SAN ANTONIO – If you're in the market for a used car, you may be thinking of buying directly from a rental car company.
You could be getting a steal of a deal, but before you dive in, Consumer Reports says it pays to look into the life of the car.
"That low price can be attractive, and most rental companies do maintain their vehicles, but you still need to be a savvy shopper," said Consumer Reports automotive editor Jon Linkov.
Rental cars can rack up miles.
Hertz, Avis and Enterprise said mileage on their cars runs from 10,000 miles to more than 50,000 miles.
And while most vehicles are no more than 18 months old, they've had many drivers.
On average, cars are rented between 55 and 65 times a year, Avis said.
"With that much use and by drivers who don't have a personal stake in the rental car, these vehicles have likely taken a beating," Linkov said.
Car rental companies have protections in place, such as regular inspections and warranties.
In addition to the manufacturer's warranty, many rental companies offer a warranty for one year or up to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and it includes roadside assistance.
Linkov said it pays to look for cars that have a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty from the manufacturer, such as Hyundai and Kia.
But nothing beats knowing the history of the car.
Consumer Reports recommends using Carfax or autocheck.com to see if the vehicle has ever been in an accident.
Getting an independent mechanic to check out the car is also a good idea, Linkov said.