11 Expert Tips to Consider When Buying a Used Van

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11 Expert Tips to Consider When Buying a Used Van

Buying a used van is an intelligent decision. A used van will bring you from point A to point B and help you get your job done without having to spend so much. Opting for a used van is a sign that you truly know what matters. To further optimize your smart choice, we collected tips from experts to help you choose the best possible used van. Consider these tips to ensure that you get the most advantage and benefits from your purchase.

Expert Tip #1: Know The Type Of Van You Need

The different types of vans are as follows:

  • Minibus – its whole load area is filled with seats. Mini Buses come with side windows.
  • Panel van – this is the standard van model. It has 2-3 seats for passengers. A bulkhead separates its front from its rear that carries cargo.
  • Lo-loader – an advanced box-van that can lower itself to the ground for seamless cargo loading.
  • Crew cab / combi / double cab – a van with two rows of seats and a separate area for cargo
  • Luton van – a van with a large load area that often comes with a tail lift
  • Chassis single cab – a van with an open chassis that is flexible for conversion
  • Box van – a converted chassis cab that comes with a boxy load area. Also comes with a tail lift
  • Chassis double cab – a van with an open chassis that is flexible for conversion and comes with two rows of seats

Knowing the type of van is important because it will simplify your search. You’d get to easily dismiss offers from sellers of vans that you’re simply not on the lookout for. You can also easily interact with sellers as you could simply and directly tell them the type of van you prefer.

Expert Tip #2: Know The Van Size That You Need And Prefer

Knowing the van size that you need and prefer is extremely important. A need is different from a preference so you need to be extra careful.

If you need to carry bigger loads, you need to look for medium or large vans. Don’t go for big vans if you don’t need to carry much load as you will rack up on unnecessary costs. Always remember that a bigger van consumes more fuel than a smaller van. You should start with small vans that can be big enough to accommodate bigger loads as most now come with extended roof heights and wheelbases.

Always check the following when looking at adverts:

  • load length
  • load height
  • load width
  • overall load volume

Expert Tip #3: Know The Van’s Weight Capacity

Know the weight of the usual cargo that you need to transport. Always refer to such weight when checking out a van’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). You’d end up paying for fines if you’d use a van that carries much more than the law permits. Overloading is never safe as it can affect your van’s suspension, brake, and steering.

Expert Tip #4: Know The Van’s Towing Capacity

This should be checked if you intend to use your van for towing. For towing purposes, you should check a van’s Gross Train Weight (GTW) or Gross Train Mass (GTM). This should be highly considered if you know that you’d be needing extra loadspace.

Expert Tip #5: Know The Van’s Space For Passengers

How many passengers do you need to carry? Will your van be entirely dedicated to passengers or cargo? Standard vans usually have three seats for passengers. If you want a van that can both carry passengers and cargo, you should look for vans with a crew-cab or combi layout.

Expert Tip #6: Know The Van’s Fuel Type

A used van can use:

  • Diesel
  • Petrol
  • Plug-in hybrid power
  • Electricity

Choose one that will make more sense for you and your needs. Opt for a sustainable option.

Expert Tip #7: Know Your Budget

Budget is often easily overlooked when it is pretty much one of the most important factors when looking for a used van. You should have a definite value in mind before even beginning your search. Sticking to a definite budget limit will prevent you from overspending and considering vans that are not even within your budget. You’d be amazed at how waving a definite budget can streamline your options. It will also simplify your decision-making process.

Expert Tip #8: Know Your Finance Options

You can choose from the following Used Van Finance Deals:

  • Hire Purchase – will allow you to pay in monthly installments
  • PCP Finance – preferred financing by private users.

Expert Tip #9: Know Its Safety Protocols

Check the used van’s Euro NCAP evaluation. It’s best if your used van of choice already has a Euro NCAP evaluation. The following are sample van models with their Euro NCAP ratings:

  • Ford Transit – Gold Rating
  • Ford Transit Custom – Silver Rating
  • Vauxhall Vivaro – Silver Rating
  • Citroën Dispatch – Bronze Rating

A better rating means that your used van of choice is significantly more advanced when it comes to its safety protocols.

Expert Tip #10: Check its ULEZ Compliance

Your used van of choice should be compliant with Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) rules. You’d have to deal with charges if you’d enter ULEZ in London and other big cities if your used van is not compliant. If you don’t want to deal with such charges, it’s best to ensure that your used van complies with ULEZ rules.

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Expert Tip #11: Inspect the Following

You should drive test and carefully inspect the following parts of your used van of choice:

  • Engines
  • Tyres
  • Bodywork
  • Suspension
  • Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Lights
  • Interior
  • Steering
  • Paperwork
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