Buying a Van? What You Need to Know

Once you’ve decided to buy a van, there are several things to think about to make sure you get the best vehicle for your needs.

Our simple and impartial guide will help you get the basics right, whether you’re buying brand new or second-hand.

What Type of Van?

Will you be transporting tools, perishable materials or valuable items?

Do you need a van for work only, or for domestic use too?

How many seats will you need?

Will you need refrigeration or plywood lining?

By deciding what you want from your van in advance, you’ll save time and energy when it comes to us to discuss your requirements.

What Size Van?

The specifications and dimensions of your van are important – will you need to visit potentially awkward or narrow locations such as building sites or loading bays?

The larger the van, the more storage capacity – but this could also mean tougher manoeuvring in tighter spaces.

Think about your budget and how much room your possible cargo and/or fellow travellers need and we can help advise you on a van to suit your requirements.

Who Will Use it?

Especially if you’re going to be covering a lot of miles, comfort can be as important as capacity when choosing a van.

An entertainment system could be a good idea for anyone travelling with children or to help drivers stay alert when taking longer journeys alone.

Air conditioning could also be a benefit for passenger comfort – particularly in a van with fewer windows.

How Much Will it Cost?

As with any vehicle, fuel economy is an important consideration when buying a van.

Typically, a van will have a standard V6 engine but some smaller models with four cylinder offer great value and performance for frequent shorter journeys.

For vans with larger engines, such as V8 and V10, running costs will be higher but these will typically be used for higher paying jobs, such as haulage.

Brand-new or Nearly New Van?

Once you’ve decided what you need from a van, you’ll know how far your money will go.

Even if buying brand-new is a bit beyond your budget, other available options include second-hand vehicles or bespoke finance and leasing options, which we can will tailor to suit your situation.

From monthly repayments and road tax, to repairs and resale value, factoring in the potential cost of your new van will help you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing.

To talk about your choices or for more information on what to consider when buying a van, feel free to call us on 01282 872 530.

Click here to download the PDF Van Buying Guide.