Used cars make great business sense if you are bootstrapping your venture:
- Save money: You don’t have to buy an entire fleet of new cars for your business.
- Considering that a new car will always depreciate in value anyway, buying a used car is still economically advantageous.
- It also earns you brownie points from an environmental perspective as you give a good car some more years on the road.
So, are you looking for used cars for your business? Don’t know how to pick the right cars? Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Begin your search online
This is the most logical and cost effective start as it offers information at the click of a button so you don’t have to spend hours on your search offline. This is an excellent way to zero in on the vehicles that you need and get an idea about their prices. Deals and offers from various sellers are also available for your perusal.
Google the term “used car finder“. This is a good way to compare different car websites that come up. By typing in the same make, model, year and your zip code, it’s possible for you to compare a wide number of vehicles that show up, as well as their asking prices.
Choose your dealer
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, or CPO’s are “the thing” in the used cars market today. True they cost more than uncertified cars but the benefits on offer are far greater. You gain from the fact that these cars are thoroughly inspected, and repaired, come with a warranty and the original manufacturer will stand behind these cars at no extra cost to you.
Private sales call for caution
Private parties usually have the lowest car prices, but you’ll be buying a vehicle in an “as-is-where-is” basis. All you will be relying on is what the seller says. You may think test-driving and a cursory inspection will suffice but such actions may not reveal major problems.
Have a qualified auto mechanic take a look. If the seller of the vehicle is a mechanic, still, do not rely on just that, get a second opinion. Ensure that you check that the car you are buying is not stolen.
Pointers to keep in mind:
- Is the seller the original owner?
- Mileage
- Is warranty still in force?
- Is the price negotiable?
- Has the car been in an accident?
- Check service records and registration
- Does it need any work to be done to be in optimum condition?
Vehicles that are an absolute No-No:
- Previously rented cars, service vehicles (police,etc) taxis. Even if refurbished they are not a good investment.
- Vehicles that have been in an accident. Even if salvaged, not ideal.
- Recalled cars
- Modified cars
- Impounded vehicles
- Cars that have been discontinued by the manufacturer
- Stolen cars
- Foreign vehicles that don’t meet DOT and EPA emission and safety standards
Hopefully these pointers should help you take a good decision while opting for a used car for your business.