Might be purchasing a used 2010 previous daily rental

I second the notion of not buying a rental car. You just never know how the previous drivers used (or abused) the vehicle, so there's always that nagging doubt in my mind. I remember when I was heading into my dealer to take a test drive of a Gen II and the salesman said "What can I do to have you take THIS car out of the lot today". I wasn't too crazy about that offer, especially since the Gen III was right around the corner. But from my understanding, dealers are usually trying to offload their 'loaner/rental' cars as soon as possible.

Then again, their might not be 'any' problem whatsoever with the car. You just never really know.

 

Beyond opinion or fact, it's common sense.

 

Easy.
You're driving a car that was previously non-babied. Guaranteed.
It may not have been abused. It "may" have been maintained to OEM specs (then again...maybe not!)

"My" G3 is a fleet unit.
Not a "rental" car to be sure, but it was deposited in my parking lot with the $26,400 window sticker still in place.
My car is still in pretty good shape. The other two in my area (being driven my multiple drivers) have already been somewhat trashed.

OK....so me and 'my' new G3 are clamping along. Nice and happy. The knuckle draggers come in at 5K to "service" my car.
I tell the wrench swingers in my company that G3's have a 10K oil change interval. THEY tell ME that the maintenance regs call for oil replacement at 5K.
So I ask (out of curiosity) what type of oil they use.
20W50....in a bulk 55-gallon drum, juuuuust like all of the other cars, vans, and bucket trucks. They've always done it that way.

I had to pop an angry red flare over the desk of some VP to get that stopped, and to have all of the G2's and G3's in this part of the state back-hauled for the 'right' oil, including my supervisors G3, which had 12,000 miles on the clock.
Now? They take them to some "EARL EMPOREEUM" where they use 5W30.


Drive a rental?
Sure!
NOTHING handles like a rent-a-car!!!

OWN a rental???
No way in heck!

Just sayin......

Good Luck!
You may not need it buuuut.....

 

Every rental stands on its own as far as history. Buy from a major rental company and drive several until you find the nicest one from a smell, appearance and driving aspect. Always go for the lowest mileage car that still has factory warranty available when possible.

Have them put the car on a lift so you can inspect the undercarriage. Look for scrapes on the frame or torn aero covers etc. Avoid a car that has obviously been bottomed out on a dip or ran over something that caused damage.

Many major rental companies offer extended warranties to protect you. If you do your homework a rental can be a good purchase and always Kelly Blue Book the car with the mile hit so you can bargain for a great price.

 

I have a 2010 Prius II with 35,000 mi. I baby this car; I drive it very gently to maximize mileage, I wash it every week, and I maintain it well beyond the recommended intervals -- oil changes at 5K instead of 10K, regular air cleaner changes, interior cleaning, I just changed the transaxle fluid way ahead of schedule. I'm going to sell it in the Spring, when I get the new Plug In Prius.

Find a car like mine. Don't buy a rental; people drive them terribly. Let me explain: I once watched an Indy 500, and half the cars dropped out with mechanical problems. Those cars have ultra-high performance metals, everything's the best, but... If you drive a car hard enough, you can break it in less than 500 miles. Hard driving stresses the entire vehicle -- the frame, suspension, brakes, transmission, and engine.

Never buy a rental. A higher mileage, well-maintained, well-cared for car is always better.

 

Agreed.