Benefits of Buying Ex Fleet Trucks

When buying a truck, there are a number of different options open to you. For many, buying a brand-new vehicle is financially out of reach, and so buying an ex-fleet truck can be a more viable alternative. When investing in something as large and important as this, it is important to make the right decision, so it’s important to consider what’s best for your business.

Many are now finding that purchasing ex-fleet trucks is the better option for them, so in this article we’ll explore the many benefits of doing exactly that.

What are ex fleet trucks?

Ex fleet trucks are vehicles that have been owned by a business and  used for their primary purposes of transporting goods and providing services.

These trucks are regularly maintained to ensure they meet the required standards but may have higher mileage and signs of wear and tear. However, they are still suitable for use for your business and are a cheaper alternative to brand new trucks.

What are the benefits of buying an ex fleet truck?

You know who you’re buying from

Whilst we all know that there can be some dubious sellers when it comes to buying any kind of second-hand vehicle, things are slightly different when it comes to buying an ex-fleet truck. Logistics businesses are busy places, and they do not have the time or the inclination to get caught up in questionable deals.

When a fleet manager decides to sell one or more of their trucks, they will want to do so as quickly as possible. They are part of a reputable business, and they will not want to see it tarnished as a result of mis-selling a truck or selling something they know is sub-par.

They are selling their trucks as part of their business interests, and so it will all be done in a much more professional way. You will know exactly where the trucks are coming from and who has been responsible for them, giving you greater peace of mind in what you are buying.

Maintenance

For any business that relies on a fleet of vehicles, keeping them on the road is imperative. Downtime for a truck can be a massive financial blow to a firm and so maintenance is a high priority for any fleet. All trucks are serviced regularly, and they go through huge numbers of checks to make sure that they are in good working order.

Every truck needs to perform at its best at all times, and so fleet managers put rigorous maintenance schedules in place to keep their trucks on the road and avoid costly accidents or breakdowns.

When you buy an ex-fleet truck, you can be confident that it has been maintained throughout its life far better than most other vehicles on the road. The duty of care that is involved in running a fleet of trucks ensures that the roadworthiness remains a top priority. They may therefore have done more miles than the average vehicle, but they will also have been far better cared for.

Lower purchase price

Used ex fleet trucks are usually sold at a significantly lower price than brand new vehicles. Fleet vehicles depreciate quickly due to high mileage so buyers can benefit from large financial savings when purchasing a second hand HGV. If you are looking for high-quality vehicles at a lower cost, than ex fleet vehicles are a route for you to explore.

Clear documentation and history

In used truck sales, all receipts and invoices from the previous owner are removed so the new customer typically won’t receive this paperwork. Additionally, the previous owner may keep this paperwork for their own insurance reasons.

This means that most of the time, the only information that the truck seller has is its MOT history. However, a reputable used truck dealership can source more detailed information upon request for their buyer at their request.

Cost-effective

New trucks are very expensive, and this can put them out of reach for many businesses. Used vehicles will always be the cheaper option, but this does not always represent value for money.

Ex-fleet vehicles offer the best of both worlds, due to their high mileage they tend to come with lower price tags, but also the reassurance that they have been properly looked after. Helping you avoid the fear of unexpected repair bills and can therefore get a much more cost-effective option.

Variety

When you are looking to buy an ex-fleet vehicle, you will probably find that there is a lot to choose from. There will be all kinds of makes and models available, and some of them may no longer be available to buy new but may actually suit your needs better. This means you have much greater choice and can find something that meets all of your needs.

Professional drivers

As well as knowing that ex-fleet trucks have been properly maintained, you can also benefit from the fact that they have been driven by professionals. This ensures that wear and tear will have been minimised, as they have to consider a balance of efficiency and safety, using smooth transitions and gentler driving styles. This can help to ensure that the truck is in much better condition when they sell it on.

Motorway miles

An ex-fleet truck will have a lot of miles on the clock, but the type of miles that they have covered can make a big difference. Due to the nature of their work, much of this will have been done on motorways, which tend to put less strain on the vehicle. This is because there’s far less stopping and starting involved, and the roads themselves are in better condition so there is less likelihood of there being damage from things like potholes.

What are the key considerations when buying an ex fleet truck?

Here are our top considerations to make when purchasing an ex fleet truck:

Inspect the vehicle

Although ex fleet vehicles are usually well maintained, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before committing to a purchase. You should look for any damage, signs of wear and tear and check the service records to ensure you are clear with the vehicle. Additionally, the dealership should be able to help answer any questions or resolve any concerns you may have.

Check the mileage

High mileage is common for ex fleet trucks and this shouldn’t prevent you from purchasing a vehicle. However, you should consider that higher mileage has the potential to lead to more frequent repairs and maintenance and this can potentially be expensive.

Consider the purpose

Review the vehicles history to understand what it was used for and consider what you would require the vehicle for. Trucks that have been used in frequent short journeys may have more wear on their engines and again this could lead to expensive repairs.

Compare prices

Whilst ex fleet trucks should be at a fair price, you should always compare prices with similar vehicles on the market. By doing this, you can ensure that you are getting a good deal for the truck.

Ex Fleet Truck By FleetEx

If you are in the market for ex fleet trucks, we have an extensive stock for you to browse! We stock used trucks from a range of recognised truck manufacturers and offer finance packages to help with the cost of your new vehicle.

Take a look at our selection of vehicles online today, and if you have any questions, please contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to assist you.