TWO-thirds of fleet managers would not consider taking used cars on to their fleets, but the number of decision-makers who see the move as a key way to save money is growing, a survey from the Centre for Automotive Industries Management at Nottingham Business School report, backed by HSBC Vehicle Finance (UK) shows. In fleets between 500 and 999 vehicles, half the firms questioned said used vehicles were a possibility, but for 100 to 250 vehicle fleets, the number dropped to 11%.

The report said: 'The collapse in used car prices in the second half of 2000 and the predictions from many industry watchers that nothing will improve the situation for some time would pose the question: 'why not put used cars on the fleet?' In last year's survey, only 26% of fleets reported acquiring used cars and this has risen to 33% overall.'

But report author Professor Peter Cooke warned: 'Used car acquisition for the fleet can be fraught with danger. The survey suggests that out of the fleets surveyed, about a fifth have rules regarding the choice of used cars, covering mileage and age. Prudence, quality, low mileage and young age would appear to be the most important issues.'