Have you ever heard the term "ex-rental car"?

When a car previously used as a rental is sold as a used car, it becomes an "ex-rental used car".

Is buying an ex-rental used car a good deal?
Here, we will explain its pros and cons in detail.

Pros and Cons of Ex-Rental Used Cars

The pros and cons of purchasing an ex-rental used car are as follows:

Pros

・Lower Price
・Well-maintained
Ex-rental used cars are often sold by used car dealerships partnered with rental companies, and their unique distribution channels typically result in lower prices.
In some cases, they can be purchased 10-20% cheaper than typical used cars of the same model year and type.
Another major advantage is that rental cars, used by many people, are legally required to undergo inspections every six months, ensuring thorough maintenance.
Engine oil and filters are also replaced regularly, so mechanical parts are often kept in relatively good condition.

Cons

・Used by many people
・Frequent washes often lead to minor car wash scratches
・Tend to have high mileage
・Need to check replacement timing for consumables
Many people consider it a drawback that rental cars are used by so many, making it impossible to know how many individuals have driven them.
Especially regarding the interior, some may be concerned about the wear and tear on the seats.
While rental cars are kept clean by the rental company washing them after each use, they often have minor scratches from automatic car washes, which can be a concern for some.

Furthermore, cars used as rentals generally tend to have high mileage. Since they often cover long distances in short periods, it's crucial to check the condition of consumables like tires and brake pads before purchase.
If winter tires are installed, be sure to check their remaining tread and deterioration.
If new tires are needed, their cost must also be factored in.

How to Buy an Ex-Rental Used Car

When purchasing an ex-rental used car, how can you tell if it was previously a rental?
The method is quite simple.

This is because, when selling used cars, it is mandatory to indicate "rental car" in the vehicle history, based on the rules of the Japan Fair Trade Council for Automobiles.

You are unlikely to have uncertain doubts like "maybe the car I bought was an ex-rental used car."
When viewing a used car, you can see a price board that lists its usage history, and it will clearly state if it was used as a rental car, making it obvious at a glance.
Ex-rental used cars are not difficult to purchase, as they are displayed in used car showrooms or listed on online used car sales websites, just like regular passenger cars.

How to Check Mileage and Guidelines

Ex-rental used cars typically have higher mileage, so always compare the odometer reading with the vehicle condition certificate.

As a general guideline, you should consider a car less than 1 year old with around 30,000 km or less, a 1-2 year old car with around 50,000 km or less, and a 3-year old car with around 80,000 km or less as acceptable.
If it exceeds these figures, you need to check the condition of the engine and transmission particularly carefully.

Checking Consumables like Tires

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The remaining tread on tires and the condition of brake pads directly impact safety.
Especially in snowy regions like Hokkaido, winter tires are essential. If separate purchase is required, expect additional costs of 50,000 to 100,000 yen.

Also check the condition of the battery and belts; if replacement is needed, their costs (battery 10,000-20,000 yen, timing belt 30,000-100,000 yen) must be included in your purchase budget.

Checking Vehicle Inspection Timing

The next vehicle inspection date directly impacts purchase costs.
If the inspection is due within six months, you will immediately need to cover the inspection costs (60,000-80,000 yen for Kei cars, 100,000-150,000 yen for standard cars).

The first inspection is 3 years after new car registration, followed by inspections every 2 years. Check the next inspection date on the vehicle inspection certificate and plan your post-purchase expenses accordingly.

Summary

Have you understood the pros and cons of purchasing an ex-rental used car?
While it can be an attractive option in terms of Price, there are many points to check before purchasing, such as mileage, condition of consumables, and vehicle inspection timing.

It is especially important to make a comprehensive decision, including ongoing costs after purchase, such as tires.

In regions where winter tires are necessary, factor in those additional costs.
While buying a car significantly enhances convenience, also consider post-purchase maintenance costs.
We recommend carefully considering your lifestyle and budget before making a purchase decision.