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.
