Enterprise sells used cars directly to consumers, not just to rental companies
Enterprise Car Sales is the used-car retail arm of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It operates separate dealerships across the United States where you can browse and purchase vehicles that have come off Enterprise's rental fleet or been acquired through other channels. Unlike renting from Enterprise, buying through Enterprise Car Sales means you own the vehicle outright after the transaction closes — there is no ongoing relationship with the company.
The cars sold are typically three to five years old, have known maintenance histories (since they were part of a managed fleet), and come with a warranty. Enterprise Car Sales does not require you to have a credit card on file or return the vehicle at a set time. You walk out with a title in your name, just as you would from any other used-car dealership.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise Car Sales locations are independent dealerships where you can purchase used vehicles; you do not rent or lease them.
- Most vehicles are former rental cars with documented service records and typically carry a limited warranty covering major components.
- Pricing is set by the dealership and varies by location, vehicle condition, and market demand — there is no single Enterprise-wide price list.
- You will need a driver's license, proof of insurance, and financing or cash to complete the purchase, just as at any other dealership.
- Enterprise Car Sales locations are not the same as Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations, so you must visit a dedicated sales dealership to buy.
How Enterprise Car Sales locations operate differently from rental branches
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has thousands of locations worldwide, but only a fraction of them also sell used cars. Enterprise Car Sales operates as a separate retail division with its own storefronts, sales staff, and inventory. When you visit an Enterprise Car Sales location, you are working with a dealership that handles title transfer, financing arrangements, and warranty claims — not a rental counter.
The sales staff are trained to help you find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget, arrange financing through Enterprise Financial Services or your own lender, and handle the paperwork to transfer ownership. This is fundamentally different from renting, where you are borrowing a vehicle for a set period and returning it in the same condition.
What vehicles are available and where they come from
Enterprise Car Sales primarily sells used vehicles that have completed their useful life in the Enterprise rental fleet. These cars typically have between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, depending on age and how heavily they were rented. Because they were maintained by Enterprise's service centers, the maintenance history is documented and available to you before purchase.
The inventory includes sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans — essentially whatever body styles Enterprise rents. Specific models and availability vary by location. Some Enterprise Car Sales locations also purchase vehicles from auctions or trade-ins to fill out their inventory, so not every car on the lot is a former rental.
You can search for vehicles online through the Enterprise Car Sales website by entering your zip code to find nearby locations and browse their current stock. Availability changes frequently, and popular models or sizes may have a wait time.
Pricing, warranties, and what is included in the purchase
Enterprise Car Sales prices its vehicles based on market conditions, mileage, condition, and local demand. There is no fixed markup or standard pricing formula across all locations — a 2021 Honda Civic at one dealership may cost more or less than the same model at another location 50 miles away. You can compare prices online before visiting.
Most vehicles sold through Enterprise Car Sales come with a limited warranty that covers major mechanical and electrical components for a set period (typically 30 days to one year, depending on the vehicle's age and mileage). The warranty does not cover wear items like brakes, tires, or wiper blades, and it may have mileage limits. Ask the sales staff for the specific warranty terms before you buy.
The purchase price includes the vehicle and title transfer. It does not include registration, taxes, or dealer fees, which vary by state and location. You will pay these separately at the time of purchase or when you register the vehicle with your state's motor vehicle department.
Financing options and payment methods
Enterprise Car Sales works with Enterprise Financial Services to offer in-house financing to buyers who do not have cash or prefer to finance the purchase. The interest rate and loan terms depend on your credit history, income, and the vehicle's price. You can also bring your own financing from a bank or credit union — Enterprise Car Sales will accept a check or electronic transfer from your lender.
If you pay cash, you can complete the transaction when ready. If you finance through Enterprise, the approval process typically takes one to two business days. If you use outside financing, your lender will need the vehicle's details and the purchase price to issue a check or electronic payment.
Enterprise Car Sales does not accept trade-ins at most locations, though some dealerships may work with you on a trade-in value. Call your local Enterprise Car Sales location to ask whether they accept trades before you visit.
Steps to take before and during your visit
Before visiting an Enterprise Car Sales location, search their online inventory to identify vehicles that interest you. Note the vehicle's identification number (VIN), mileage, and price. Call the dealership to confirm the vehicle is still in stock — inventory moves quickly, and a car listed online may have sold since the listing was posted.
Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns) if you plan to finance. If you are financing through your own lender, bring a pre-approval letter or contact information for your lender so the dealership can coordinate the payment.
At the dealership, ask to inspect the vehicle in person and request a vehicle history report (such as a Carfax or AutoCheck report) if one was not provided online. Test-drive the vehicle on local roads to check how it handles. Ask the sales staff about the vehicle's maintenance history, any accidents it may have been in, and the specific warranty coverage.
Once you have decided to buy, the sales staff will prepare a purchase agreement that lists the vehicle's details, price, warranty terms, and any add-ons (such as extended warranties or service packages). Review this document carefully before signing. The dealership will then handle the title transfer and provide you with the paperwork you need to register the vehicle in your state.
Common issues and what to watch for
Rental fleet vehicles are driven by many different people, which means wear and tear can be uneven. Some cars may have cosmetic damage (dents, scratches, or interior wear) that does not affect function but may bother you. Ask whether the dealership has addressed any damage or whether you are buying the vehicle as-is.
Warranty coverage is limited and does not cover everything. If a major repair is needed shortly after purchase and it falls outside the warranty period or is not covered by the warranty terms, you will pay for the repair yourself. This is why inspecting the vehicle and reviewing the warranty before you buy is important.
Some Enterprise Car Sales locations are more transparent about vehicle history and condition than others. If a dealership is unwilling to provide a vehicle history report, show you maintenance records, or explain the warranty terms clearly, consider shopping elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car I bought from Enterprise Car Sales if I change my mind?
Enterprise Car Sales does not have a standard return policy. Some locations may allow a short return window (typically three to seven days) if the vehicle has not been driven extensively, but this varies by dealership and state law. Ask about the return policy before you sign the purchase agreement, and get it in writing.
Is a car from Enterprise Car Sales cheaper than buying from a private seller or another dealership?
Not necessarily. Enterprise Car Sales prices are competitive with other used-car dealerships, but they are not always the lowest price available. Private sellers may offer lower prices, but they do not provide warranties or documented maintenance histories. Compare prices across multiple sources before deciding.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty when I purchase from Enterprise Car Sales?
No. The vehicle comes with a limited warranty at no extra cost. Extended warranties are optional and sold separately. Whether to buy one depends on your comfort with repair costs and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Read the extended warranty terms carefully — they often have exclusions and mileage limits.
What happens if the vehicle needs a major repair right after I buy it?
If the repair is covered by the warranty and falls within the warranty period, Enterprise Car Sales will handle it at no cost to you. If the repair is not covered or the warranty has expired, you pay for it yourself. This is why understanding the warranty terms before you buy is critical.
How do I find the nearest Enterprise Car Sales location?
Visit the Enterprise Car Sales website and enter your zip code to see nearby dealerships and their current inventory. Not every Enterprise Rent-A-Car location has a car sales department, so searching online is the fastest way to find a sales dealership near you.