Nowadays, buying second-hand vans is a lot less worrying than it was, say, 20 years ago. With a huge increase in safety, reliability and engine quality, modern vans are built to last in more ways than one.
However, there’s a flipside to this; with increasingly complicated mechanics behind modern trucks, there’s a lot more that can potentially go wrong. What’s more, the use of vans is so varied, and often a major burden on the vehicles, that not all may be what it seems underneath the bonnet.
Here, we give you the key things to watch out for when buying a second-hand van, before finishing off with a little myth-busting that will see to some of the popular misconceptions about this important process.
At Motus Commercials, all of our staff are trained to the highest level and are able to offer impartial, educated advice to ensure you get the vehicle best suited to you. We take pride in the level of service we offer, however understand that not all used forecourts will adhere to the standards we set for ourselves. To help with this we have put together this guide to help you get the best deal on your ideal vehicle.
Be prepared before you even look
Nothing is better than checking out the internet before you look at your favoured van. Obviously, chances are you’ll have a make and model in mind, but once you’ve got a shortlist, take a look at buyer’s guides from the likes of What Van? and Used Van Expert for insights into what may affect specific models – and don’t be afraid to ask friends who drive vans what you should look out for.
Take someone with you
When buying a second-hand van, nothing will give you peace of mind better than having someone go along for the ride. Even if they’re not big into driving (though it’s better if they are – or they work with you), a second pair of eyes can spot things you might not. It also gives you a bit of back-up if the seller puts a bit of pressure on.
Five key checks for any second-hand van
Vans and cars alike have a number of common issues on the second-hand market, but given the way you’ll use a van, it’s important to prioritise certain checks. Some you’ll have to do in a test drive, while others are sorted on a basic sweep:
- Suspension: Nothing works harder in a van than the suspension, and it’s something you need to look at. Push each corner of the van, and if it bounces once and returns to the normal position, it should be fine.
- Tyres: Although they’re easily replaced, tyres need to be checked because if they’re not up to scratch, you can use it as a bargaining chip on price. Look for gouges and bulges, and make sure the minimum tyre depth is 1.6mm – around the thickness of the border on a 20p piece.
A little bit of myth-busting
Don’t be sucked in by age-old tricks of the trade. Here are a few to definitely watch out for…
- If it’s cheap, there’s always a reason. Sure, it may be to shift a van quickly because someone needs the cash, but it might also be reduced because it’s worse for wear. Don’t be pushed into making the transaction on fear it’ll go; there are plenty more vans for sale elsewhere.
- Write-off vans can still be sold: Category C and D “write-offs” can be fixed up and returned to the road. Check the paperwork to see a van’s history, otherwise you could be taking on a lot more than just a dink or two.
- If it’s a private dealer, meet them at home – not somewhere “convenient for you both”. If a vehicle’s stolen or cloned, the “seller” won’t do it anywhere near their home – so see it as insurance against your purchase.
