Guide to Automotive Purchasing for Business

There's big money to be saved in the automotive industry, not only in cars and trucks that can be bought for less at auto auctions, but also in auto parts, industrial trailers for manufacturers, wheels and tires, and even clever auto finance options — anything related to the automotive industry. That’s good news, considering that few companies today run without vehicles of some sort. When purchasing or outfitting vehicles for business or personal use, keep in mind:

1. Auto auctions are a great way to save big on a vehicle, but they're a risky way to do so.
2. Industrial trailers are a big-ticket item; smaller manufacturers may be better off leasing than buying.
3. Knowing where to go to find auto parts can improve your automotive industry business, or can reduce your fleet maintenance costs.
4. Searching out the best deals on auto finance when buying or leasing your fleet can improve your bottom line.

Here are the most effective solutions for finding automotive resources:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save big by buying cars or trucks at auto auctions

Though sometimes risky, auto auctions can be a great way to pick up a bargain vehicle. There are auction companies that host auto auctions to sell used cars from a wide range of sources, including retired fleet, lease, and rental cars; cars repossessed by banks; and cars taken in trade by dealers ('consignment' cars). Auto auctions sponsored by government agencies feature cars that have have exceeded a certain mileage limit, and police department auto auctions include their older cruisers and vans, as well as vehicles they have seized from criminals.

I recommend:  Verastar holds auto auctions all around the southeast, while Brasher's holds auto auctions in California and all around the Northwest. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has a directory of auto auctions by state. The U.S. Government Services Administration sells its retired fleet vehicles (40,000 per year) at government auto auctions held around the country. CheapCarFinder.com offers one-stop shopping for repossessed and seized vehicles, by ZIP code, as do Gov-Auctions.org and AutoBeyond.com. In addition to eBay Motors, you'll find Monster Motors. Proxibid gives you live, online access to bid on live auto auctions as they happen, around the US.

Find industrial trailers to haul your load

Commercial industrial trailers come in as many types and configurations as there are needs: horse trailers, car haulers, flatbed trailers, semi trailers and about a dozen more. Ask the companies that sell, rent and lease industrial trailers for advice on the type of trailer perfectly suited to your towing needs and budget.

I recommend: UsedTrailers.com not only has a wide selection of used trucks and industrial trailers for sale; it also can serve as a great guide to the myriad of trailer options available. Other good sources include Long Island Trailers, Internet-Trailer.com and Trailer Fleet.

Pick up new wheels and tires for less

You know where to get tires: You limp on down to your local tire store. But did you know you can get great online deals on wheels and tires? You can install them yourself if you are so inclined, but many online vendors have deals with popular retailers who will install your wheels and tires after you receive them, at a reasonable price. You can also pick up coupons and price tires at the major tire retailers before going to have the work done. You can often even make your service appointment online.

I recommend: Tire Rack offers online specials, shopping, and even tire reviews. Summit Racing is a high-end source for performance wheels and tires, while WheelsNEXT offers matched sets of wheels and tires, shipped for free. Also check out Michelin, Tires-Easy and Discount Tire Direct. 

Buy auto parts

Most of the same auto parts stores you pass every day also sell online. But there are also online auto parts retailers who often claim that they carry a far greater range of auto parts than the others and also may have better prices. And you'll also find online used parts stores for items of trim or fittings that are impossible to find elsewhere.

I recommend: Major online auto parts stores include NAPA, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Auto Parts Warehouse, The Parts Center, Best Deal Car parts, and AutoParts Giant. Sites like Auto Part Search helps you search the inventories of 250 junkyards — sorry, "auto recyclers" — for the part you want. Junk Yard Dog and Barely Used Auto Parts offer similar services.

Upgrade your car audio system

Did you know that a car audio system can play MP3 files stored on CDs? Show DVDs? Play immersive surround sound? Play high-definition (HD) radio broadcasts or subscription satellite radio with digital-perfect sound? Car audio systems do more than ever. If your car just plays the radio or a CD, you may want to check out the available upgrades.

I recommend: Hi-Fi Sound Connection stocks a wide range of car audio components, as do Crutchfield and Car Bomb Audio and Video.

Score some rockin' car seat covers

Car seat covers can bring new life to an old car interior. For a relatively small price, you can freshen up your car while adding to its comfort and style. You can even sit on your favorite cartoon character or dragon print.

I recommend: Car Covers 4 Less carries custom car seat covers in all shades and sizes, including prints, cartoon characters and sheepskin seat wraps. And if sheepskin is your thing, be sure to visit CarLamb. Other great sources include Eclipse Covers and JC Whitney.

Get the right deal for your fleet with the right auto finance option

If your business makes deliveries, visits clients, or transports goods and equipment between locations, then you need vehicles on site and ready to go. Auto finance options include purchasing a fleet of cars, minivans or trucks, or leasing the vehicles instead, which avoids the capital expense of purchasing and can save you time and money in the long run.

I recommend: Automotive industry manufacturers (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and more) all have fleet programs with a variety of auto finance options, but typically you need to buy or lease five to 10 vehicles from an automotive industry company to obtain a fleet registration number, which gives you access to dealer incentive programs. The car rental company Enterprise also has a fleet program, which allows you to choose vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Most mechanics will not install auto parts you bought yourself, but some smaller outfits will, charging just an hourly rate for labor.
• Set up a separate line of credit for your auto finance needs if you purchase vehicles so that the purchase of depreciating assets doesn't use up existing lines of credit.
• Rather than purchasing company cars at auto auctions or using auto finance options from car dealers, consider paying employees for the use of their vehicles if you need transportation only occasionally.

The official source of Automotive Purchasing for Business is
the Automotive page at Business.com