Buying From Hertz

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Joined
Dec 2, 2020
Posts
53
Reaction score
32
Location
Blaine WA
Ram Year
2018
Engine
6.7L
They get their data from a lot of sources, including gov't records. If you get a police report for a crash, it's in Carfax if the body shop reports it or not.

Carfax isn't the only tool to use, but it's a good one to add in. A mechanical inspection won't reveal a theft recovery or title washing any more than a Carfax can tell you if the ball joints are worn out, but it's smart to use all tools available to get as much info as you can.
CarFax "can" be useful . . . but not the "end all" may thinks it might be!
 

Ronich69

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2020
Posts
14
Reaction score
10
Location
Mesa, AZ
Ram Year
2018
Engine
6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel
So I never thought I would say this but im considering buying a truck from Hertz.

I want to keep my purchase of a truck no more than 5 years old, less than 100k miles and under $30k. I started looking at Tundra's and immediately realized that I cant afford those. Fords seem too un reliable, so Im left between a Silverado and Ram.

This is going to be a family hauling truck with very light (if any) tow use. Im the kinda guy that will try to run it to 300k miles and I like to do my own work. So I need a reliable truck that is also reasonably easy to work on.

The reason Im looking at Hertz is because they sell reasonably appointed trucks at good prices. The other thing I like is that they dont have trailer hitches so I dont have to worry about them towing too heavy.

I am the most concerned with the transmission. How reliable are these? If I stay on top of fluid changes and not do anything abusive, how long will these 8speed transmissions last?

here is the one im looking at https://www.hertzcarsales.com/certified/Ram/2020-Ram
-1500+Classic-94dac1b30a0e0a9020c1e0198dcf3ccb.htm
Anyone who has rented a vehicle would tell you not to buy one. If anyone knew what I used to do with rentals...
 

kolya

Member
Military
Joined
Jan 25, 2019
Posts
43
Reaction score
68
Location
Middle Georgia
Ram Year
2018
Engine
v-6
I already had a great experience with an Enterprise purchase and decided to look at their trucks. Instead of paying cash, I asked my Credit Union what could they do for me. Because they had a corporate agreement, they offered special discounts for purchasing from Enterprise.
I bought a 2018 SLT, Quad, 4 WD, 11,000 mi, and no trailer hitch. I have had this Ram for over 4 years and it runs like a champ at 48,000 mi. My CU's used-car lending rate at the time was 5%. They discounted my rate for: Enterprise, vehicle under 3 years old, good LTV. The final interest was 2.34%.
Whatever you decide I wish you well. I'm happy with my 3rd Ram pickup!
 

1911LVR

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2023
Posts
14
Reaction score
5
Location
Arizona
Ram Year
2021
Engine
6.7L SO
I bought my 2016 Mazda-3 from Hertz. I have no qualms about buying from them again.
 

EdGs

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2020
Posts
2,477
Reaction score
3,555
Location
FL
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi 5.7L
The tk looks clean ...4x4. Chrome bumpers ...I wouldn't balk at it. I found out, doing some research, mine was originally an Enterprise Rental ...and it has a hitch. It was owned privately before me. Now has 175k seemingly-troublefree miles (at least in my tenure). No major prior service repair records in the Chrysler database.

The tranny's are robust on these trucks (RFE's and 8-spds). That said, with any used vehicle, one should expect ...or at least prepare for the unknown. At least for a while. Any vehicle can have issues at 80k+ mi, even one purchased new. Sounds like you are a seasoned buyer, and can manage risk. Once you get all the maintenance issues taken care of and establish a baseline, I hope you have many yrs of trouble-free motoring! :waytogo:

.

I'd say inspect it closely before you buy it, but otherwise go for it.

I bought mine used - it was previously owned by Enterprise. It didn't have a hitch (had to bolt one in). I've had it since 2018. It's had no issues, does the job exceedingly well, and because it's a fleet-only trim (SLT), I wound up with something between basic-betty and BigHorn. Some neat items, but not loaded down with useless (to me) doo-dads. I only paid $23k for it (at the time) to boot... a far lower price than similarly-used trucks put up on trade-in. I bought it at 19k miles, it's around 68k miles now. Most of those miles were spent on twisty mountain roads in the Pacific NW, and the thing has been ultra-reliable to date.


