While you might be dreaming of driving home a brand new catering unit, opting for second-hand could be a great move too. As long as you’re keen to invest time in finding the right vehicle for you and your business, looking for a pre-loved trailer or truck has plenty of benefits.
You could bag a bargain
If you’re ready to do your research, you could track down a seriously good deal. To avoid being stung with a deal that’s too good to be true, make sure you carry out a thorough inspection of any vehicle. Some key things to look out for include rust, damp and rot (remember to check inside and underneath the vehicle too). Be sure to factor in the cost of any needed updates and repairs when considering the price of a second-hand unit.
Don’t forget to check documentation
It’s important to check the vehicle has an up-to-date gas certificate. You can find a qualified gas engineer to check this out for you at gassaferegister.co.uk.
Ask to see the chassis VIN plate, too. In case you’re wondering, VIN stands for ‘vehicle registration number’ and is another name for the chassis number. It’s a unique code that serves as a vehicle’s fingerprint, allowing you to verify the vehicle’s history. Companies like the RAC offer online services to check a vehicle’s VIN and registration number. You can see if the unit has been stolen or if it has any outstanding finance that’s yet to be paid off.
Would buying new suit you instead?
While it can be a big initial outlay, buying a brand-new catering unit could also be a smart move. There’s the simple benefit of knowing it’s legal, safe and ready to go. What’s more, a new unit can even prove cheaper than a second-hand option in the long run, as it’s likely to run for longer without needing parts replaced.
Considered a conversion?
Whether you choose a new or second-hand vehicle, we’re here to help you tailor it to your business’ needs. We’re experienced in updating vehicles that need a little TLC, as well as crafting fully bespoke catering units from scratch. Plus, as standard, each of our builds and conversions come complete with GAS Safe and NIC EIC certificates to ensure you’re all set with the documents needed to start trading.
If you’ve already found your dream catering vehicle and are now looking for insurance or business advice, we’re happy to help on that front too. Get in touch today to speak to a member of our expert team.