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Hertz’s Troubled Experience with Tesla
In a bold move a few years ago, Hertz decided to place a significant EV bet on Tesla, buying 30,000 electric vehicles from the tech giant. This move was intended to revolutionize the rental car industry, with the company aiming to have 20 percent of its fleet comprised of EVs. However, this ambitious plan took a turn for the worse, leading to a chaotic aftermath.
The Tesla Deal Gone Wrong
Initially seen as a game-changer, the plan quickly backfired on Hertz. The company faced unforeseen hurdles in the form of sky-high depreciation rates and exorbitant repair costs, which were not factored into their calculations. This prompted Hertz to reconsider its EV fleet strategy, eventually leading them to decide on selling off their Tesla vehicles.
While the used Teslas presented a tempting offer in terms of price and availability, it soon became evident that high mileage EVs, particularly former rentals, come with their own set of challenges. New York Magazine shed light on the difficulties faced by individuals who purchased these used Teslas, highlighting issues such as unexpected maintenance costs and safety concerns.
The Dilemma of Used Tesla Buyers
One such buyer, Bijay Pandey from Irving, Texas, shared his harrowing experience after purchasing a 2022 Model 3 Long Range for a seemingly attractive price. However, his joy turned into frustration as he discovered significant underlying issues with the vehicle soon after the purchase, leading to a hefty repair bill that was not covered by the warranty.
“After getting a temporary title, he found the car wasn’t reading voltage correctly. Soon, a body shop found a quarter-size hole in the undercarriage he hadn’t seen before, which led to revelations of deeper issues inside. ‘The high-voltage battery pack is damaged and could cause extreme safety concerns,’ a Tesla technician texted him.”
This revelation prompted Pandey to realize the true reason behind Hertz’s rush to offload their Teslas. The potential financial risks associated with owning these vehicles became apparent, with repair costs looming like ominous clouds over the heads of unsuspecting buyers.
The Aftermath and Warnings
As stories like Pandey’s gained traction, discussions on platforms like Reddit and Tesla forums flourished with cautionary tales and advisories against purchasing used Teslas from Hertz. Many buyers failed to consider the wear and tear rental vehicles endure, especially in the case of EVs subjected to rigorous usage patterns like fast charging and extended range utilization.
“The battery abuse these have received makes a purchase from Hertz a dealbreaker. Most rental cars don’t see much abuse, however many of these were Uber rentals, lots of fast charging, using all the range there is, the abuse is such it falls on the poor slob that buys one. I would buy a used Tesla from Tesla, that’s about it.”
Despite attempts to seek clarity from Hertz regarding the situation, the company has remained tight-lipped about the fate of its used Tesla fleet. A spokesperson mentioned plans to offload the remaining vehicles by the end of the year, leaving potential buyers to ponder the risks associated with purchasing these discounted vehicles.
For those considering a bargain deal on a used Tesla from Hertz, caution is advised. The allure of low prices may overshadow the potential pitfalls that come with owning a vehicle marked by glitches and damages. Exercise vigilance and thorough research before taking the plunge into what could potentially be a nightmarish ownership experience.
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