(Most of) the big rental companies take care of regular maintenance, keep them reasonable clean, and as long as the odometer is around or under 20,000 miles? It's still new enough that it hasn't been beat up. Renting a truck from places like Enterprise or Hertz will usually cost way more than renting a pickup from places like U-Haul or Home Depot, so you don't/won't see them get the same level of abuse (and nope, I'd -never- buy a used pickup truck from Home Depot, U-Haul, or the like.)
My '15 SLT QC 2WD 5.7 was purchased from a Honda dealership, and had been an Enterprise fleet truck. Had 28,600 miles when purchased in Sept. or '17. No hitch on her, either.

Was 24k after financing, etc.

Been a great vehicle for me, have had a couple repairs, nothing unexpected. Also normal maintenance stuff. Just turned 164,000 miles this morning.

Absolutely love her, would buy similar if prices weren't so stupid now, and I am jealous of some of you with the low-mileage rides you have. :321: Just kidding.....lol
 

redvetram

Senior Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
Posts
122
Reaction score
114
Location
Idaho
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Pentastar V6 3.7
Also, I notice that these dont have the "4WD Auto" button. What is that function? I will be driving in the snow on highways quite a lot.
I had a 2014 1500 V6 that did not have the auto 4WD. Basically makes you have to choose between 2WD or 4WD. Not ideal if you are frequently driving in mixed conditions. I now drive a 2019 1500 Classic V8 with the 4WD Auto option. Game changer and Id never go back. I’m driving on mixed dry pavement/ice/snow pack 7 months out of the year and love this feature. It basically means you are in 2WD unless there is slippage then it pops into 4WD. If the roads are a consistent icy/snow condition I’ll put it in 4WD lock, but it’s nice not to think about it most days by just having it in 4WD auto.
 

OCVstar

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2022
Posts
11
Reaction score
7
Location
New Jersey
Ram Year
2021
Engine
3.6 etorque
I don’t understand why a person would intentionally beat up a rental car. Why would you do that?
 

Gary Fields

Member
Joined
May 27, 2020
Posts
56
Reaction score
54
Location
Houston, TX
Ram Year
2020
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I worked for several rental companies over the years. I would never consider buying a used rental, especially a pick-up truck. 80% of renters drive like they normally do, the other 20% are like giving a car to a **** head who just watched Fast and Furious. Nobody rents a truck to drive empty- it's gonna get loaded and often overloaded. Lots of them came back with a trailer ball on the bumper even if pulling trailers was supposed to be prohibited. It was not unusual to have problems on trucks like transmission, suspension, wheel bearings, and brakes worn out early. These are not normal and show they are rode hard. Once had a truck returned with broken leaf spring and bent frame, renter was a brick mason and carried 2 pallets of bricks in half ton truck. Find another truck-you get what you pay for.
 

MRANT212

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2023
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Manalapan NJ
Ram Year
2017 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
Engine
Hemi 5.7
One doesn’t know the history usually of most preowned cars. If you like it and it checks out write the check. Personally I would a search on Autotrader, Car Gurus etc. I just picked up a 17 RAM 1500 Longhorne a month ago with onlyb46k miles on it.
 

gfh77665

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2019
Posts
478
Reaction score
613
Location
SE TX
Ram Year
2019 Classic
Engine
3.6 Pentastar
I don’t understand why a person would intentionally beat up a rental car. Why would you do that?

Some get their "fun" by abusing or destroying others property. Its a sad, sad reflection on THEM.
 

gfh77665

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2019
Posts
478
Reaction score
613
Location
SE TX
Ram Year
2019 Classic
Engine
3.6 Pentastar
I worked for several rental companies over the years. I would never consider buying a used rental, especially a pick-up truck. 80% of renters drive like they normally do, the other 20% are like giving a car to a **** head who just watched Fast and Furious. Nobody rents a truck to drive empty- it's gonna get loaded and often overloaded. Lots of them came back with a trailer ball on the bumper even if pulling trailers was supposed to be prohibited. It was not unusual to have problems on trucks like transmission, suspension, wheel bearings, and brakes worn out early. These are not normal and show they are rode hard. Once had a truck returned with broken leaf spring and bent frame, renter was a brick mason and carried 2 pallets of bricks in half ton truck. Find another truck-you get what you pay for.
I once rented a 1/2 truck for a week and I fully disclosed what I was going to do, pull a lightweight trailer on a 2000 mile round trip. The company agreed, and I took possession. I treated their truck better than I would treat my own. Even changed oil for them although I did not have to.
 

