How to Buy an Ex-Fleet Car

Fleet cars are vehicles that were owned and operated by organizations instead of private operators. They include cars that served as taxis or police cars, or regular-model cars used by corporations and governments. Fleet cars can be an attractive deal, as they may have received regular maintenance and light use for their age, depending on who operated them. Cars made for police work also offer some features that may be unavailable on civilian models. Buying an ex-fleet car is very similar to buying any used car, but with a bit more research added on.

Instructions

1

Find a local dealer who sells ex-fleet vehicles. Many regular used-car dealerships have ex-fleet cars, and there are also some auto dealerships that specialize in them such as Key Fleet Resale and Western Fleet Resale. You could also contact the National Association of Fleet Resale Dealers (NAFRD), an umbrella group for the sector, to find a fleet resale dealership near you.

2

Make a very careful inspection of any vehicle you are consider buying. Not all fleet vehicles are well-maintained, since the owners know that they will have a limited life with the company. External damage is a sign that the vehicle was driven badly.

3

Check the vehicle's history. The dealer should be able to provide the vehicle's sales record. Check that it matches with what the dealer has told you about the car. If possible, check with the maintenance department of the organization that ran the car as part of the fleet. You may be able to access maintenance records that will give some insight into the car's real condition.

4

Get a third-party inspection from a mechanic you trust. This should be the final step before committing to buy.

5

Get a credit check. Most dealerships will run this to find out your credit history and determine what your payments will be if paying monthly.