Have you ever dreamed of owning a Tesla but found the new car price a bit steep? What if I told you there's a unique avenue to potentially drive home in a pre-owned Tesla at a more accessible price point? That's right, Hertz Car Sales offers a compelling option for those looking to buy a used Tesla, often directly from their rental fleet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from initial Browse to driving off the lot.
The Allure of a Hertz-Owned Tesla
Before we dive into the steps, let's understand why buying a Tesla from Hertz might be an attractive proposition. Hertz, as a major rental car company, has a large fleet of vehicles, including Teslas, that are regularly maintained and eventually cycled out for sale. This can mean:
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Competitive Pricing: Hertz often sells its retired rental cars at prices that can be below market value, as they acquire vehicles in bulk.
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Documented Maintenance History: As part of a professionally managed fleet, these Teslas undergo routine maintenance, providing buyers with a documented service history.
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No-Haggle Pricing: Hertz Car Sales typically operates on a "no-haggle" pricing model, meaning the price you see is the price you pay, simplifying the buying process.
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Warranty and Guarantees: Many Hertz Certified vehicles come with a limited powertrain warranty and a "Buy Back Guarantee," offering peace of mind.
However, it's crucial to remember that these cars have been part of a rental fleet, which means they've likely seen more drivers and potentially more wear and tear than a privately owned vehicle. While Hertz aims to maintain them well, a thorough inspection is always recommended.
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| How To Buy A Tesla From Hertz |
Step 1: Ignite Your Search – Are You Ready to Find Your Tesla?
Are you excited to embark on this journey to find your pre-owned Tesla? Fantastic! Your first mission is to explore what's actually available. Hertz Car Sales maintains an online inventory where you can browse their current stock.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Hertz Car Sales Website
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Visit the Official Site: Head over to the Hertz Car Sales website. Look for a section dedicated to "Used Cars for Sale" or "Hertz Car Sales."
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Filter Your Search: Utilize the search filters to narrow down your options. Specifically, look for "Tesla" under the make. You might also want to filter by model (e.g., Model 3, Model Y), price range, mileage, and location. Keep in mind that the availability of specific Tesla models can fluctuate. While Hertz has historically purchased a large number of Model 3s, other models like the Model Y might also be available.
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Location, Location, Location: Hertz Car Sales operates in various locations across the United States. Ensure you're looking at inventory that's accessible to you. You can usually select your desired region or zip code to see relevant listings.
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"Rent2Buy" Program: Hertz also has a "Rent2Buy" program, which allows you to rent a specific car for 3 days at a special rate before deciding to buy it. This is an excellent opportunity to thoroughly test-drive the Tesla in your daily life before committing to a purchase. If you decide to buy, the rental fee may be waived.
Step 2: Unearthing the Details – What's Under the Hood (and in the Battery)?
Once you've spotted a few Teslas that pique your interest, it's time to dig deeper into their specifics.
Sub-heading: Scrutinizing Vehicle Listings
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
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Vehicle Details: Click on each listing to view detailed information about the car. This typically includes:
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Year, Make, Model: Confirm the specific Tesla model and year.
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Mileage: Pay close attention to the mileage. Rental cars can accumulate miles quickly, so higher mileage is to be expected.
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Price: Note the listed price. Remember, Hertz generally offers no-haggle pricing.
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Features and Trim Level: Review the included features, such as autopilot capabilities, premium interior, wheel size, and any other relevant upgrades.
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Vehicle History Report: Look for a link to a vehicle history report (like CarFax or AutoCheck). This report will provide valuable insights into the car's past, including accident history, service records, and ownership changes. This is a critical step for due diligence.
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Photos and Videos: Examine all available photos and videos. Look for any signs of wear and tear, both on the exterior and interior. Don't hesitate to zoom in on details.
Sub-heading: Understanding Tesla-Specific Considerations
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Battery Health: While vehicle history reports might not directly show battery health, it's an important consideration for a used EV. Teslas come with an 8-year battery warranty (with mileage caps, typically 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the model and year). Check if any of the original factory battery warranty remains.
