Hertz has plenty of electric cars, notably Teslas, to offer at ‘no-haggle’ pricing after scaling down its ambitious EV goals.
This indicates an average sales price of $25,000 in most big metros, but they are older models in a market where battery and mileage performance will improve each year.
Electric car test drive at Hertz’s LA location
With 20,000 electric cars from its worldwide fleet on the dealer lot since January, Hertz worldwide Holdings has begun selling Teslas. The move, seen as a stumble in Hertz’s EV strategy — in 2021, it heralded plans to order hundreds of thousands of Teslas, Polestars, and battery-electric GM models — also suggests a sobering up of the U.S. auto industry’s electrification hype, which has run into a consumer in 2024 spurning at least the expected pace of the transition away from gas
EV sales in the U.S. doubled from 2020 to 2023 and currently account for more than 9% of light-duty vehicle sales, but growth has stalled and manufacturers are concentrating more on hybrids. As battery technology improves driving range and charging infrastructure grows, EV sticker prices will fall closer to those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which the sales slump is speeding up as automakers try to sell EVs. And reducing vehicles and trucks’ tons of climate-changing carbon emissions is crucial.
So, this may be a good time to acquire a used Tesla from Hertz Car Sales, which has been around since 1977 and has around 70 sites nationwide. As with purchasing any old automobile, there are benefits and downsides from manufacturers, independent dealers, internet markets, and individual owners.
Fortunately, Hertz has several EVs it wants to sell at no-haggle pricing. A Hertz spokeswoman said, “Our EVs can be found nationwide in most major metros and averaging around $25,000.” Each Hertz-certified car undergoes a 115-point examination and has a 12-month/12,000-mile powertrain guarantee. Hertz provides a seven-day or 250-mile buy-back guarantee and extended car protection options. Hertz, like other used vehicle dealers, provides financing and trade-ins. Used EVs may qualify for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits, and many states give rebates.
Unfortunately, the Hertz late-model EV fleet is just a couple of years old and has been often hired, thus the mileage may be greater than comparable used cars. No one knows how forcefully they were driven, which might increase wear and tear.
Hertz and Tesla EV buyers may examine internet sources and conduct a virtual test drive. Going to a dealer for a test drive is essential, but there’s plenty to understand before leaving. The Hertz Car Sales website “Shop EVs” button recently featured 1,475 of 1,638 “Hertz Certified” used EVs. There were 1,186 Teslas, 157 Volvos, 104 Mercedes, 125 Chevrolet Bolts, and few all-electric Kias and Subarus. As of a few weeks ago, 1,860 “Hertz Certified” EVs were for sale out of 2,242, including 1,341 Teslas and 500 Chevy Bolts.
Used EV costs are plummeting. In March, iSeeCars discovered that the average used vehicle price was down 3.6% from last year, while used EV prices fell 31.8% to $14,418. The research by iSeeCars chief analyst Karl Brauer stated used Tesla prices fell 28.9%, the highest of any brand, “largely driven by Elon Musk’s aggressive price cuts on new Teslas.”
In April, iSeeCars stated that all four Tesla models are among the fastest-selling used EVs, with three in the top four. Brauer said the fastest-selling used EVs are $20,000 cheaper than new ones, averaging $37,644. This is the price gap manufacturers must close to attract mainstream new-car buyers.
Yossi Levi, the Car Dealership Guy, says three years is a “sweet spot” for secondhand electric automobiles, including Teslas. “The best bang for the buck for consumers today, bar none, is the used electric vehicle,” he added. “And a three-year-old EV is likely the best value.”
Hertz Tesla Model 3 inventories and fine print
Most of Hertz’s used Teslas were 2022 and 2023 Model 3 sedans, which had 270-mile basic range and 350-mile long-range ranges. Hertz Teslas cost $21,000–$36,000. The site offered 163 Hertz Rent2Buy EVs, including Teslas. A service provided in certain states allows you hire an active rental vehicle for three days or take a free two-hour test drive. “If you buy the car, all rental charges will be waived,” The Hertz spokesman added. Same warranty, buy-back promise.
Each Hertz Tesla for sale provides model and vehicle data. AutoCheck, a CarFax equivalent, showed the car’s history, including accidents, recalls, and repairs. But not all damage-related occurrences are reported to AutoCheck. It suggests third-party inspections of pre-owned cars before buying.
Hertz offers online booking and delivery for a charge, however a test drive and third-party inspection are recommended. Delivery within 75 miles is $225, up to 200 miles $350, and greater routes are negotiable. If the customer resides in Massachusetts and finds the ideal automobile in Colorado, it may work.
Tesla direct sales, internet auto marketplaces
Meanwhile, Tesla’s certified, inspected, and warrantied new and used cars are listed on its website. The site has more used automobiles than Hertz from 2018 forward, as projected. Model 3 cost $24,000–$38,800.
Several internet markets sell pre-owned Teslas. CarMax featured 38 2021 Model 3s, largely long-range, priced from $26,000 to $37,000, depending on mileage. From $26,000 to $38,000, Carvana has 133 identical models.
Asking Gen AI for vehicle purchase assistance
The automotive purchasing experience also changes in 2024 with artificial intelligence as a sales assistant. Edmunds and CarGurus released ChatGPT features late last year. To use the chatbots, you must subscribe to ChatGPT Plus for $20 each month.
Asking Edmunds, “I’m considering buying a used Telsa Model 3 from Hertz Car Sales.” Can you advise and inform? prompted this response:
“Can be great decision,” ChatGPT commented. It then highlighted Model 3 features and repeated Hertz’s Certified and no-haggle price. It advised verifying battery, software, and Tesla’s original warranty. That bot suggested a test drive and independent examination, like Hertz.
No mention of Hertz was found in the CarGurus GenAI tool’s results for a half dozen used Model 3s and links to dealer listings. Can you inform me about Hertz Car Sales selling 2022 Tesla Model 3s? It generated the same listings and some generic Hertz purchase points.
When asked to compare purchasing a used Tesla via Hertz, a Tesla dealer, a used vehicle dealer, or a private owner, the bot neatly listed the pros and cons and offered the following advice: “When choosing, consider your priorities, such as price, warranty, and peace of mind.”
Both chatbots condensed a lot of information that would take longer to compile across several sources, including Edmunds and CarGurus, which listed Teslas at private dealers in the region, and Hertz Car Sales locations. GenAI’s fundamental goal is that, thus no surprise.
Matt Quinn, CarGurus’ chief technical officer, said, “We believe this will help customers potentially find cars within that haystack, if you will, that they maybe wouldn’t have been able to find with our existing filters and sort of go at it on their
Consumers using AI-generated information should be well-informed whether they visit Hertz Car Sales, Tesla, or private dealerships. Edmunds chief product officer Eugene Park said these tools may help customers be more prepared and educated. “Honestly, I think the best dealerships appreciate ready-to-buy shoppers.”
If you hate used vehicle buying, you may soon be able to ask the salesman, “Here’s what you have to do to put me in that car today.”
