For many small business owners, buying a reliable used vehicle to use in their business makes more sense than buying a new one. By doing so, a business owner can save thousands of dollars on a vehicle's purchase price. That money can be used in other areas of the business that will generate profits. However, a used vehicle that constantly breaks down may interrupt service to customers. And depending on the nature of your business, a shabby looking vehicle that runs could still leave an unfavorable impression with your clients.
If you are thinking about purchasing a used vehicle, our Used Vehicle Evaluation Checklist provides a step-by-step process for discovering items that now, or will eventually, need repair. Items on the checklist include both mechanical and cosmetic items, and they vary from the very expensive repairs to the minor ones that can "nickel and dime" you. Many of the items we'll tell you to watch for — including cracks in windows, the thickness of the vehicle's tire treads, and much more — are simple enough that anyone can check for them. You can also have a vehicle that you're thinking about buying inspected by your mechanic, and ask him or her to review items on the checklist that you are less familiar with.
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