We Aussies love our utes – and with good reason! This fantastically versatile vehicle can do so much to support the business that the advantages to any company that needs to transport materials and equipment to various workplaces are obvious.

However, the market is awash with nearly new and thoroughly used-up utes, meaning it’s very easy to make a mistake during the selection process.

First, it’s important to decide what your business needs from a ute. For instance, do the business’s everyday needs really require a 4WD, or is a 2WD adequate, if you’re driving mostly on urban tarmac? Likewise, dual cabs are fabulous multi-purpose vehicles, but are you sacrificing tray space for seats your company will hardly ever use?

It’s really important to separate your ideas of what is essential from your image of the vehicle you want to be seen in – or the one you’ve always fancied owning. While the ute will definitely be the ‘shop window’ for your business, it’s vital to balance business efficiency with image.

With those basic decisions made, you still face a minefield of used utes. Depreciation is a major issue with business vehicles and particularly with utes. You absolutely do not need to purchase a business asset that will lose a huge percentage of its value within 5 years.

According to writer John Cadogan (http://autoexpert.com.au) that rules out the Foton, Mahindra, Tata, Great Wall and Ssangyong. Not only are they financially harzrdous, but they’re lower quality when it comes to safety, reliability and performance. Yes, even if they do qualify under the current $20K asset tax write-off.

When it comes to business assets, you need safe investments. This always means a ute less than 20 years old that is going to retain some resale value. Cadogan says that means buying Japanese, or looking at the used Holden Colorado, Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok, which are mostly made in Thailand.

While these used utes may cost more, it’s because they hold their value secondhand. You can tick those boxes for reliability, safety and performance. In short, they’ll repay your business with their efficiency, and that’s exactly what you want from an investment.

Are you looking for finance to help you purchase a new vehicle? 1800Approved is one of Australia’s fastest growing car and asset finance brokers. We specialise in car finance, equipment loans, plus insurance and warranty services, and have previously arranged deals from AU$10k to AU$5m. 1800Approved services clients across Australia, working with over 30 independent lenders to find the best deal.

We can also help with sourcing your new and used car warranty, and by sourcing vehicles and equipment through our Drive Wholesale arm.

To learn more about how we can help you, call us today on 1800 277 768.