woman smiling while getting the key for her SUV

Don’t Get a Lemon When Buying a Used Van

Getting a used Mercedes Sprinter here in Idaho is becoming a turning point for many small businesses in the region. It affords the firms a chance to endear their services to customers by providing cheap and convenient deliveries.

Preowned vans offer the same level of reliable service you have come to expect of a Mercedes van minus the hefty price tag. However, you need to do your due diligence to enjoy the benefits that come with owning such a workhorse.

Don’t skimp on research

Mercedes is renowned for producing a reliable range of vans, but that’s no reason to skip the research phase, especially when buying a preowned one. While all their vehicles are built to be reliable and durable, the ability to live out their lifespans depend on the amount of abuse they are subjected to by owners.

Some companies, as well as individuals, don’t keep their vans in great shape to lower their car running costs. You need to go beyond a cursory examination of the van’s body, engine, suspension, brakes, and tires when making a decision.

Dig into the car’s history and ownership to get a clearer picture of what you’re buying. That might seem like overkill, but it keeps you from committing to a lemon. Carfax provides buyers with vehicle history reports detailing crucial information such as ownership, maintenance history, structural damage and warranty information.

A seller should provide you with such a report free of charge when negotiating a deal. Otherwise, you can request one from the company for a few bucks. Other providers such as VIN Check and Auto Check also supply such information free of charge.

Don’t skimp on the test drive

half shot of an SUV van on the road

Given that the van is going to set you back thousands of dollars and is poised to be a crucial part of your business operation, take it out for a spin. You want to see and feel how it handles while out on the road. For the best results, have an auto expert accompany you during the test ride.

A skilled mechanic can pick on issues that are lost on you and keep you from making an expensive mistake. Sure, you might have to compensate the mech for their time, but that will be money well spent. Chances are that they will keep you from buying a van that will need a spare part costing thousands of dollars a few weeks later.

If buying from a private seller and they’re reluctant to let you take the van out for a spin, walk away. With used cars, especially vans, you need to be sure of what you’re getting. Some of them might have hidden mechanical problems that only become obvious when out on the road.

Having a reliable means of transport can significantly boost sales and grow your customer base. Double points if you can get a reliable delivery van without breaking the bank. Mercedes are known for their durable and reliable range of vans.

Getting a preowned van affords you the same reliability but at a fraction of the cost. However, you need to take extra precautions to avoid buying a lemon that can ruin your best-laid plans for your business.

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