BASICALLY, THE BUYER NEEDS A WELL-PROTECTED VEHICLE WITH ADEQUATE LEVEL AND COVERAGE OF BALLISTIC PROTECTION, SOUND ENGINEERING (ADDITION OF ARMORED MATERIALS CAN UNBALANCE THE VEHICLE OR CAUSE WEAR AND TEAR ON VARIOUS OPERATING PARTS), ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE, AND A LOW-PROFILE APPEARANCE. PREVIOUS TO PURCHASING, COMPANIES SHOULD DETERMINE THEIR NEED FOR AN ARMORED VEHICLE AND FOR THE TYPE OF MODIFICATION. THE RESEARCH PROCESS SHOULD INCLUDE READING AVAILABLE MATERIALS AND CONFERRING WITH A CONSULTANT KNOWLEDGABLE IN ARMORED VEHICLES, BUT HAVING NO COMMERCIAL TIES. THE OBJECTIVE OF THESE EFFORTS IS TO IDENTIFY COMPANY NEED, IF ANY, ALONG WITH THE LEVEL OF THREAT, PINPOINT THE MAKE AND MODEL THAT BEST MEETS COMPANY NEEDS, AND DETERMINE BUDGET RESTRICTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING VEHICLE SELECTION AND MODIFICATION (TERRAIN, FUEL AVAILABILITY, TAXES, ETC). BUYERS SHOULD ALSO BE CONCERNED WITH THE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE MANUFACTURER, SINCE THE PURCHASER WILL WANT TO CHECK ON THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT MODIFICATION. MANUFACTURERS THAT DISCOURAGE SUCH INSPECTIONS, CITING SECURITY OR LACK OF A SUITABLE SETUP FOR SUCH INSPECTIONS AS REASONS, SHOULD BE AVOIDED. IN FACT, SUCH INSPECTIONS AND ACCOMPANYING PROCEDURES SHOULD BE WRITTEN UP IN A CONTRACT BEFORE AGREEING ON THE PURCHASE. ALSO WRITTEN IN THE CONTRACT SHOULD BE DESCRIPTIONS OF EXACTLY WHAT IS BEING FURNISHED AS WELL AS A DATE FOR DELIVERY. BEFORE SIGNING, THE BUYER SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE FABRICATOR IS DOING ALL THE WORK WITH NO SUBCONTRACTING AND THAT ALL THE MODIFICATION IS BEING DONE IN THEIR FACILITY--BOTH OF THESE MEASURES REDUCE RISK OF SECURITY LEAKS. THE COST OF ARMORING VARIES WIDELY, BUT IN PRICING VEHICLES, THE BUYER MUST USE SENSIBLE BUSINESS LOGIC AND BE CAREFUL NOT TO HAVE THE PROTECTION IN ORDER TO REDUCE VEHICLE COST BY A FIFTH OR A THIRD. (DAG)