JW2 Innovations

Senior Member
Preferred Vendor
Military
Joined
Sep 15, 2022
Posts
348
Reaction score
442
Location
Olive Branch, MS
Ram Year
2016 Ram 2500
Engine
6.7
My dad many many years ago bought a Toyota Tercell rental with low mileage. Basic basic car. Had it for years with no real mechanical issues. Alternator went out at ~175k, and other normal stuff like brakes and tires at normal intervals. Was a good back and forth to work (40 miles one way) vehicle.

Myself however, I wouldn't buy a rental car. Like others mention here, I know some of them get ran into the ground/abused. And I've had simple maintenance issues with rentals that have left me is waiting situations when the rental company is coming with another one to swap with. Stuff I wouldn't let happen to my own vehicles, does happen to theirs. So I personally would stay away, even with seeing my dad's experience.
 

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
3,137
Reaction score
3,329
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
I find this whole topic amusing. I bet there's a ton of owners (maybe some of the "I'd Never Buy A Rental" guys) who've bought used cars which were previous rental vehicles, or used in a similar manner, and never knew it. :waytogo:

Besides the normal rentals from the big companies, dealers also rent car sometimes, then sell them as "used". If it's handled in-house there might not be any record of it being a 'rental'. Large companies have their 'fleet cars' for employees to drive which are essentially leased but more or less the same as rental cars ..and they wouldn't be tangged as a 'rental car'. Contractors and other companies buy pickups which end up on corner used car lots. They go to auction and dealers buy them. ..and so on. And what about off-lease cars? Were they treated any better?

When you go to dealer car auctions, the longest line/s of cars going through are rentals, fleet and off-lease cars. Usually there are 3 bays or more with an unbroken line of cars flowing through. They sit there on the bid floor for a grand total of about 10 seconds, the bid is done, ...and they're out of the bid bay and next car in its place. Dealers don't look them over other than a quick walk-around.

Those are some of the 'clean' cars and trucks at your town's used-car corner or dealer lot. People buy them all the time and never know one thing about their history. And generally speaking they work just fine.
 
Last edited:

PolarisCobra

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2018
Posts
457
Reaction score
643
Location
Mendon, MA
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7 HEMI
Has anyone here purchased a formal rental, and would up sorry they did, because of problems with it?

Seems to be lots of examples in this thread of people who had a fine experience, and got a reliable car/truck at a reasonable price, but I don't remember reading about someone who bought one, and had trouble.

Lots of people who have not bought one have strong opinions about why it's a bad idea, but I am not seeing real world experience to back that up.
 

Govtman

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2021
Posts
44
Reaction score
34
Location
Oklahoma
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi 5.7
My 19 Classic Bighorn was an Enterprise truck. Had 23k miles and paid $23,900 for it. Dealer had went through it so it was a Certified pre-owned and came with 100k mile warranty.
 

Random_Walk

...what's this bolt do? *plink* ...oh.
Military
Joined
Jul 5, 2018
Posts
1,168
Reaction score
2,062
Location
Out
Ram Year
2017 QC 4WD SLT
Engine
Pentastar 3.6
One doesn’t know the history usually of most preowned cars. If you like it and it checks out write the check. Personally I would a search on Autotrader, Car Gurus etc. I just picked up a 17 RAM 1500 Longhorne a month ago with onlyb46k miles on it.

I can toss in a vote for CarGurus - that's where I researched and found mine. Much easier to surf around, narrow it down to 1-2, then go look at and test-drive the finalists.
 

06 Dodge

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Posts
1,900
Reaction score
1,781
Location
Forest Grove, Oregon
Ram Year
2022
Engine
6.7L CTD
Until my resent vacation I thought buying one would be safe, after seeing how people drive/treat a rental vehicle I would be hard pressed to buy one...
 

22hemi13

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 20, 2013
Posts
3,805
Reaction score
5,795
Location
Tucson AZ
Ram Year
2014 2500 4x4
Engine
5.7
I’d buy a rental all day any day. Sure it gets beat on. But it ain’t all gunked up and idling all day. I rag mine hard and it’s fine 165k miles.
 

Random_Walk

...what's this bolt do? *plink* ...oh.
Military
Joined
Jul 5, 2018
Posts
1,168
Reaction score
2,062
Location
Out
Ram Year
2017 QC 4WD SLT
Engine
Pentastar 3.6
I’d buy a rental all day any day. Sure it gets beat on. But it ain’t all gunked up and idling all day. I rag mine hard and it’s fine 165k miles.

Still under 70k here, but yeah... I beat mine up harder than most. Homesteading will do that.

(besides, after I put that dent in the front driver-side quarter-panel, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that I'd never have to worry about denting it again. I keep threatening to pop that dent out, but nah...)
 
Top