Looking for a different way to buy a used car without dealership pressure? Hertz Rent2Buy offers a unique approach that might be worth your time. This program lets you test drive a car for up to three days before deciding to buy it—much longer than the typical 15-minute dealer test drive. But is it actually a good deal? Let’s dive into what real customers are saying, how the pricing works, and whether former rental cars make sense for your next vehicle purchase.
What Exactly Is Hertz Rent2Buy?
Hertz Rent2Buy lets you take a multi-day test drive with a car from their rental fleet before committing to buy it. The concept is pretty straightforward:
- Browse available vehicles online
- Reserve a car for a 3-day test drive
- Pay a rental fee ($49 for cars under $25,000, $99 for pricier models)
- If you buy the car, the rental fee gets waived
- If not, you simply return it like a normal rental
What makes this different from traditional car shopping is the extended time you get with the vehicle. You can actually live with it for a few days—take it to work, fit your kids’ car seats, see how it handles your daily routine, and even have your mechanic inspect it.
As one Reddit user shared: “I completed my purchase from Hertz in just 24 minutes after my 3-day test drive. No pressure, no games—just straightforward paperwork.”
The Pricing: Is It Actually Competitive?
Hertz uses a no-haggle pricing model, typically setting prices below Kelley Blue Book retail value. According to their press release, this approach aims to be transparent and reduce the anxiety many feel when negotiating at traditional dealerships.
Here’s what the pricing structure looks like:
| Price Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Price | Fixed price, usually 10-15% below comparable dealership prices |
| Test Drive Fee | $49 (vehicles under $25K) or $99 (vehicles over $25K) – waived if purchased |
| AAA Discount | $350 off for AAA members |
| Special Offers | Occasional promotions like “No payments for 90 days” |
Customer experiences confirm these savings. Multiple Reddit users report saving between $2,000-$5,000 compared to traditional dealerships. One buyer noted: “I got my Toyota Camry for $3,200 less than the lowest dealer offer I could find, and it had only 12,000 miles on it.”
The Warranty and Protection: What’s Covered?
Every Rent2Buy vehicle comes with some basic protections:
- 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- 7-day/250-mile buy-back guarantee
The warranty covers essential powertrain components, but it’s not as comprehensive as some manufacturer certified pre-owned programs. It’s important to note that the warranty is limited to the powertrain—meaning engine, transmission, and drive systems—rather than covering all potential issues.
A forum post from a Hertz customer highlighted: “The warranty is adequate for major issues, but I’d recommend having emergency funds for smaller repairs that might come up in the first year.”
Real Customer Experiences: The Good
Based on customer reviews across Reddit, Bogleheads, and Yelp, here are the most common positives:
Pressure-Free Buying Experience
Unlike traditional dealerships, Hertz employees don’t work on commission, which means less pushy sales tactics. Multiple customers mention the relaxed atmosphere during the purchase process.
“The buying process was incredibly straightforward. No upselling, no finance manager trying to sell me extended warranties—just sign the papers and go,” wrote one satisfied customer.
Competitive Pricing
The fixed pricing model regularly beats out traditional dealerships and sometimes even online competitors like Carvana and CarMax.
According to data from customer reviews, Hertz vehicles are typically:
- 10-15% below CarMax prices
- Comparable to or slightly below Carvana prices
- $2,000-$5,000 less than traditional dealerships
Extended Test Drive
The three-day test period is consistently praised as the program’s biggest advantage. It gives buyers time to really evaluate the vehicle, have it professionally inspected, and see how it fits their lifestyle.
A customer on Flyertalk shared: “I was able to take the car to my mechanic who found some minor issues that Hertz agreed to fix before I purchased. That wouldn’t have been possible with a traditional test drive.”
Real Customer Experiences: The Bad
No program is perfect, and Rent2Buy has its share of complaints:
Vehicle Availability Issues
The most frequent complaint involves reserved vehicles being unavailable at pickup. Since these cars are part of Hertz’s active rental fleet, they’re sometimes still out with renters when you arrive for your test drive.
One frustrated customer on Reddit described driving 90 minutes to a Hertz location only to be told their reserved car was still with another customer.
Limited Vehicle Information Online
Unlike competitors that provide detailed vehicle histories and condition reports, Hertz’s online listings are often sparse on details.
A potential buyer noted: “The website showed basic info like mileage and color, but I couldn’t see detailed photos of the interior condition or any minor damage until I arrived in person.”
Undisclosed Damage Concerns
Perhaps the most serious complaint involves vehicles with previous damage that isn’t disclosed before purchase. Since Hertz self-insures its fleet, accidents don’t always appear on Carfax reports.
A particularly concerning case involved a customer who discovered significant accident damage during their inspection: “My mechanic found evidence of a serious side impact that required door replacements. This wasn’t shown on any of the vehicle history reports.”
Are Former Rental Cars Good Purchases?
