Elon Musk has a reputation for delaying projects, including the revamped Roadster, fully functional Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, a durable Cybertruck, and robotaxis. In contrast, Hertz has stepped in to offer a solution. Among Musk’s many proposals is a $25,000 Tesla, which he recently stated would be unveiled in 2025, despite earlier reports suggesting the project had been scrapped.
Regardless of whether Musk’s claims are true, the $25,000 model is already available, as Hertz sells off its fleet of Teslas. A representative from Hertz told CNBC that the average no-haggle price for “fully-inspected” used Model 3s is now approximately $25,000. This price includes a limited powertrain warranty covering 12 months or 12,000 miles, and a buy-back guarantee valid for seven days or 250 miles. Some of these Hertz Teslas may also qualify for a $4,000 federal tax credit for used EVs, along with various state or municipal incentives.
However, this deal isn’t entirely novel. While Hertz offers late-model Teslas at a lower cost, the majority are basic Model 3s with a range of less than 300 miles. Additionally, considering these are previously rented vehicles from a brand not synonymous with durability, potential buyers should remain cautious. Hertz has not specified whether their 115-point certification inspection includes a battery health evaluation.
Hertz initially made headlines with its $4.2 billion agreement to purchase 100,000 Model 3s in late 2021, vowing to convert a quarter of its fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). However, in recent years, the company has expressed regret over this decision. In January, Hertz announced it would begin selling off its Teslas due to rising repair costs, prolonged vehicle downtime caused by unavailability of parts, and overall customer dissatisfaction. The situation has been further complicated by the company charging Tesla renters for a full tank of gas.
Moreover, a source within Hertz has indicated that while the cars are available, Superchargers are not installed at the rental location. This raises serious concerns, as Tesla states charging on a standard 120-volt outlet provides just 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, while a 240V outlet offers around 30 miles per hour. This leads to significant downtime at the rental facility, even when the vehicles are operational.
For those interested in taking advantage of these sales or simply enjoy observing a chaotic situation, you can check out the listings on Hertz Car Sales.
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