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Charging Habits: Rental Teslas may have been subject to frequent DC fast charging (Supercharging). While Teslas are designed to handle this, prolonged and exclusive Supercharging can potentially impact long-term battery health more than primarily using Level 2 home charging. This is difficult to ascertain, but worth being aware of.
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Software and Connectivity: Teslas receive over-the-air software updates. Ensure the car is eligible for and has the latest software versions, which can impact performance and features. Check if premium connectivity (which provides features like live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, and in-car internet Browse) is included or if it's a subscription you'll need to purchase.
Step 3: Getting Up Close and Personal – The Test Drive and Inspection
You've done your online research, now it's time for the real world experience.
Sub-heading: Scheduling Your Visit or "Rent2Buy"
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Schedule an Appointment: Contact the Hertz Car Sales location to schedule a time to see the Tesla(s) you're interested in. If you're opting for the "Rent2Buy" program, you'll reserve the car for your 3-day test rental.
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Prepare Your Questions: Have a list of questions ready for the sales consultant. Ask about the car's maintenance history, any known issues, and details about the warranty.
Sub-heading: The Comprehensive Inspection and Test Drive
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Pre-Drive Walkaround: Before getting in, do a thorough walkaround. Look for:
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Body Damage: Dents, scratches, paint chips, misaligned panels.
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Tires: Check tire tread depth and for any uneven wear, which could indicate alignment issues.
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Glass: Inspect the windshield, windows, and mirrors for cracks or chips.
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Charging Port: Ensure the charging port is clean and free of damage.
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Interior Inspection:
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Seats and Upholstery: Look for tears, stains, or excessive wear.
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Dashboard and Controls: Check for scratches, sticky buttons, or any non-functioning components.
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Touchscreen: Test the responsiveness of the large central touchscreen. Navigate through menus, test the camera views, and ensure all functions work.
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Frunk and Trunk: Open both the front (frunk) and rear (trunk) storage compartments to check for space and cleanliness.
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The Test Drive: This is your moment to truly assess the car.
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Listen Carefully: Pay attention to any unusual noises – squeaks, rattles, or clunks.
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Brakes: Test the brakes for responsiveness and any grinding or pulling.
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Steering: Feel for smooth and responsive steering.
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Acceleration: Experience the instant torque of the electric motor.
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Suspension: Drive over various road surfaces to check for comfortable suspension and no excessive bounciness.
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Charging: If possible and convenient during your "Rent2Buy" period, test out a Supercharger to ensure proper charging functionality.
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Independent Inspection (Highly Recommended): Even with Hertz's certifications and warranties, it's strongly advised to get an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a qualified mechanic specializing in EVs or Teslas. They can identify potential issues that you might miss, especially with the battery and electric drivetrain components. This small investment can save you significant money and headaches down the road.
Step 4: Crunching the Numbers – Financing and Paperwork
If the Tesla passes your inspection and test drive, the next step is to finalize the financial aspects and paperwork.
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Sub-heading: Understanding Pricing and Potential Savings
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
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No-Haggle Pricing: As mentioned, Hertz Car Sales typically uses a no-haggle pricing model. This means the advertised price is usually the final sale price, excluding taxes, registration fees, and any additional protection plans you might choose.
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Compare to Market Value: Even with no-haggle pricing, it's wise to compare Hertz's price to similar used Teslas from private sellers, other dealerships, and even Tesla's own used inventory. Hertz often aims to be competitive.
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Used EV Tax Credit (if applicable): In some regions, certain used electric vehicles may qualify for federal or local tax credits. Research if the specific Tesla you're considering is eligible and understand the criteria. This can significantly reduce your effective purchase price.
Sub-heading: Financing Your Tesla
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Hertz Financing: Hertz Car Sales partners with various lenders to offer financing options. You can often pre-qualify for financing online through their website.
