What happens when Hertz sells its fleet

Hertz sells used rental cars through its own sales channel called Hertz Car Sales, which operates separately from the rental business. These vehicles come off the rental fleet after a set number of miles or months of service — typically between 12,000 and 30,000 miles depending on the model and market. You buy them the same way you'd buy any used car from a dealer: you visit a location, inspect the vehicle, negotiate price if applicable, arrange financing or pay cash, and complete a title transfer.

Hertz Car Sales locations exist in most major U.S. cities and some smaller markets, though not everywhere. The inventory changes constantly because it depends on what Hertz is retiring from its rental fleet at any given time. You can search for nearby locations and browse available vehicles on the Hertz Car Sales website before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz Car Sales is a separate dealership operation where you can buy used rental cars that have been retired from the fleet.
  • These vehicles typically have 12,000 to 30,000 miles and come with a vehicle history report showing their rental use.
  • You can search inventory online by location and vehicle type, but availability varies by market and changes frequently.
  • Financing, trade-ins, and extended warranties are available through Hertz Car Sales, though terms and rates depend on your credit and the specific location.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is recommended, as with any used car purchase.

Finding Hertz Car Sales locations near you

Start at the Hertz Car Sales website and use the location finder tool. Enter your city or zip code to see which dealerships in your area carry inventory. Not every market has a Hertz Car Sales location — if none appear near you, the closest option may be several hours away, or you may need to consider other used car sources.

Each location maintains its own inventory, so a car you see listed at one dealership may not be available at another. If you find a specific vehicle you want to see, call the location directly to confirm it's still in stock before you drive there. Inventory moves quickly during peak seasons.

What to expect when you visit

Hertz Car Sales operates like a traditional used car dealership. You can walk the lot, examine vehicles, and ask a sales representative questions about any car that interests you. The staff can show you the vehicle history report, which documents the car's time in the rental fleet, service records, and mileage progression. This report is one advantage of buying from Hertz — you have a clear record of how the car was maintained.

You can request a test drive of any vehicle. If you're seriously interested, you can negotiate the price, though Hertz Car Sales prices are often set more firmly than at independent used car lots. Ask about any warranties offered — some locations provide limited powertrain coverage or extended warranty options for an additional cost.

Financing and payment options

Hertz Car Sales offers in-house financing through partner lenders. You can explore for a loan on-site, and approval typically takes a few hours. Interest rates depend on your credit score, income, and the vehicle's price. If you have poor credit or no credit history, you may still be able to finance through Hertz, though at a higher rate, or you may be required to make a larger down payment.

You can also bring your own financing — pay cash, use a personal loan from your bank, or arrange a loan through a credit union before you visit. If you trade in a vehicle, Hertz Car Sales will appraise it and explore the value toward your purchase. The appraisal happens on-site and takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Title transfer and registration

Hertz Car Sales handles the paperwork for title transfer, but you are responsible for registering the vehicle in your state. The dealership will provide you with the title and bill of sale. Take these documents to your state's motor vehicle department (called the DMV in most states, but the name varies) to register the car in your name and obtain license plates.

Registration fees and sales tax vary by state and county. Hertz Car Sales can tell you what to expect for your specific location. Some states allow you to register online or by mail; others require an in-person visit. Plan to complete registration within 10 to 30 days of purchase, depending on your state's rules.

Inspecting a rental car before you buy

Rental cars are maintained on a schedule, but they experience heavy use. Before you commit to a purchase, inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Check the interior for wear on seats, steering wheel, and pedals. Look for stains, odors, or damage to the dashboard and door panels. Open and close all doors, windows, and the trunk to make sure they operate smoothly.

Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. Test the air conditioning, heating, wipers, lights, and any electronic features. Take the car on a test drive over varied terrain — highway, city streets, and turns — to feel how it handles and listen for any grinding, squeaking, or knocking sounds. If anything concerns you, ask the sales representative about it or request a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic before you finalize the purchase.

Comparing Hertz Car Sales to other used car options

Rental fleet cars have known maintenance histories and typically lower mileage than private used cars of the same age, which is an advantage. However, they also experience hard use — frequent starts and stops, varied drivers, and sometimes less careful treatment than a personal vehicle receives. Prices at Hertz Car Sales are usually higher than at independent used car lots but lower than at franchised new-car dealerships' used sections.

If you want more negotiating room or a wider selection, independent used car dealers and private sellers may offer more options. If you want a warranty and predictable service history, a franchised dealership's used section or a certified pre-owned program may be worth the higher price. Hertz Car Sales sits in the middle — transparent history and reasonable pricing, but less flexibility on price than a private seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Hertz rental cars come with a warranty?

Hertz Car Sales does not include a standard warranty with every purchase, but some locations offer limited powertrain warranties or extended coverage plans for an additional fee. Ask about warranty options when you visit or call the dealership. Terms vary by location and vehicle.

Can I return a car if something goes wrong after I buy it?

Hertz Car Sales typically sells vehicles as-is, meaning you cannot return them for a refund if you change your mind or discover a problem after purchase. Some locations offer a short inspection period (usually 24 to 72 hours) during which you can return the car, but this is not may provide. Ask about the return policy before you finalize the sale.

Are rental cars safe to buy?

Rental cars are maintained on a regular schedule and have documented service records, which is a safety advantage. However, they do experience heavy use. An independent mechanic's pre-purchase inspection can identify any wear or damage that concerns you before you commit to the purchase.

What if there's no Hertz Car Sales location near me?

You can contact a Hertz Car Sales location by phone to ask about shipping a vehicle to you, though shipping costs are your responsibility and can be several hundred dollars. Alternatively, you can explore other used car sources in your area, such as independent dealerships, franchised dealerships, or private sellers.

How old are the cars Hertz sells?

Most Hertz rental cars are retired after one to three years of service, so inventory typically includes vehicles that are one to four years old. The exact age depends on the model and when Hertz retired it from the fleet. You can see the year and mileage for each vehicle listed on the Hertz Car Sales website.