Hertz Used Cars: Quality & Value
Purchasing a used car from a rental company can be an great way to get a well-maintained late model used car. Hertz has rented cars since 1918, but it is also one of the largest used-car retailers in the nation. Hertz Car Sales takes vehicles retired from the rental fleet—typically one to three years old and very well-maintained by manufacturer service schedules. They are thus a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Hertz sells its used cars at more than 70 sales centers across the United States. Because Hertz owns its inventory outright, the purchase path feels closer to buying from a direct-to-consumer storefront than haggling with a traditional dealership.
The Hertz Certified process
Before any vehicle appears on the lot or online listing, it must pass the Hertz Certified inspection, a 115-point checklist that verifies everything from power-train performance to paint thickness. Technicians replace wear items that fail to meet internal standards, update routine maintenance, and ensure all factory recalls are closed. Car Fax vehicle-history reports come free with every listing, and odometer readings almost always sit well below 50,000 miles, reflecting their short duty cycles in the rental fleet.
Buy Back Guarantee
Hertz backs each purchase with a “Love It or Return It” Buy Back Guarantee. Buyers have seven days or 250 miles—whichever comes first—to bring the car back to the selling store for a full refund of the purchase price, no questions asked. Unlike some exchange programs that issue only dealership credit, Hertz simply unwinds the contract. The policy gives shoppers a built-in cooling-off period and, in practice, functions as an extended test drive.
Warranty and roadside assistance
Every Hertz Certified car carries a 12-month/12,000-mile limited power-train warranty valid nationwide, covering major components such as engine, transmission, and drive axles. Roadside assistance for the same period handles towing, flat-tire service, jump-starts, and lockouts. Because most vehicles are still under the original factory bumper-to-bumper coverage, buyers often enjoy overlapping protection for many everyday repairs.
Financing through the Hertz center
Hertz Car Sales operates an in-house financing center that partners with national banks, credit unions, and sub-prime lenders. Shoppers can fill out a single online application and receive multiple offers without visiting separate branches. Pre-approval letters arrive by email, letting customers know exactly how much they can spend before stepping onto the lot. Those who already have a preferred lender can bring their own financing, and cash purchases are accepted as well. Extended service plans and GAP coverage are optional add-ons rolled into the loan if desired.
How to buy step by step
The shopping journey begins at HertzCarSales.com, where filters sort more than 10,000 listings by make, model, price, mileage, and location. Clicking a vehicle shows its inspection status, Car Fax link, warranty details, and a “Payment Calculator” to preview financing scenarios. Prospective buyers schedule a test drive or a Rent2Buy reservation directly from the listing page. Upon visiting the store, no-haggle pricing means the posted amount is the amount paid; taxes, title, and applicable fees are added transparently on the purchase agreement. After financing approval (or cash payment), the car rolls out with all keys, owner’s manuals, and a full tank of gas—a legacy of its rental past.
Why consider Hertz for a used car?
Because the company cycles vehicles out of its rental fleet quickly, most inventory averages one previous owner (Hertz) and carries up-to-date service records. The seven-day Buy Back Guarantee removes buyer’s remorse, the 12-month power-train warranty rivals many certified-pre-owned programs, and Rent2Buy grants a real-world trial period. Finally, the ability to search, finance, and purchase entirely online simplifies what is often the most stressful consumer transaction. The yellow-and-black logo that once greeted you at the airport may be worth another look in the rearview mirror.
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