Guide to buying a second-hand van
Vans are expensive, there are no two ways about it. If your business can't get by without one, then you'll want to do everything you can to cut costs.
But sometimes the cheapest short term option isn't the most cost efficient in the long run, and if you buy a second-hand van that turns out to have loads of faults, you could end up paying for it twice over.
Our guide to buying a second-hand van tells you how to make sure you're not caught out by a dodgy dealer or faulty van, so that you can get the most for your money.
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Find out about the van's history
Once you've found a van you're interested in, start asking questions about its history -- what's it been used for, how old it is, how many miles it's done, any previous issues it may have had, etc.
This will help you understand what kind of wear and tear the van has been through and what problems it's likely to have down the line.
If you want to be extra cautious, you can pay the DVLA for a vehicle history check, which will tell you everything you need to know about the vehicle's police and insurance records.
Ask to see the van's paperwork
Once you've completed your checks and are certain that the van you want to buy is in good working order, the last step is to check that all of the necessary paperwork and documentation is in place.
- The V5C logbook should match the vehicle's registration and be watermarked to prove its authenticity.
- Look at the van's service history and any repair warranties or receipts.
- Make sure the van has a valid MOT certificate.
- If you are driving it away after purchase, make sure you have the correct van insurance in place first.
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Take your time before buying a second-hand van
Don't ever let the seller pressure you into buying their old van. It's a common sales technique to tell the buyer that the vehicle has had lots of interest, and is sure to be snapped up by someone else if you don't buy immediately, but this is rarely the case.
Take your time and make sure you're certain that the van's in good condition -- the worst thing you can do is rush into the purchase and end up with a van that either doesn't fit the bill or falls to pieces after a couple of months.
Once you've found a van that you're happy with, don't forget to sort your insurance before you drive away! You can compare cheap van insurance quotes with The Van Insurer and with our experience in the van insurance market, we think you'll find a deal that's hard to ignore.
