Choosing the Right Vehicle for your Company

Deciding on the right vehicle for your business is no small task. Depending on the type, size, and needs of your business, your requirements for your company vehicle will vary. To help you in the decision-making process, we’ve put together a list of things to consider when choosing a new vehicle for your business.

1. Determine the vehicle usage

It may seem obvious, but it’s an important first step when looking for vehicles to add to your fleet. If, for example, your company needs a vehicle to transport goods interstate, storage space would be close to the top of the list of things to consider. Inversely, if you require a vehicle for salespeople to drive through metropolitan areas, a more appropriate choice would be a smaller vehicle.

2. Assess the continued costs of the vehicle

When researching vehicles, the up-front cost might seem like the most significant factor, but considering the ongoing costs is just as vital. 

Take fuel efficiency, for example. The fuel costs are out of our control, so finding fuel-efficient vehicles where possible can save you money in the long run. Hybrid and electric vehicles may also be a good option to reduce ongoing costs. 

Consider registration fees and insurance for the vehicle. Rego fees and insurance costs vary based on many factors, including vehicle type, value, and usage. Before deciding on a new vehicle for your company, use government resources and insurance comparison sites to see the potential cost of insurance and rego to avoid a shock when you need to pay for these after purchasing the vehicle.

3. Consider the vehicle maintenance requirements

Maintenance is a regular and significant ongoing cost for vehicle owners. You should research maintenance costs for the specific vehicle before choosing a vehicle for your company.

Regular services help to keep a vehicle in good condition and minimise the risk of costly repairs down the line. The dealership will be able to give you more information on the servicing recommendation for a vehicle and use this information to calculate the potential service costs. Some dealerships will offer a limited number of free services for a new vehicle. After the free services, using a local mechanic is often cheaper than going to a dealership.

Warranties can also offset the costs of maintenance. Prior research into what a warranty does and doesn’t include can be a great way to save money.

4. Set standards

Whether we like it or not, company vehicles impact the reputation and perception of the company. Think about what your business represents and what vehicles reflect your business standards.

Based on this information, set standards for company vehicles and decide on non-negotiables when it comes to the vehicle. For example, having a consistent make or model in your fleet creates a perception of uniformity and consistency, so if a new vehicle is a different make, model, or even colour can impact that perception.

5. Ask your staff

Your staff will be the people using the vehicle, so their opinion also matters. Staff can spend long hours in a vehicle, and their comfort is important. When considering vehicle comfort, consider seat size and adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, and features that make driving easier, like parking cameras.

Ask your staff about what is important to them and features they do and do not like with vehicles they currently drive. While you can’t meet all of their requests, their opinion can help you create a checklist of what to look for in a new vehicle.