Interested in buying a used car that has been a rental?

I just read an article about misrepresented used cars being bought because the dealer wasn't upfront about them being a prior rental car. If the car is fairly new I think you car bet it was a rental. As stated in the article the dealer may say it was a fleet car or a manufacturers car used by an executive. This masks the true prior use. Buyers be ware.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/6184329/Have-you-unwittingly-bought-an-ex-rental-vehicle.html?state=target#postacomment&postingId=6189726

I would not buy a ex rental car unless it was cheap, warrented and checked out OK, but please tell me the truth. Fat chance.

rentals are maintained pretty well so it shouldn't be a problem.  some private owners never change their oil..i know a few.

My late grandfather bought several cars that had been rentals.  He had no problems with them at all.

One of my first cars was a rental - nearly 30 years ago now! - never had a problem with it.  I don't drive these days, but only ever once bought a brand new car, and found it to be highly over-rated.  But, maybe I got lucky with all those used cars (including the ex-rental).

The issue that bother me was when the major rental car company cuts a deal with the manufacturer to buy cars that are specially manufactured for the rental fleet and they can be sub spec cars meaning they are not the same cars that are sold in the showrooms as new cars. An example, side air bags not included, also, fog lights not included.

The issue that bother me was when the major rental car company cuts a deal with the manufacturer to buy cars that are specially manufactured for the rental fleet and they can be sub spec cars meaning they are not the same cars that are sold in the showrooms as new cars. An example, side air bags not included, also, fog lights not included.

I prefer cars with less bells and whistles.  Less things to break down!  Although I've driven some nice rentals and all had the standard stuff.  Who really need fog lights?