Fleet use is one term you might’ve come across in vehicle history reports while looking to purchase a car, but what does that mean? This article will tell you exactly what a fleet car is and whether you should avoid purchasing one.
What is the meaning of a fleet-use car?
Vehicles designated for fleet use mean those which are owned by businesses, governments, and organizations rather than individuals. These vehicles include cars owned by rental companies, corporate houses, and shuttle services. Furthermore, the company cars provided to employees in corporate organizations are also considered fleet cars. These vehicles are in constant use on a day-to-day basis, unlike a personal car, which is used only when the owner needs to.
As fleet-use automobiles are in continuous use, they are replaced after a few years or have clocked a certain number on the odometer. You can get them for extremely cheap rates from auction websites and save on buying costs.
Are all fleet-use cars rental cars?
People often stay away from pre-owned rental cars due to the notion that they’re not usually maintained well. However, not all fleet cars are rental cars. Cars owned by businesses and driven by their employees also count as fleet cars. Furthermore, websites like Carfax, where you can find the complete car history using the VIN, specifically list out what kind of fleet the car was a part of if that information is available to them.
Pros of getting a fleet car
There are some benefits to owning a fleet used car. They are:
Cheap rates
Fleet used cars are a great option if you need a vehicle but are on a tight budget. This is because they frequently go on the market at low prices.
Routine maintenance
To ensure that the vehicles in their fleet last as long as possible while still performing optimally, businesses and organizations typically adhere to all maintenance guidelines by performing all periodic services as recommended by the manufacturer.
Proper records
Fleet-use cars are well-maintained and come with comprehensive records of all maintenance and repairs. This ensures that you have a thorough record of any and all maintenance performed on the vehicle.
Downsides of getting a fleet use car
More kilometers= lesser warranty coverage
A common practice in fleet management is to sell vehicles once they reach a predetermined mileage cap, which is often only a few kilometers lower than the remaining mileage on the manufacturer’s warranty. Consequently, the manufacturer’s warranty is highly unlikely to cover your vehicle for a longer period after purchase.
Base model automobiles
Most fleet cars are entry-level models. Therefore, they may not be the best pick if you’re looking for a luxury vehicle with advanced features.
Maintenance costs
Even well-maintained fleet-used vehicles can show more signs of wear and tear than a regular vehicle, which means that you’ll have to shell out more money on repairs. However, you can avoid such a situation by thoroughly inspecting the car with the help of a mechanic before buying it.
How to buy a fleet-use car?
Websites like GovPlanet and Municibid
GovPlanet and Municibid are two websites to check out if you’re looking to purchase government vehicles. GovPlanet has listings for thousands of pre-owned government vehicles across various categories. On the other hand, Municibid lists out motor vehicles, trailers, and even construction and maintenance components.
Auction Websites
There are many online auction sites like IAA, AutoBidMaster, Copart, etc., where you can shop among thousands of fleet-used vehicles. In addition, you can also avail of buying related services like financing and transportation through these websites.
Rental Companies
If you’d rather avoid auctions, rental car agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty have sales departments where you can purchase fleet-used vehicles.
Should you buy a fleet used car?
The fact that the car you’re looking to buy was a fleet-used vehicle shouldn’t scare you off from making the purchase. It is one of the best ways to save some money. Maybe we wouldn’t feel 100% comfortable buying a car that was a rental car due to apprehensions regarding its maintenance. However, If you have any concerns about the vehicle’s condition, you can have a good mechanic inspect the car before you buy it.
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