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Understanding technical service bulletins when buying a vehicle that was previously a rental can save a lot of heartache and frustration. Arming yourself with the information provided by the TSB will help keep you safe, and insure that you are buying a car that is worth the investment.
Typically, a car rental agency will make sure that all technical service bulletins or recalls are appropriately addressed. The consumer can then count on a car that has been properly serviced and is free of defects or safety hazards. Because car rentals are constantly monitored for technical service bulletins, they usually meet or exceed all safety expectations.
Technical service bulletins apply to all vehicles and the recalls can be for a seemingly small matter such as a seatbelt or airbag, or as big as a recall for the entire car. Technical service bulletins are released for every car, whenever a safety issues arises that requires modifications to the current structure or accessories within the vehicle. Individual owners do not always comply with the technical service bulletins, but because there are insurance and liability issues involved in car rentals, agencies are usually quick to comply with recalls.
If you are buying what used to be a rental car, you should check into any technical service bulletins or recalls for that particular make and model. You can usually ask the car rental agency whether or not there have been any recalls and whether the car has been modified in any way as a result. Rental agencies are usually good about keeping documentation of service bulletins and recalls so you can have specific information related to the recalls should you have any issues after you purchase the vehicle.
If you are looking at a specific model of a rental car, you can find technical service bulletins or recalls without asking the rental agency about it. There are many websites available online that will help you find all the information you need to make a good, safe, and informed purchase.
If you buy a rental car and later learn that a technical service bulletin has been issued, you needn’t worry too much about it. Most recalls do not cost any money, only the time necessary to make the recommended modifications. Think of this time as an investment in your health and safety as well as that of your passengers.
Whether it’s a rental car, or any car, technical service bulletins and recalls are for the safety of the driver. While they may cost you a bit of time and headache, they are absolutely worth it.