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Rental arithmetic
I recently decided to trade-in my 30,000 mile 2003 Ford Focus1.6 Ghia Auto for an 09 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Auto in Moondust Silver. But I was slightly surprised to find that its mileage since first registration on 27 April, 2009 was 13,500 miles (equivalent to an average of 60 miles per day), I decided after a test drive to purchase, which I did on Dec. 10th. When I asked about the previous ownership history, I was told that it was a Company called Erac UK, in Aldershot, Surrey. Since receiving my Registration Document from the DVLA, I have discovered from the Internet that the 'previous owner' shown is ERAC UK, an acronym for Enterprise Rent A Car, at their branch in Albert St., Aldershot, Surrey. I shall be glad to have your comments on this 'cover' for rental cars being offered for sale, as I have previously been told that some rental cars can be badly treated.
Asked on 20 March 2010 by F.P., Haywards Heath
Answered by
Honest John
At least 80% of all used cars for sale at between 6 and 12 months old are 'ex-rental'. While maybe 30 years ago rental cars were routinely abused, if a hirer tries that sort of thing these days he pays for it very dearly. There is absolutely no stigma at all attached to ex-rental except in the minds of ill-informed people. We ran an ex-rental Modeo from 10 months old to 10 years old and it was the most perfectly reliable car we have ever run. Ex rental cars are also better run in than cars from single ownership because of the many different styles of driving they have been subjected to. So forget your prejudices and don't worry about something that actually gives you no cause to worry.
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