PARSIPPANY, N.J. -

Used-car shoppers in the Lone Star State can now take part in the Ultimate Test Drive program.

Avis Budget Group this week announced the expansion of its Ultimate Test Drive car sales initiative to potential car buyers in the state of Texas.

In collaboration with AutoNation, the program offers consumers a wide selection of late-model Avis and Budget rental vehicles for purchase at competitive prices, the company said.

The program features more than 75 makes and models from both domestic and foreign manufacturers, ranging from Ford and General Motors to BMW, Nissan and Toyota.

Customers can shop online at www.avis.com or www.budget.com and schedule a test drive of their vehicle interest; the test drive is free of charge for two hours or can last as long as three days for a nominal rental fee. That base rental fee will be refunded if the customer decides to purchase the vehicle, through AutoNation Direct.

“Customer demand for our used vehicles remains strong,” said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. “In fact, the number of vehicles we’ve sold directly to consumers has increased each month since Ultimate Test Drive was introduced in June. We’re pleased to expand the program to residents of Texas so they too, can enjoy our no-haggle, no- hassle process and drive off in a well-maintained used vehicle.”

Texas joins Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Nevada as states in which the Ultimate Test Drive program is available. Avis officials noted that AutoNation Direct representatives are available to answer questions about financing, trade-in options, available warranties and related services prior to completing a transaction.