Choosing the right minibus for your business can be a challenging, especially in a time where the number of makes and models available has never been greater. From cost, to fuel options, to features and specifications, there's lots to consider.
Here are our seven tips to help you find the right minibus for your business:
1. Assess Your Needs
Let's start with the basics - what's the fundamental purpose of your minibus? It's essential you nail down the basics:
- Passenger Capacity: How many people will you transport regularly? Minibuses typically range from 9 to 17 seats.
- Usage Frequency: Will the vehicle be used constantly or only for occasional trips?
- Cargo Requirements: Do you need additional space for luggage or equipment?
- Accessibility Needs: Include features like wheelchair access or low-entry steps to ensure the minibus accommodates individuals with mobility challenges.
2. Explore Fuel Options
With sustainability and cost-efficiency top of mind for many organisations, the choice between traditional dieseland electric minibuses is increasingly relevant, so consider what best suits your need from below:
- Diesel Minibuses: Often suitable for long-distance travel and routes lacking charging infrastructure.
- Electric Minibuses: Perfect for organisations looking to reduce emissions and operating costs. With lower running expenses and various available grants, electric options are becoming more accessible
- Hybrid Minibuses: A middle ground with reduced emissions and flexibility for various travel needs.
3. Budget Considerations
When budgeting, there's a few things to consider that can have considerable impacts to your minibus bottom line. Here' some examples:
- Fuel costs: An important factor when considering switching from diesel or petrol to electric. Typically charging will be cheaper than re-filling at the pump, so EV minibus adoption could be a positive step
- Maintenance: This is where leasing a minibus can prove far more cost-effective than outright purchasing. And if you are considering electric minbuses, they typically require less servicing due to having fewer moving parts
- Lease rates: When leasing a minibus, is your provider scanning the martket to ensure you're getting the best available rates? At Gofor, we operate a multi-funder model, that ensure customers are able to access market-wide lease rates and credit, insterad of a reliance on one provider
4. Evaluate Features and Specifications
What features do you need to bring your minibus to life? What will make your drivers and passnegers lives easier?
- Comfort and Safety: Air conditioning, seat configuration, and advanced safety features like lane assist and emergency braking
- Technology: GPS systems, telematics, and driver apps can improve fleet management
- Brand Reputation: You need to be able to rely on your minibus. Opt for reliable manufacturers with proven records for durability and support
5. Think About Accessibility
Inclusive transportation is vital, look for:
- Wheelchair Lifts: Ensure the minibus has a ramp or lift.
- Wide Doors and Low Floors: Easy access for elderly passengers or those with mobility challenges.
- Seating Flexibility: Configurable seating for versatile usage.
5. Leasing v. Purchasing
Inclusive transportation is vital, look for:
- Wheelchair Lifts: Ensure the minibus has a ramp or lift.
- Wide Doors and Low Floors: Easy access for elderly passengers or those with mobility challenges.
- Seating Flexibility: Configurable seating for versatile usage.
6. Leasing vs Purchasing
We speak to many forganisatiuons whoi have this query about their minibuses; is it better to buy vehicles outright and have complete control of your fleet, or is it better to contract hire and make your fleet management easier but lose some of that control?
As a business that provides contract hire vehicles and proactive fleet insights for companies and drivers across the UK, you'd expect us to argue for the value of leasing. It brings a level of certainty and value when it comes to costs, ensure manageable maintenance that will keep you rminibuses on the road and avoids the often high risk strategy of having a depreceating asset on your books.
7. Partner with a Trusted Provider
Selecting the right minibus is easier with expert support. At Gofor, we offer:
- A wide range of diesel, hybrid, and electric minibuses to fit your needs
- Expert consultation to help match vehicles to your organisational requirements
- Comprehensive fleet management services, including maintenance support, vehicle livery andbranding and fleet and driver technology
- Access to market-wide lease rates and credit sources through our partnerships with all of the UK's leading lease vehicle providers
What's popular in the UK minibus market?
There's loads of choice in the market, here's three of the most popular optuions in the UK today!
Ford Transit
Sum it up in 3 words...versatility, reliability and efficiency. Read more on the Ford website.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Sum it up in 3 words...premium, quality and executive. Read more on the Mercedes website.
Volkswagen Crafter
Sum it up in 3 words...practical, comfort and flexibility. Read more on the VW website.
Thinking about your next minibus? Considering leasing over outright purchasing? Looking into the possibility of electric minibuses? We're help to help with all these queries and more.
Get in touch to arrange a consultation today.
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