We’ve been looking to buy a Toyota Sienna for about 2 years but haven’t been able to find one in our budget. Now we’ve found one that’s the year, model, and colour we want through Hertz car sales. Would it be a bad idea to buy a former rental? It’s a 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid XLE, 8 seats, with about 45,000 miles on it. They’re asking $40k. The exterior only has minor scratches. I’m feeling nervous about this decision, but these vans are so hard to find for a reasonable price.
I’ve seen how people treat rental cars when they drive them… I wouldn’t take the risk.
Ripley said:
I’ve seen how people treat rental cars when they drive them… I wouldn’t take the risk.
Ever watched Jeremy Clarkson drive a rental? It’s enough to say no thanks.
Ripley said:
I’ve seen how people treat rental cars when they drive them… I wouldn’t take the risk.
Ever watched Jeremy Clarkson drive a rental? It’s enough to say no thanks.
Exactly, he says rentals are the fastest cars in the world for a reason.
Ripley said:
I’ve seen how people treat rental cars when they drive them… I wouldn’t take the risk.
Yep, rentals are always getting floored and pushed hard.
We were in a similar situation and ended up getting an LE from Avis a few years ago. It had more miles than the one you’re looking at. The buying process was simple, and they included a limited warranty. So far, it’s been great—just regular maintenance and new tyres soon. We even took it on a 14-hour road trip each way without any issues. I’d consider doing it again.
@Heath
If there’s a car that can handle being a rental, it’s a Toyota. Hertz ordered a lot of XLE8s with roof racks but no spare tyres or Plus packages.
Luchivya said:
@Heath
If there’s a car that can handle being a rental, it’s a Toyota. Hertz ordered a lot of XLE8s with roof racks but no spare tyres or Plus packages.
Did they even offer a spare tyre as an option for 8-seaters?
@Wesley
Yes, and you can retrofit one if you really want.
I doubt a rental minivan gets treated like a rental Mustang. If it doesn’t look too worn out, it’s probably fine.
Lily said:
I doubt a rental minivan gets treated like a rental Mustang. If it doesn’t look too worn out, it’s probably fine.
I’d worry more about the interior being messy from kids or luggage.
@Audrey
Yeah, the inside condition would be my main concern too.
@Audrey
Don’t forget smoke. I once looked at a 4Runner rental but couldn’t handle the smell. Ended up buying a new one for just a bit more. Smoke can be a big issue in rentals.
I rent minivans when I travel with my kids, and I drive carefully with them in the car. I think most people renting minivans aren’t abusing them like sports cars.
Not a Toyota, but I have a Honda CR-V that was a rental. It had some upholstery stains and 30k miles when I bought it, but it was a good deal. Six years later, it’s been worry-free—just regular maintenance, new tyres, and a stereo upgrade. I’d do it again.
Why not just buy a new LE instead?
My dad bought a rental car. At first, I was unsure, but it turned out great. Rentals like vans are often used by families, and the agencies maintain them okay. If it’s a Toyota, you can probably get it to 200k miles without problems.
You can get a new LE if you don’t need the XLE. Hertz used to sell 2021/22 Sienna LEs for around $34k.
We got our first Sienna from Hertz. Besides some minor paint chips, it was in great shape and lasted 9 years until we upgraded to another Sienna.
I bought a 2-year-old Camry rental, drove it to 240k miles with no major issues. Recently got a 2020 Avalon Hybrid from Enterprise—it’s been solid so far. Rentals can work out well.