How to choose the right vehicle

[Ankur]

As a new business what should I be looking for in the stretch I buy.

New vs Old (1-3 years)
Features..? Most requested, needed and latest
When purchasing a stretch what should I be on the look out for with the seller.

[Greenpala]

Start with used 2-3 year old limo. You do not need a new car to make money. You have to start with a nice CLEAN used car. Must be a clean car. Advertise it as lets say 2008 model. Make sure its a car with bells and whissles - it helps with booking when people see the car. Start with Chrysler if you can afford it. Its better than a lincoln unless you are doing corporate.

Look out for cars with rust, driveshaft vibrations, eletrical problems, etc.

[limo bill]

I agree with Pala except for the part about the Chrysler. I would take a Lincoln over a Chrysler any day. They have a larger interior and trunk, and very dependable engine & drive train, and have have been around for decades. Chrysler may be popular with the young crowd now, but Lincoln appeals to a larger base crowd and has history of staying power. You will want that large trunk if you are going to do airports. Just my 2 cents worth... do as you wish and good luck !!

[Greenpala]

Yes, that is true. Lincoln is a better overall car and fits more luggage. A lot stronger car than chrysler. But a lot of customer may say - "I want anything but a Lincoln. Lincolns are played out. I want something different. "
You can make better money on a chrysler while the car may cost less than a lincoln. Chrysler also doesnt burn that much gas. Is really good on fuel economy.

[NightOut]

Originally posted by Greenpala:
Start with used 2-3 year old limo.... Advertise it as lets say 2008 model.

You mean Lie?

Perhaps you should advertise it as a "late model style" so as not to compromise your integrity.

Just my $.02,

[Blue Diamond]

Depends on the area, some don't care what year it is- AS LONG as it's clean and well taken care of. Only people I've had ask a year, is the car nuts.

Don't focus on the model year, but more of what it offers! Play up the ride, comfort, roominess, amenties and your SAFE Drivers! I used to drive an older car, but gave great service! I was booked more than the newer models for that reason. Find your niche and play on it!!

Yes, in this business we embellish a little. People only know what they've seen in the movies. Biggest thing is to make your company stand out, get noticed and recognized. This will bring in calls too.

You need to decide who your client base will be and work around that. Corporate isn't going to want fancy light, blinky things, ect. Where as the bar crowd will. This will be a large determining factor on how much money your going to spend on that vehicle. Some of us, upgrade our own vehicles for a lot less. Decide what you want first... that's half the battle!

[Ankur]

Thats one of my concerns. This will be a startup company service the DC metro area. I am planning to start off small with one stretch and one sedan. If I get more orders inconsistenly will find a reliable company to farm out to and if the order consistenly it is time to purchase more vehicles.

My biggest issue is..WHO DO I TARGET FIRST..the corporates of the party goers. Like you said the car purchase it going to determine the crowd. Any tips on which may be good to start off with



Originally posted by Blue Diamond:
Depends on the area, some don't care what year it is- AS LONG as it's clean and well taken care of. Only people I've had ask a year, is the car nuts.

Don't focus on the model year, but more of what it offers! Play up the ride, comfort, roominess, amenties and your SAFE Drivers! I used to drive an older car, but gave great service! I was booked more than the newer models for that reason. Find your niche and play on it!!

Yes, in this business we embellish a little. People only know what they've seen in the movies. Biggest thing is to make your company stand out, get noticed and recognized. This will bring in calls too.

You need to decide who your client base will be and work around that. Corporate isn't going to want fancy light, blinky things, ect. Where as the bar crowd will. This will be a large determining factor on how much money your going to spend on that vehicle. Some of us, upgrade our own vehicles for a lot less. Decide what you want first... that's half the battle!

[NightOut]

Originally posted by Ankur:
Like you said the car purchase it going to determine the crowd. Any tips on which may be good to start off with



When I bought my first car, I went with a 120" Tuxedo (White car - Black top), it has proven to be a good move. In my opinion, it is white enough to do weddings, but black enough for funerals and corporate work. As well as elegant enough for any "nights out".

In fact, it's the exact car in my Avatar.

[Greenpala]

Originally posted by Ankur:
My biggest issue is..WHO DO I TARGET FIRST..the corporates of the party goers. Like you said the car purchase it going to determine the crowd. Any tips on which may be good to start off with

I say that its probably easier to start with party goers unless you have hookups in corporate world.

[Digger]

Party peeps are the future of the corporate world. I get a lot of corp/airport work from people after they party in my cars. Have brochures in your cars that show that night-out work isn't the only stuff you do, it starts the questions and later turns into bookings. Just make sure you hit them before the alcohol does. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Ankur]

What about say a Lexus or a Mercedes or one of there Hybrids. They cost about the same as a Lincoln. Okay not the same but close.

your thoughts on Hybrid Lexus or Mercedes versus a Lincoln or Chrysler??

[Ryan_R]

Start with a Lincoln, the money you save on maintenance is well worth it. I have maybe 1 person every other month who won't use me because I don't have a piece of crap Chrysler 300, and those are probably just tire kickers anyway. This gets worse at prom but most kids don't know to specifically ask for a 300. Just from my local market and from driving another company's stretch Chrysler the problems I have seen are ridiculous, like sagging front ends that burn through tires like they are going out of style, weak engines, bottoms that scrape on every minor bump in the road, etc. They look nice but they will not last like a Lincoln and will only be a headache later on.