Buying or financing the fleet.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE BUYING
What the vehicle will actually do What load and distance What terrain and road conditions How many hours daily
WHY THAT DETERMINES THE CHOICE
A vehicle suited to one pattern is expensive in another.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
New against used Purchase against finance against hire Fuel type and consumption Parts availability Servicing availability locally
WHY PARTS AVAILABILITY MATTERS MOST
A vehicle that cannot be repaired locally is idle for weeks.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE COMMITTING TO A MODEL
Whether parts and mechanics exist in your area.
WHAT NEW VEHICLES PROVIDE
Reliability Warranty Lower initial maintenance
WHAT THEY COST
Substantially more capital, and immediate depreciation.
WHAT USED VEHICLES PROVIDE
Lower capital Slower depreciation
WHAT THEY RISK
Unknown history Higher maintenance Downtime
WHAT TO CHECK ON ANY USED VEHICLE
Documentation and ownership Engine and transmission condition Chassis and structural integrity Service history, where available Whether it has been in a serious accident
WHO SHOULD INSPECT IT
A mechanic you chose, not the seller's.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Proof of ownership, and that no finance is outstanding.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT FINANCE
Total cost, term, and what happens on default.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Whether the vehicle's earnings cover the repayment.
