Hertz is partnering with eBay to offer listings for its used cars that are coming out of their fleets for car buyers who are hungry for deals due to the rising prices of new and used cars.
Hertz said in a May 5 announcement that its deal with eBay would result in 8,000 used car inventories available on the website, one of the busiest commercial online retailers.
Chris Berg, Hertz’s executive vice president of global fleet management, said in a statement that his company’s deal with eBay is a “natural next step” as it continues to build out its used car business and digital 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 nearly new, certified inventory in front of more customers than ever before,” Berg said.
Andreas Wielgaus, GM of vehicles at eBay US, said in a statement that “eBay has long been the destination of choice for value-seeking car buyers.”
“With Hertz bringing its inventory to eBay, we are connecting buyers with a world-class selection of nearly new certified vehicles, backed by eBay’s Secure Purchase that enables a seamless, end-to-end buying experience online,” Wielgos said.
What is the average price of a used car?
According to CarFax, the average price of a used car in April 2026 was $25,500 — up nearly $1,500 from March 2026.
The average price of a new car in March 2026, the latest data available, was $49,275. This is 3.5% more than a year ago.
“With rising prices, flexibility is key,” said Mr. Melkote, chief analytics officer at Carfax.
“Buyers should consider different makes, models, years, trims or even nearby markets to find the best deals that fit their budget,” Melkote said. “This type of price fluctuation indicates a volatile market, so it’s important to keep an eye on prices right now. Once you’re prepared, a vehicle history report can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure real value.”
Why can pre-rental cars be a good deal?
Former rental cars have long had a reputation for being in worse condition than other types of used cars – the theory being that drivers won’t take care of them the way owners do. But Consumer Reports says buyers shouldn’t automatically dismiss them.
“Used rental car prices can be very competitive with a wide selection of models available for under $20,000,” says Michael Crossan, lead technician at CR’s Auto Test Center. “Depending on which company you buy from, used rental cars may also come with warranty protection that can reduce financial risk.”
Crossen said: “If you’re buying a used rental car, we recommend buying from one of the largest companies for added protection and a wider selection of models. But you’ll still want to review the terms closely before purchasing.”
Here are some of the benefits identified by Consumer Reports for buyers purchasing a used car from major rental companies like Hertz or Enterprise:
- Warranty protection may be available: Some pre-rentals may still be covered by their original factory warranty. Major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis also typically offer a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty from the time of purchase.
- Haggle-free pricing: Most rental companies offer competitive pricing because they are eager to replace their fleet.
- Easy Refund Option: Most rental companies allow returns within one week of purchase. Enterprise will buy the car back within the first week or 1,000 miles. Hertz lets you rent a car for three days at a special rate for an extended test drive.
- Trade-in and financing options: Some rental companies accept trade-ins and offer their own financing or work with multiple lenders.
Reporting by Keith Lang, USA TODAY Network.