Hertz Car Sales Expands Three-Day Test-Drive Program to More Than 300 Locations
Hertz Car Sales has expanded its extended test-drive program to more than 300 participating Hertz neighborhood rental locations across the United States, giving used-car shoppers additional opportunities to experience vehicles before making a purchase. The program, now branded as TestDrive+, allows customers to take home the exact vehicle they are considering and evaluate its performance, comfort and practicality in their everyday lives.
The expansion reflects growing consumer interest in having more time to assess a vehicle before committing to one of the largest purchases many households make. Unlike conventional test drives, which typically involve a short trip around a dealership with a salesperson, TestDrive+ allows shoppers to drive a vehicle independently for up to three days.
According to new research commissioned by Hertz Car Sales, 59% of used-car buyers would seek out or use a three-day test drive before making a vehicle purchase. The finding highlights the importance of flexibility and real-world vehicle evaluation in the used-car buying process.
By expanding access to TestDrive+, Hertz Car Sales aims to make vehicle shopping more convenient while giving customers greater confidence in their purchasing decisions.
Meeting the Demand for Longer Test Drives
Buying a used car involves several considerations, including reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency, passenger space, technology features and overall value. Although online listings and vehicle specifications can help shoppers narrow their choices, these details may not fully explain how a car will perform in daily use.
A traditional test drive provides an initial impression of a vehicle, but a short trip may not reveal every practical consideration. Buyers may want to determine whether the vehicle is comfortable during a daily commute, whether it fits inside their garage, or whether it offers enough space for children, passengers, groceries and recreational equipment.
TestDrive+ addresses these concerns by allowing customers to evaluate vehicles over a longer period. Rather than making a decision after a brief drive, shoppers can experience the vehicle under conditions that reflect their normal routines.
Jeff Adams, Executive Vice President of Hertz Car Sales, said customers have expressed a desire for more time and flexibility when selecting a vehicle. He explained that expanding TestDrive+ to additional neighborhood rental locations makes it easier for shoppers to evaluate vehicles according to their individual needs and make decisions with greater confidence.
The initiative also reflects a broader change in automotive retail, where customers increasingly expect convenient digital shopping options combined with opportunities to inspect and experience vehicles in person.
What Makes TestDrive+ Different?
TestDrive+ was previously known as Rent2Buy. Under its updated name, the program continues to offer an extended vehicle evaluation experience designed to give prospective buyers more independence during the shopping process.
The central feature is the ability to take home the exact vehicle a customer is considering for purchase. Instead of relying solely on photographs, specifications or a brief dealership visit, shoppers can spend up to three days driving the vehicle in real-world conditions.
Customers pay a daily drive fee while using the vehicle. If they decide to purchase it, Hertz waives that fee, subject to the program’s applicable terms and conditions.
This arrangement provides customers with an opportunity to make a more informed decision without treating the test drive as an immediate commitment to buy.
For example, a shopper considering a sport utility vehicle can assess its passenger comfort, cargo capacity, parking convenience and suitability for family travel. Someone considering a sedan can evaluate its handling, driving position, visibility and comfort during a normal commute.
The longer evaluation period can also help buyers determine whether a vehicle’s features and overall driving experience match their expectations.
For Hertz Car Sales, the approach differentiates its offering from conventional used-car retail experiences by placing greater emphasis on independent evaluation and customer convenience.
How the TestDrive+ Program Works
Hertz Car Sales has designed TestDrive+ around a straightforward process that allows customers to identify a vehicle, experience it and then decide whether to proceed with a purchase.
1. Select a Vehicle Online
Customers begin by visiting HertzCarSales.com to browse available vehicles that qualify for TestDrive+. After identifying a vehicle of interest, shoppers can schedule a pickup appointment at an eligible Hertz Car Sales location or participating Hertz neighborhood rental location.
This process allows customers to research available inventory before visiting a location, helping them focus on vehicles that match their preferences and requirements.
2. Take the Vehicle Home for Up to Three Days
Once the pickup arrangements are completed, customers can drive the selected vehicle for up to three days by paying the applicable daily drive fee.
During this period, shoppers can assess the vehicle in their normal environment. They can evaluate how it performs during daily commuting, check whether it fits their parking space, and determine whether its seating and storage arrangements meet their needs.
The extended period also gives buyers an opportunity to explore the vehicle’s comfort and practicality beyond what a short test drive might reveal.
3. Return the Vehicle or Purchase It
After completing the evaluation, customers can decide whether the vehicle is right for them.
If the vehicle does not meet their expectations, they can return it according to the program’s terms. If they choose to purchase it, Hertz waives the applicable test-drive fee, subject to eligibility requirements and program conditions.
This structure allows shoppers to compare their expectations with the vehicle’s actual performance before making a final decision.
More Than 300 Participating Locations Expand Access
The expansion to more than 300 participating Hertz neighborhood rental locations significantly increases the program’s reach. By making TestDrive+ available through a wider network, Hertz Car Sales is providing shoppers with additional opportunities to arrange extended test drives closer to where they live.
Convenient access can be an important consideration for customers who want to evaluate a vehicle but may not live near a traditional used-car dealership offering a similar service.
The expanded network also connects Hertz’s rental operations with its used-vehicle sales business. Customers can explore eligible vehicles through the company’s digital inventory and arrange to experience their preferred options through participating locations.
The broader availability supports Hertz Car Sales’ objective of offering a more flexible vehicle-shopping experience while helping customers make better-informed decisions.
Newer Vehicles From the Hertz Rental Fleet
TestDrive+ is part of Hertz Car Sales’ broader strategy to provide customers with access to used vehicles through several shopping channels.
The company offers cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks sourced from its rental fleet. According to the announcement, customers can browse thousands of vehicles across its shopping options, with the majority of eligible TestDrive+ vehicles being model-year 2025 or 2026 vehicles.
The availability of newer model-year vehicles gives shoppers opportunities to explore relatively recent automotive designs, technologies and comfort features in the used-car market.
Customers may be able to compare different vehicle types and configurations according to their budgets, driving habits and household requirements. Depending on availability, this can include vehicles suited to commuting, family transportation, business use and general everyday driving.
The company’s fleet-based inventory also gives buyers an alternative to shopping exclusively through conventional dealerships or private sellers.
However, individual vehicle availability, mileage, equipment, condition and eligibility for TestDrive+ can vary. Customers should review the specific vehicle listing and confirm the applicable program requirements before scheduling a test drive.
Combining Online Shopping With In-Person Evaluation
Digital platforms have become an important part of the automotive retail experience. Buyers can now compare prices, review specifications, examine vehicle photographs and research features before visiting a seller.
Despite these advances, many customers still want to see and drive a vehicle before making a final decision. TestDrive+ combines online vehicle discovery with an extended in-person evaluation, allowing shoppers to move between digital research and real-world experience.
Hertz Car Sales enables customers to explore inventory through HertzCarSales.com and also offers shopping and purchasing options through Amazon Autos and eBay.
These channels provide additional ways for consumers to discover available vehicles and complete their purchases. The extended test-drive program complements these options by giving eligible shoppers an opportunity to evaluate a vehicle before committing to buy.
The combination of online access and extended test drives addresses two different aspects of the buying process: convenient vehicle discovery and confidence in the final selection.
For customers who prefer to research independently, digital listings can help narrow the search. The extended test drive then offers a practical way to determine whether a shortlisted vehicle is suitable for everyday use.
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