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External Financing: You're not limited to Hertz's financing. Explore options from your personal bank, credit unions, or other automotive lenders to ensure you get the best interest rate and terms. Get pre-approved before you go to the dealership.
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Down Payment: Be prepared to make a down payment at the time of purchase.
Sub-heading: The Paperwork Process
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Required Documentation: To complete your purchase, you'll typically need:
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Valid Driver's License
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Proof of Insurance
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Proof of Income (for financing)
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Proof of Residence
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Proof of Phone
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Additional documentation may be required, so confirm with the sales consultant.
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Sales Contract: Carefully review the sales contract, ensuring all details, including the vehicle price, trade-in value (if applicable), fees, and financing terms, are accurate. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything you don't understand.
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Warranty Information: Understand the details of any warranties offered by Hertz (e.g., 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty) and any remaining original Tesla factory warranty.
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Registration and Titles: Hertz will typically handle the initial registration and transfer of title, but confirm the process and timelines. You'll be responsible for any applicable taxes and registration fees in your state.
Step 5: Driving Away – Enjoying Your New-to-You Tesla!
Congratulations! You've navigated the process and are now the proud owner of a Tesla from Hertz.
Sub-heading: Post-Purchase To-Dos
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Set Up Your Tesla Account: You'll need to set up a Tesla account and transfer ownership of the vehicle to your name. This grants you access to the Tesla app, charging history, and other vehicle features.
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Familiarize Yourself with Features: Take time to explore all the unique features of your Tesla, from autopilot to regenerative braking and the expansive infotainment system.
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Charging Habits: If you're new to EV ownership, learn about optimal charging practices to maximize battery longevity. This includes understanding the difference between Supercharging and home charging (Level 2).
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Maintenance: While Teslas require less traditional maintenance than gasoline cars, they still need tire rotations, brake checks, and software updates. Schedule any necessary service with Tesla or a qualified independent EV service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Find Available Teslas at Hertz Car Sales?
You can find available Teslas by visiting the Hertz Car Sales official website and using their online inventory search, filtering by "Tesla" as the make.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How to Know the History of a Tesla from Hertz?
Hertz typically provides a vehicle history report (like CarFax or AutoCheck) for their used cars. It's crucial to review this report for accident history, service records, and other relevant information.
How to Test Drive a Tesla from Hertz?
Hertz offers either a standard test drive at their sales location or a unique "Rent2Buy" program where you can rent the specific Tesla for 3 days to thoroughly test it before purchasing.
How to Ensure Battery Health in a Used Tesla from Hertz?
While direct battery health metrics aren't always provided, look for any remaining original Tesla factory battery warranty. For extra peace of mind, consider an independent pre-purchase inspection by an EV specialist.
How to Finance a Tesla Purchased from Hertz?
Hertz Car Sales offers financing options through various lenders, and you can also secure financing independently through your bank or credit union.
How to Understand the Warranty on a Hertz Used Tesla?
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Most Hertz Certified vehicles come with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Additionally, check if any of the original Tesla factory warranty remains, particularly for the battery.
How to Return a Tesla Purchased from Hertz if I Change My Mind?
Hertz Car Sales typically offers a "Buy Back Guarantee," allowing you to return the vehicle within 7 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first, after purchase, with certain conditions and fees.
How to Transfer Tesla Ownership and Connect to the Tesla App?
After purchasing, you'll need to contact Tesla's support to transfer ownership of the vehicle to your Tesla account, which will then grant you access to the Tesla mobile app and its features.
How to Identify Potential Wear and Tear on a Former Rental Tesla?
During your inspection and test drive, pay close attention to the tires, brakes, suspension, and overall interior wear. Rental cars often experience more varied driving conditions and usage.
How to Handle Taxes and Registration for a Hertz Tesla Purchase?
Hertz will usually assist with the initial registration and title transfer. You will be responsible for paying any applicable sales tax and registration fees based on your local regulations.
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