Hertz is listing 8,000 used cars on eBay as buyers ‘starve for deals.' Are ex-rental cars actually a good deal?

Chris Berg, Hertz's executive vice president of global fleet management, called the partnership "natural next step" (2) as the company expands both its used car operations and online retail presence.

"It gives us access to millions of in-market shoppers on a trusted platform, supports a scalable retail model, reduces our reliance on wholesale channels, and puts our near-new, certified inventory in front of more customers than ever before," Berg said.

Rising costs are reshaping the auto market

Used car prices (3) averaged $25,390 in March, while the average new vehicle cost nearly doubled that at $49,275, pushing more Americans to rethink not just what they drive, but where they buy it.

The 25% tariff on imported vehicles and certain auto parts President Donald Trump imposed (4) last year is still in place, affecting the cost of auto production and the finished cars themselves.

In fact, analysts at J.P. Morgan (5) said the tariff could add $41 billion to automakers' costs, working out to roughly $2,580 more per vehicle, or a 5.8% increase on the average retail price.

"For the most part, we see automakers and consumers paying the year one $41 billion tab," said Ryan Brinkman (6), Head of U.S. Autos and Auto Parts Research at J.P. Morgan Global Research.

Now eBay and Hertz have seen an opportunity in the market, partnering to bring thousands of used fleet vehicles online for consumers hunting for value.

"We're connecting shoppers with a world-class selection of near-new certified vehicles, all backed by eBay's Secure Purchase which enables a seamless, end-to-end buying experience online," Andrea Wielgoss, GM of Vehicles at eBay U.S., said in a statement (7).

The Hertz eBay listing features a range of affordable cars and luxury purchases. For example, they have a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu LT (8) listed for $14,469 and a 2025 Toyota Highlander (9) listed for $38,960.

Are ex-rental cars actually a good deal?

Former rental cars can look appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. They're often newer models that come with lower price tags than comparable used vehicles. There's plenty of inventory. But they come with some baggage.

In a Consumer Reports (10) member survey, roughly one in four respondents said they had received rental cars with mechanical or maintenance-related issues during rentals. But while ex-rental cars have a reputation for being driven hard, that doesn't tell the full story.

Since rental vehicles are core business assets, major companies tend to stay on top of routine maintenance and repairs. Renters are also usually held financially responsible for damages under rental agreements, which can discourage reckless driving.