May 6, 2026 1:02 pm EDT
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Hertz is partnering with eBay to offer listings for its used cars that are coming out of its fleet for car buyers who are starved for deals with new and used car prices on the rise.

Hertz said in a May 5 announcement that its deal with eBay would result in 8,000 used car listings being available on the website, which is one of the busiest commercial online retailers.

Chris Berg, Hertz’s executive vice president of global fleet management, said in a statement his company’s deal with eBay is a “natural next step” as it continues to build 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 near-new, certified inventory in front of more customers than ever before,” Berg said.

Andreas Wielgoss, GM of Vehicles at eBay US, said in a statement that “eBay has long been the destination of choice for car shoppers seeking value.”

“With Hertz bringing its inventory to eBay, 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,” Wielgoss said.

What Is the Average Price of a Used Car?

The average price of a used car in April 2026 was $25,500, according to Carfax — up roughly $1,500 from March 2026.

The average price of a new car in March 2026, the most recent data available, was $49,275. That’s up 3.5% from one year earlier.

Sri Melkote, Chief Analytics Officer at Carfax, said “with rising prices, flexibility is important.”

“Shoppers 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 swing in prices suggests a volatile market, so tracking prices right now is crucial. Once you’re ready, a vehicle history report can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure real value.”

Why Former Rental Cars Can Be a Good Deal

Former rental cars have long had a reputation for being in worse shape than other types of used cars — the theory being that drivers won’t care for them the way owners do. But Consumer Reports says buyers shouldn’t automatically rule them out.

“Used rental cars can be priced very competitively, with a wide selection of available models under $20,000,” says Michael Crossen, lead technician at CR’s Auto Test Center. “Depending on which company you buy from, used rental cars can also come with warranty protections that can reduce financial risk.”

Crossen added: “If you’re buying a used rental car, we recommend buying from one of the biggest companies for extra protection and the widest selection of models. But you still need to closely review the terms before you buy.”

Here are some benefits Consumer Reports identified for buyers who purchase used cars from major rental companies like Hertz or Enterprise:

  • Warranty protection may be available: Some former 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’re eager to turn over their fleets.
  • Easy return options: Most rental companies allow returns within a week of purchase. Enterprise will buy the car back within the first week or 1,000 miles. Hertz lets you rent the 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 Laing, USA TODAY NETWORK.

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