The used car market is filled with pre-loved vehicles that are looking for a new home. And while most buyers are looking into vehicles from this segment, there’s another category of used cars that might also be a great investment一the ones bought for “fleet use.”
What Does Fleet Use Mean?
A car, van, or truck that has been purchased for fleet use is part of a bulk of vehicles bought by a business or government agency. Fleet vehicles are used to run a business or operation, such as tax companies, car rentals, and police departments. After a year or two, fleet cars usually end up in the used-car market or for sale online.
Fleet vehicles have a bad reputation in the used-car market because most of them have racked up a lot of miles within a short period. Fleet cars intended for public utility have a little over 100,000 miles on their odometer before they’re retired and replaced.
However, this isn’t always the case because there are fleet cars in the used-car market that only have 20,000 miles on them. Most of these vehicles served as rental cars, so they probably did most of their time on open roads.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Fleet Vehicles
Like any other used vehicle, there are some pros and cons that come with buying a fleet car.
Pros
When you buy a fleet car, you can rest assured that it’s well taken care of. It’s up-to-date in terms of periodic oil changes, filter replacements, coolant top-ups, brake inspections, and other essential maintenance.
Moreover, some rental companies sell cars that come with a one-year warranty for their powertrain and other components一and that’s a pretty good deal for a used vehicle.
Cons
Some fleet cars spent most of their time on bumpy roads with a lot of idling, which might have taken a toll on their suspension and transmission. So if you’re planning to buy a fleet car, steer clear of those used under rough road conditions.
Some fleet cars that were used for public transport, like taxi cabs and cop cars, also tend to be neglected. There’s also a chance that they’ve been driven by reckless drivers who didn’t pay attention to the vehicles’ needs.
Popular Fleet Vehicles
Several industries use fleet vehicles, ranging from small businesses to rental companies. Most of them have these models in their fleet.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is one of the most popular picks for police cars in the country. It has a comfortable cabin and is large enough to carry special police equipment. Its impressive maneuverability and four-corner control also make it an excellent cop car.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is also a common sight in police departments, thanks to its “pursuit mode,” which temporarily boosts its performance upon the driver’s command. It gives cops an edge when chasing criminals on the road.
Honda Accord
When it comes to the taxi business, the Honda Accord is a popular choice among drivers. It’s versatile and has generous cabin and trunk space for carrying passenger luggage. It’s also perfect for urban driving because of its compact size.
BMW 7 Series
When it comes to business vehicles, the BMW 7 Series is usually the way to go. Aside from being a luxury brand, the BMW 7 Series is a great statement car when meeting with clients.
Where to Buy Fleet Vehicles
You can find a variety of fleet cars sold under the US General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA Fleet service lets customers buy a vehicle from AutoChoice. It’s the mandatory agency where federal agencies should buy their fleet cars, but other eligible users can also buy a vehicle from the GSA’s listings.
Other third-party dealers and even some original manufacturers also sell fleet vehicles. There are even dozens of sites online where you can find fleet vehicles for sale without leaving the comfort of your home.
Red Flags When Buying a Fleet Car
Fleet vehicles are used cars, which means some of them might have issues. So to make the most out of your budget, be sure to avoid vehicles with the following red flags.
Failed Emissions Test
A failed emissions test could mean that there’s an engine or mechanical problem that you’ll need to address once you buy the vehicle, leading to additional costs.
Water, Fire, and Hail Damage
Avoid vehicles with any sort of major damage. You might end up going on frequent and costly trips to the repair shop to have them fixed.
No Maintenance History
A vehicle without any sort of maintenance history could mean that the previous owner was neglectful of its preventive maintenance schedule. So you might end up shelling out more cash to replace worn-out parts if you buy it.
Faulty Odometer Reading
Because you’re buying a vehicle’s unused miles, a low odometer reading is usually a good sign that you’ll get to drive your used car for quite some time. But be careful. Some cars with low mileage could have been tampered with to make it seem like they were rarely used.
Final Thoughts: Are Fleet Vehicles Bad?
If you’re looking to purchase a fleet vehicle, you must keep in mind that you’ll be buying its unused miles. So the fewer miles a vehicle has, the greater your chances of keeping it around for a long time.
It’s also important to examine the vehicle’s history to know previous issues that might resurface once you begin to drive it. Lastly, it always pays off to stay dedicated to the vehicle’s preventive maintenance schedule (PMS) to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Where to Buy Replacement Parts for Your Fleet Vehicle
Don’t let your fleet vehicle gather dust in the garage because of a faulty, broken, or damaged part. Whether you own a Honda Accord, a Dodge Charger, or any other fleet vehicle, we have the parts you need to get it back on the road here at CarParts.com.
To start shopping, simply input your ride’s specific details into our vehicle selection tool. It’ll narrow down the results to compatible parts. Then, use our search filters to find the products with your preferred brand, price, and features.
You don’t have to worry about quality. All our replacement parts passed strict quality tests to ensure they comply with industry standards and specifications. We also source them from the most trusted brands in the industry.
Want to repair your fleet vehicle as soon as possible? We’ve got you covered with our fast and reliable shipping. Our warehouses are strategically located across the country, so you can expect your orders in just a few days.
Check out our selection of replacement parts today!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
