Buying a used fleet vehicle from a rental company, business, or government agency can have some pros and cons. In this article, I’d like to go over some of those benefits and drawbacks and give you some additional information to keep in mind before you make your purchase.
Who’s Selling?
There are several places you can look to buy a used fleet vehicle, sometimes pretty cheap in price. Listed below are just a few of the places you might want to look as you look to find a great deal on a fleet vehicle for sale.
Government Agencies: This is one of the more common types of cars, trucks, SUV’s, and even ATV sources you’ll find as you look for them. Generally sold at public government surplus auctions, you’ll find many agencies hold them annually, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find the bargain of your choice. Military fleet vehicle, postal service vans, and squad cars can all be up for sale.
Car Rental Companies: This is what most people are thinking of when they look at purchasing used fleet vehicles for cheap. Many companies sell off their used fleets of cars and trucks annually, or when the vehicle hits a certain amount of mileage.
Businesses: UPS and other delivery companies, automobile dealerships, and taxi cab agencies all put their automobiles up for sale at times. This gives you a great opportunity to save money on your purchase.
Pros and Cons
There are some benefits and drawbacks to buying a used fleet vehicle that’s up for sale. Listed below are just some of the considerations you’ll need to keep in mind before you make your purchase.
Regular Maintenance: Generally speaking, these vehicles have their oil and fluids changed, belts changed, and strict routine maintenance schedules. This means you’ll have a chance to find an automobile that’s been cared for and taken care of.
The Person Driving: While routine maintenance is generally performed on these kinds of automotive vehicles, the person driving might now have taken care to ensure they weren’t taking it beyond its mechanical limits.
Mileage: In the case of rental returns, they are low mileage, but in the case of taxi cab fleets, they are often higher mileage. Take this into account when you go to make your purchase.
Auctions: Most of these vehicles are sold at auctions, although this can vary quite a bit. You’ll find there is a certain art to buying anything at auction, including cars, trucks, vans, and other types of automobiles.
Buying a used fleet vehicle can be intimidating, but it can also save you a lot of money.
