When you’re commuting to a job location or running a successful business, your vehicle isn’t just a way to get from Point A to B. It’s a means of making a living — working smarter rather than harder.
A good vehicle will offer the functionality and versatility needed, give you a more professional image, and help you make money. However, with the wide range of makes, models, and configurations to choose from on dealership lots, getting the right work vehicles can be daunting.
Whether you’re a contractor, delivery person, groundskeeper, or mobile service technician, these five tips should help you choose the ideal work vehicle for you.
1. Establish What Your Job Requires
You need to write down what you need in a work vehicle. Consider your daily work schedule and the specific requirements of your profession or trade.
Cargo Space: If you are carrying equipment, tools, or supplies, you’ll need something with adequate storage space. Tradespeople may travel to and from work with tons of stuff. If you’re in the trades or training to get a job in the trades — like a forklift operator — you’ll want to consider cargo space needs before buying a work vehicle.
Towing Requirements: If you tow trailers that are heavy, such as equipment, generators, or tractors, focus on buying a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity. That’ll likely mean looking at trucks, SUVs, or crossovers.
Crew Space: Do you transport workers or customers? Crew cabs, extended cabs, or vans with added seating should be on your shortlist.
Access and Organization: Consider how you’re going to move your gear. Side doors, lift gates, and individual storage compartments can be big time-savers.
Understand what you require beforehand so that your search is narrowed and you don’t spend extra on features you won’t use — or miss out on essential ones.
2. Balance Cost with Long-Term Value
A work vehicle is an investment, so the cheapest option isn’t always the best one in the long run. When considering long-term value, factor things like the following into the equation:
Fuel Efficiency: With gas prices always fluctuating, you’ll want to consider fuel efficiency. Sure, buying a truck means you can’t expect the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder car, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider fuel efficiency.
Maintenance Costs: Research the reliability of any vehicles you’re considering. Certain vehicles cost more to buy but less to fix, so they are actually cheaper in the long run.
Resale Value: Certain models and brands retain their value better, which is something worth looking into when you trade them in down the road.
Warranty Coverage: A proper warranty can protect you from unexpected repair bills.
These are just some of the things to mull over before signing on the dotted line for your new work vehicle.
3. Safety Features
Your work vehicle should be safe for you, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
It’s a good idea to look for vehicles with technologies like advanced driver assistance systems, backup cameras, anti-lock brakes, airbags, and reinforced frames.
Although the safety features will cost extra, they’ll pay for themselves in terms of reduced insurance premiums and save your most prized possession — your health.
Choosing the correct work vehicle is more than choosing something cool or aesthetically pleasing. It’s about balancing work requirements, budgets, safety, and comfort to make a smart investment.
By seriously considering your work requirements, cost of ownership, safety, and other things, you can find a work vehicle that meets your needs now and going forward.
A good investment can improve your performance, establish your professional reputation, and even save you money. It can translate into one of the best career investments you ever make and help you avoid buyer’s remorse.