Every funeral business starts somewhere. For some funeral directors, that means hiring a funeral car whenever a service is booked. For others, it means investing in a hearse of their own from day one.

But as your funeral business grows, an important question eventually comes up: Is it better to keep hiring a hearse, or does buying your own funeral vehicle make more financial sense?

The answer depends on how often you need a hearse, what you're spending on funeral car hire and where you see your business going.

When Hiring a Hearse Makes Sense

For newly established funeral parlours or businesses handling only a few funerals each month, funeral car hire can be a practical starting point.

Hiring allows you to access a funeral vehicle when needed without committing to the full cost of ownership. You don't have to purchase the vehicle upfront, and depending on your rental agreement, certain maintenance responsibilities may remain with the rental provider.

However, funeral car hire prices can add up over time.

If your business is growing and you're regularly arranging hearse rentals, those repeated expenses could eventually represent a substantial amount of money spent on vehicles you don't own.

There's also the question of availability. During busy periods, relying on external funeral car rental providers means planning around their schedules, vehicle availability and rental conditions.

Could Buying Your Own Hearse Be the Smarter Move?

Imagine having a funeral vehicle ready whenever your business needs it.

Owning a hearse gives funeral directors greater control over scheduling, vehicle presentation and day-to-day operations. Instead of arranging a rental for every service, the vehicle becomes a dedicated part of your business.

Of course, ownership comes with responsibilities. Insurance, fuel, servicing, maintenance and finance repayments all need to be considered.

But for funeral parlours with consistent transport requirements, purchasing a hearse may offer better long-term value than continuously paying hire fees.

And buying a new funeral vehicle may be more accessible than you think.

Meet the Suzuki Ertiga Hearse: From R399 000

For funeral directors considering the move from renting to owning, Suzuki Bassonia JHB offers the Suzuki Ertiga Hearse, a professionally converted funeral vehicle based on the practical five-door Suzuki Ertiga.

With two models available, funeral businesses can explore an option that suits their requirements and budget.

The Suzuki Ertiga Hearse starts from R399 000, while the Suzuki Ertiga GL Hearse starts from R469 900.

Both offer funeral businesses an alternative to larger traditional hearses, backed by access to Suzuki's broader dealer network for applicable vehicle servicing and parts support.

Finance options are also available, subject to credit approval and applicable terms.

For business owners currently comparing funeral car rental costs against the price of purchasing a hearse, the Ertiga Hearse is worth investigating.

Think Beyond Your Next Funeral

The decision to hire or buy shouldn't only be based on your next booking. It should also reflect where you want your funeral business to be in the coming years.

If you only require a funeral car occasionally, hiring might still be the most practical solution.

But if you're regularly paying for hearse hire, expanding your services or opening another branch, it may be time to compare those ongoing expenses against the cost of owning a dedicated vehicle.

After all, the money you spend hiring a hearse today could potentially contribute towards financing a funeral vehicle of your own. 

The important thing is to understand your business's needs and make an informed decision.

Ready to Own Your Own Funeral Hearse?

If you've been searching for funeral cars for sale, hearse prices in South Africa or a reliable funeral vehicle for your business, Suzuki Bassonia JHB is here to assist.

Explore the Suzuki Ertiga Hearse from R399 000 or the Suzuki Ertiga GL Hearse from R469 900, with nationwide supply available.

Take the next step from hiring to owning.


Suzuki Bassonia JHB

Telephone: 087 803 2200

Email: lances@ipopsa.com/ Cherise@ipopsa.com

BY YOUR SIDE. OTHERS WILL FOLLOW.

Prices are subject to confirmation and availability. Finance is subject to approval. Purchasing a vehicle involves additional ownership costs, and individual financial circumstances will differ.