While purchasing a fleet vehicle is a much different experience than purchasing a retail vehicle for personal use, there are still some things to keep in mind when you’re considering your next buy. Here are some tips from our fleet fuel card company to help you get the best price for your vehicles:
Buy through a fleet department.
Look for a dealership that has a department specifically for fleet vehicles. The sales people in this department will understand what you’re looking for better than a regular retail sales person and they’ll know that you don’t have time to waste.
Be aware of requirements.
Before you go to the dealership, look into the manufacturer’s requirements. Some car companies require that you lease a certain number of vehicles per year while others require that your vehicles all be the same brand or model. You don’t want to show up at a dealership expecting a certain arrangement only to find out it’s not feasible.
Pick the right vehicle.
If you’re trying to get the best bang for your buck, don’t simply show up with the intention of picking the cheapest vehicle. Instead, pick the right vehicle. Consider what you’ll be using it for, how much space you’ll need, how many people will be in the car, if it will need to haul anything, and more. By getting a vehicle that fits your needs instead of the cheapest option, you’ll save money (and stress) in the long run.
Weigh all perks.
Some vehicles come with the option for an open-ended lease, consolidated payment plan, prepaid maintenance, and other financial perks, so before you choose, make sure you know exactly what you can get.
Negotiate the dealer’s fee.
Also known as a “doc fee,” a dealer’s fee can be anywhere from $100 to $500 per vehicle, and while some fleet departments will automatically waive this fee, others won’t. Check the final price of your vehicle and if a dealer’s fee has been added, negotiate to see if the company will waive or lessen the fee.
Shop around.
This may go without saying, but don’t just pick a dealership and settle on it. Check multiple dealerships in the area and compare prices. You may find one that’s much lower than the rest and you can go from there.