This is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Rent2Buy program. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:
Advantages of Former Rental Cars
Regular Maintenance: Rental companies follow strict maintenance schedules, often more consistent than individual owners. Oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine services are typically performed on time.
Newer Models: Most rental companies, including Hertz, cycle vehicles out of their fleet within 1-2 years, meaning you’re getting a relatively new car.
No Smoking Policies: Rental companies enforce strict no-smoking policies, reducing the chance of interior odors.
Disadvantages of Former Rental Cars
Higher Than Average Mileage: Rental cars accumulate miles quickly, often reaching 25,000-40,000 miles in their first year.
Multiple Drivers: Dozens of different people have driven the car, each with their own driving habits and levels of care.
Harder Use: Renters sometimes treat cars more roughly than they would their own vehicle.
A mechanic commenting on Reddit offered this perspective: “Rental cars aren’t necessarily bad purchases, but they require more thorough inspection. Look for even tire wear, smooth transmission shifts, and have the undercarriage checked for damage.”
How Rent2Buy Compares to Competitors
When shopping for a used car, you have several options beyond traditional dealerships:
| Company | Test Drive | Pricing | Inspection Process | Return Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz Rent2Buy | 3-day rental | 10-15% below retail | Basic inspection | 7-day/250-mile |
| CarMax | 24-hour test drive | Higher than Hertz | 125-point inspection | 30-day/1,500-mile |
| Carvana | 7-day “test own” | Variable, often higher | 150-point inspection | 7-day return |
| Traditional Dealership | 15-30 minutes | Negotiable | Varies widely | Usually none |
Hertz’s main advantage is pricing, while competitors typically offer more thorough inspections and, in CarMax’s case, a more generous return policy.
Is Hertz Rent2Buy Right for You?
Based on the research, Rent2Buy might be ideal for:
- Price-conscious buyers willing to trade vehicle history for savings
- Thorough researchers who will use the full test period to inspect the vehicle
- Flexible shoppers who aren’t set on specific features or immediate availability
- Confident decision-makers comfortable with the shorter 7-day return window
You should probably avoid Rent2Buy if:
- You need detailed vehicle condition information before viewing
- You’re on a tight timeline and need guaranteed availability
- You’re uncomfortable with a vehicle’s rental history
- You want the most comprehensive warranty coverage
Tips for a Successful Rent2Buy Experience
If you decide to try Hertz Rent2Buy, follow these tips to maximize your chances of success:
- Call ahead to confirm your vehicle is actually available before making the trip
- Schedule a mechanic inspection during your test drive period
- Check for a Carfax report, but don’t rely on it exclusively
- Test all features thoroughly during your rental period
- Look for AAA membership discounts or other promotions
- Secure financing ahead of time to compare with Hertz’s offered rates
- Take detailed photos of any existing damage before purchasing
The Rental-to-Purchase Process: Step by Step
If you’re interested in trying Rent2Buy, here’s exactly how the process works:
- Browse inventory on the Hertz Car Sales website
- Reserve your test drive online or by phone
- Pay the rental fee ($49 or $99 depending on vehicle price)
- Complete rental paperwork at the Hertz location
- Test drive for up to three days
- Have the car inspected by an independent mechanic
- Decide whether to purchase
- Complete purchase paperwork if buying (rental fee is waived)
- Return the vehicle if not purchasing
According to a YouTube review, the entire purchase process typically takes less than an hour once you’ve decided to buy.
What Types of Cars Are Available?
Hertz’s inventory changes constantly, but you’ll typically find:
- Economy and compact cars (Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla)
- Midsize sedans (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord)
- SUVs (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer)
- Luxury vehicles (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class)
The selection varies by location, with larger markets offering more diverse options. The average age of vehicles is 1-2 years, with mileage typically between 25,000-40,000.
Understanding the Warranty Limitations
While Hertz does provide a 12-month/12,000-mile powertrain warranty, it’s important to understand what’s actually covered:
Covered Components:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drive axle
- Transfer case (4WD vehicles)
Not Covered:
- Suspension
- Electrical systems
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment systems
- Most accessories
For context, manufacturer certified pre-owned warranties typically cover significantly more components and last longer (often 7 years/100,000 miles for powertrain).
The Bottom Line on Hertz Rent2Buy
Hertz Rent2Buy offers a unique approach to car buying with genuine advantages for certain types of shoppers. The extended test drive and competitive pricing make it worth considering, especially if you’re comfortable with a vehicle’s rental history and willing to be thorough during your inspection process.
The program’s success rate is impressive—approximately 80% of customers who test drive end up purchasing, according to Hertz’s press materials. This suggests that for many shoppers, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Just be sure to approach the process with realistic expectations, plan for a thorough inspection, and be prepared for possible availability hiccups. With the right approach, Rent2Buy can be a smart alternative to traditional car buying methods.
