Rental car companies have been a decent source for reasonably priced used cars for a long time now, but Hertz is branching out to sell vehicles in other ways. It’s teaming up with Amazon to sell preowned vehicles, which aligns with Amazon Autos’ move into used car sales.
Amazon started its Autos program last year to sell used and certified preowned vehicles, and it has dealer partners in more than 130 cities across the country. The first vehicles in the program will be offered around Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle, and the companies plan to expand to 45 more cities.
While the jokes about rental cars being trashed are based on the truth, used cars from one of the major rental companies can be a great way to save cash. They’re usually well-maintained, and many retain their factory warranties. That said, it’s always good to get an inspection, and the rental car flag on a vehicle’s title can complicate resale values.
For Hertz, the Amazon partnership opens up new revenue opportunities at a time when it needs them most. The company has struggled with its electric vehicle fleet, and recent moves to use AI-powered damage sensors have resulted in countless upset customers.
[Images: Ford, Honda, Toyota]
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