Buying a new commercial vehicle means that you are looking to grow your business. Expanding the fleet of your delivery vehicles is always a great idea that helps you keep pace with the expanding demand.
A commercial vehicle can be used for the transportation of goods or for moving human beings from one location to another. When it comes to commercial vehicles, getting a new one comes with its own sets of benefits.
However, what should be noted is that not everyone can afford one. There might be multiple reasons for the same. In some instances, buying a used commercial vehicle can be a better option. Especially when you are low on financial resources or want to restrict your exposure.
In this article, we look to shed light on some major factors, businessmen need to consider when buying used commercial vehicles.
List of 5 Major Factors to Consider when Buying Used Commercial Vehicles
- Exploring all the Best Buying Options-
You can always run down to your local dealer and ask him for a vehicle. But in this day and age, there are several great and credible options when it comes to buying used commercial vehicles. Experts recommend exploring as many options as possible in this regard.
For starters, you can explore various online platforms and websites that list down the vehicles. This is a great option, as these new companies provide package deals that take into consideration servicing, financial lenders, and other add-on services.
Visit the website if you wish to check out the best-in-class used commercial vehicles.
- Engaging in Thorough Research of the Vehicle-
When you are buying a used commercial vehicle, you need to check both the vehicle and its paperwork. This means inspecting the condition of the vehicle, its engine, tires, bodywork, and other mechanical parts. Try to go for vehicles in decent condition with good bodywork.
In terms of the paperwork, you need to make sure that the vehicle’s previous finance records are updated. Additionally, look for whether the vehicle has been in an accident or not. Finally, getting a complete police record and traffic check should be done before the purchase.
- Opt for Vehicles with Lower Miles on the Odometer (<50,000)-
Commercial vehicles, especially from great brands can easily cover nearly 200,000 miles. The lower the miles, the better they are from purchase consideration. Try to go for vehicles that do not have more than 50,000 miles on the odometer.
Every vehicle’s engine and mechanical parts have a lifespan. For good vehicles, post 100,000 is where major problems start coming up. Taking into consideration the average running, adjust your calculations accordingly. This will measure up against your service costs and maintenance.
- Push for Warranty, Service, and Other Benefits-
One major reason that businessmen are opting for newer platforms for buying used commercial vehicles is this. These new companies invest in ensuring that the vehicles are in proper working condition. They change parts that are damaged so that you do not have to worry about them.
You need to push for a warranty of a year or two, depending on the condition of the vehicle. Try to also get two or three free service benefits for the warranty period. With new companies, this is something that they use to attract newer customers and promote sales.
- Understanding your Present and Future Requirements from the Vehicle-
Most commercial vehicle owners first look at the vehicle and then adjust their needs and requirements accordingly. However, this approach needs to be reversed. You need to understand and analyze your requirements and then proceed towards the purchase.
If you are looking at greater hauling capacities, you need a different kind of vehicle. The same goes for moving people. If you end up purchasing a vehicle that has a load-bearing capacity of 5 tons, but you only have 1 ton of work, you will be making a bad business decision.
You may want to consider investing in a fleet vehicle that you can use for transportation and marketing if you decide to make your business mobile. You can certainly spread brand awareness through vehicle wraps with your company's logo when going to appointments. Besides, it’s more economical than painting.
The Bottom Line
A used commercial vehicle can be a great business decision if you get the basics right. In this article, we have tried to list down five factors that should always influencer your used commercial vehicle buying experience. If you have any other questions or would like further clarifications, let us know in the comments section below.