My Son Bought a 2022 Tesla Model 3 From Hertz For a Ridiculous Price of $14K After Rebates, Clean CarFax and Only 5 Percent Battery Degradation

"I welcomed my son to the Tesla family and helped him get this great Hertz deal."

That's what Tony Jones says on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page. It appears Tony got a great deal for his son, who is now in the Tesla family for the first time. 

Here is what Tony says, 

"Thanks for the add to the group!  I welcomed my son to the Tesla family and helped him get this great Hertz deal. The car has a clean Carfax, 100,000 miles, and only 5% battery degradation. He paid a ridiculous price of $14,000 after rebates on a 2022 Model 3!  He added TSportline 20s, tint on the windows, yellow calipers, and full Nardo gray PPF protection, and it's like new."

Note: Alset Auto Atlanta provided the visual upgrades, paint protection film, and accents.

Can you secure a fantastic deal at Hertz on a Tesla Model 3? Let's delve into Tony's story of how his son landed an incredible deal on a Tesla. While it seems like a dream come true, there are crucial aspects that potential Tesla buyers should be aware of before they leap to a used Model 3.

From the photos, the Tesla Model Looks Great.

Hertz is selling off its Tesla Model 3 fleet.

Hertz initially acquired a large number of electric vehicles, including Tesla Model 3s, but later scaled back those plans and decided to sell off a significant portion of its EV fleet. 

Hertz is still selling used Tesla Model 3s as part of its strategy to unload its former rental fleet, with some models available for under $20,000. I recently wrote a report about a buyer who paid $17,913 for a 2023 Tesla Model 3 that he had rented. Check out my report here. 

A report from Autoweek says that Hertz is selling off more EVs after suffering significant losses. 

Autoweek says, "Now the rental giant (Hertz) is rapidly heading for the exits after a series of painful losses. Hertz intends to get rid of 30,000 EVs, or 10,000 more than initially planned, as part of its EV downsizing, citing substantial vehicle depreciation that increased $588 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to a year prior."

Did Tony's son get a good deal?

It all depends on how long the battery will last. A 2022 Tesla Model 3 battery, after 100,000 miles, should retain a substantial amount of its original capacity, likely around 85% or more, based on Tesla's warranty and real-world data.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Tesla's Warranty: Tesla offers an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty (120,000 miles for Long Range or Performance trims) that guarantees the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity. 
• Real-World Degradation: While the warranty guarantees 70%, real-world data suggests that battery degradation is often less severe, with some owners reporting only a 10-15% loss in capacity after 100,000 miles. 
• Factors Affecting Battery Life: Several factors can influence battery lifespan, including driving habits, charging habits, and environmental conditions. 
• Tesla's Claims: Tesla claims that its batteries can last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles. 
• Example: A 2022 Model 3 with 100,000 miles might still have 85-90% of its original range, depending on the specific trim and driving conditions. 
• Long-Term Reliability: Many Tesla owners report that their cars continue to perform well and have reliable batteries even after high mileage, suggesting that Tesla batteries can have a long lifespan. 

Imagine buying a used Tesla Model 3 from Hertz for less than $20,000, thinking you just scored a great deal. You tell all your friends how smart you are. After you own the car for a short time, you find out you have to shell out another $16,000 for a new battery.

Does Hertz offer a warranty on the Tesla Model 3s it sells?

A report from Autoblog says,

"What's more, every Tesla Model 3 for sale by Hertz has gone through an exhaustive 115-point pre-delivery inspection and comes with a warranty through the company's Hertz Certified program."

"Hertz Certified and Rent2Buy vehicles, including the Tesla Model 3, come with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. It's important to note that this warranty is not bumper-to-bumper, and there's a small $100 deductible. However, it does provide peace of mind that your Tesla Model 3's battery and motors are covered for a decent period of time."

Conclusion.

Hertz is eager to sell its used models with high miles, but buyers should exercise caution. High mileage on an electric vehicle like a Tesla can significantly impact its battery life and performance, potentially leading to expensive repairs in the near future. It's important to consider these potential risks before making a purchase.

Hertz will gladly sell you a used Tesla Model 3 for cheap. Make sure you check the mileage and have it checked out by a certified technician before you jump on what sounds like a great deal.

Does the Tesla Model 3 Have a Clean Title?

I recently wrote a report about James, who purchased a 2022 Tesla Model 3 with a clean title from a dealer. However, he found out from Tesla that it had a salvage title after he bought it. 

Tesla says it will cost James over $12,000 because the Model 3 has been flagged in Tesla's system as a salvage vehicle. There was an unreported severe accident, and now there is so much damage to the car that must be fixed before they release a clean title. Check out James's unbelievable story here.

We want to hear from you.

If you've purchased a car from Hertz Car Sales, we'd love to hear about your experience. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your story. Your experience can provide valuable insights for others who are considering a purchase from Hertz.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tony Jones