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Secondhand sense where should I buy?
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The answer is easy. Especially if you follow our
fool-proof guide. And there's always CM classifed
pages every week...
Deciding where to pick up a used commercial vehicle is pretty straightforward. It's from the dealers or the auction houses. The rest like classified, magazines and the interne provide an introduction to dealers and auctioneers. The dealers will either be affiliated to a manufacturer, or completely independent.
All the auction companies work alone but essentially they help the manufacturer to off-load vehicles towards independent trade or end users.
Manufacturer approved used dealers
This is where the best of the mainstream and the top of the range stock is housed.Approved schemes have more versatile finance packages and the best warranty deals as they are backed by the manufacturer.Approved dealers also like to be able to provide a 24/7 after-sales servicing package too.
Vehicles on the forecourt are likely to be younger. in better condition and have service history than in other dealers. On the downside you will probably pay more and stock tends to be mainly bread and butter stuff.
Independent dealers
Independents are competitive and will go that extra mile to get your custom, but you will need to know something about the secondhand market to avoid picking up a dud. lithe deal seems too good to believe, then the chances are it is.
Many independents know the trucking industry inside out and will specialise.They pride themselves on repeat custom and will source from just about anywhere to get the best for their customer.
Most likely to be found on the forecourt are tractors with big cabs and big engines and construction vehicles, but many independents are starting to realise the benefits of the other sectors, including the trailer market.Warranties will be restricted to three-month driveline at best.
Auctions
Auctions have raised their game and many are linked to financiers, rental and leasing companies and, indirectly,manufacturers. Independent traders will often Indie's will have good quality, as well as older, stock and will offer the same product but cheaper, as the buck (and profit making process) stops with them. Many will have been borne from family set-ups or old haulage companies and will know the trade inside out.
You'll know as soon as you're on site whether they are serious or not. Take your chosen vehicle for a spin, source from auction houses.
The quality of stock will be better than you imagine and anything worthwhile will be competitively bid on by trade and exporters.At the various auction houses you will find ex-fleet vehicles, old municipal stock, and snatch-backs as well as a solid mix of late-year stock and older, less check the V5, check the mileage is genuine and find out its working and service history. If it looks like it's done all its mileage up hill then steer clear.
If you want a big cab with a big engine independents are the way to go. Many will concentrate on a sector or specialise, say in body conversions or stretching. And yourself a good independent and you'll never go wrong. desirable, products. It's bought as seen so make sure you know what you are looking for. Don't rush into anything; studying the form will save you money.
Classified
Classified is the official gateway to the dealer's phone and, if all goes well, the forecourt.The classified section in Commercial Motor will give you a good idea of what's available but remember everyone else will be seeing it at the same time as you so, if there is something you like, get on the phone immediately.
Dealers only advertise a fraction of what they have. If there is something you like, and they have it, glean as much info as you can on the phone before you go to kick the tyres. Get the asking price but don't haggle over the blower; meet them on a level playing field once you've seen the product. Again, do your homework.
Internet
The internees in its infancy but it's developing fast. Check websites have been updated recently. Overseas exporters sometimes conduct all their business with trusted dealers via the mobilephone camera and e-mail product. Classic repeat custom. •