do all the routine maintenance like clockwork and use only factory OEM parts/fluids/oils/etc. exactly as the service manual would dictate. My friend of course can't speak for other rental companies, but I would imagine that any reasonably professional rental company would realize that keeping their cars in tip-top shape is the best way for them to maximize profits (fewer breakdowns, repairs, higher resale value, etc.).

So I am getting pretty optimistic about finding an ex-rental fleet Insight for a good price!

iibbmm did the factory warranty transfer to you without problem?

[The Citrus Smoothie]

Cigarette burns from careless renters? Worn clutch on manual version?

[commuter]

I can tell you that any car that is sold in California, that is an ex-rental car, has to have disclosure that it was a rental car. That disclosure will follow the car. I think it may even be part of the registration/Title.

I also know that most rentals are very well maintained. They aren't driven very nicely, but the rental companies do take good care of them.

If you run into more than one Insight let me know as I want to possible get another Insight. I'm not replacing just adding to my own fleet.

[iibbmm]

Keep in mind that the type of person that would rent an insight... from a 'hybrid only' rental company is probably a bit more responsible than a typical renter.

These are people that decided to, (and paid a premium for doing it) rent a hybrid. Many were probably potential buyers that wanted a taste, or eco-friendly business/pleasure travellers.

My rental was impecible inside and out.

[bpapa9013]

Well I think I saw the ad for the rental Insights that were for sale on Autotrader but now I can't seem to find the listing again. There are a TON of insights on that site. But I am having trouble figuring out how long ago they were listed, most of them might already be sold.

The way Autotrader works is for one flat fee they will list your car until it sells, so (especially on their website) if you don't let them know that the car has sold they might not take down the listing in a very timely manner?

I remember I emailed the rental company through Autotrader when I first saw the listing, but I have not heard back. I have also emailed several other sellers about listings on Autotrader and have yet to hear back from any of them either.

I'm beginning to wonder if they are all "phantom" cars, as I think I heard another person put it.

I know that several of the major rental companies have in the past and/or currently rent out Insights. Enterprise unfortunately does not/never did, so my friend there couldn't help me on that end.