If you’ve decided that it’s time your company had its own fleet of vehicles, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your first purchase. Our fleet fuel card company is here to help:
Work with fleet sales representatives
This may seem like a simple concept, but working with regular sales representatives may mean you’ll have to dance around the sales talk to get information. Fleet sales reps are usually looking to move vehicles in volumes and will be more straightforward, which could save you a lot of time (and money).
Choose vehicles that can handle more
If you’re in the market for a vehicle that can only handle a certain weight or can only tow so much, go one step higher and opt for a vehicle that can handle a little more. As your company grows, it’s easy to overload your vehicles with workers or supplies, which can cut the lifespan of your vehicles short.
Leasing vs. buying
Before you start shopping, our fleet fuel card experts suggest considering the differences between buying your vehicles and leasing them. There are pros and cons to both and things you should consider, like finances and usage restrictions. For a good resource, check out our Leasing vs. Buying Fleet Vehicles blog.
Drive the vehicles
When trying to decide on the type of vehicle you want, put yourself in the shoes of your fleet drivers and drive all of the vehicle options around for a bit. Make sure they handle well, have enough room, get good gas mileage, are comfortable, and more.
Compare maintenance costs
When it comes to repairs and maintenance, different vehicles will have different costs, so consider the differences before you purchase. While one manufacturer might have cheaper replacement parts, another might have parts that are more widely available. Price out what it will cost to keep your vehicles in good shape, then go from there.
Price all options
This may seem like another simple step, but dealership prices on the same vehicles can vary drastically. Take the time to look around at other dealerships for a fair price on your vehicles. Even if you find the vehicles further away, their cheaper price may make up for the difference in distance.
After you’ve chosen your perfect fleet vehicle, get our fleet fuel card. With driver tracking, vehicle tracking, and GPS programs, you’ll be able to manage your fleet with peace of mind.
