Buying a vehicle, whether brand new or second hand, should be taken seriously. If you are looking for a vehicle with great value but unable to afford a brand new one, don’t be forlorn if you need to settle with a second hand van. You might be surprised to know that it comes with a lot of advantages.
Pre-owned vehicles can give you a lot of savings because they are cheaper. When it comes to depreciation, buying a brand new one might put you off because by the time you drive home, it can depreciate by as much as 10% or more. You don’t have to worry about that with a second hand vehicle.
Customising brand new vans are expensive but buying a second hand is cheaper. In some cases, the pre-owned van of your choice may already come with the feature or add-on you want!
A reputable dealership will thoroughly inspect their second vans before they sell it. Some vehicles come with the original warranty while some may be refurbished by the dealership themselves. Knowing that the vehicle of your choice has passed their thorough and complete inspection will give you peace of mind.
How do I buy a second hand van?
First of all, you need to know what you need and make a decision about it. There are a variety of reasons why people need to purchase a second-hand van. For instance, some people need a vehicle to take their family on a weekend getaway while others may prefer to use it as a workhorse for their startup business. How you use your van will dictate the size and type of van that you need.
If you already know what you need, take some time to do some research. There is a wealth of free information that you can access through the internet. You can also join online forums and hear personal vehicle experiences from other vehicle owners. If you have a particular second hand van in mind, find out if there are any issues that go along with that brand or model and find out what you need to look for when taking it out for a test drive. The research will also help you anticipate the amount that you will need to invest.
As soon as you have found the type and size of second hand van that you need, begin narrowing your search by looking for dealerships that have what you are looking for. Get their contact information, enquire, get a quote and tell them about the particular brand or model you are looking for. If the dealership has a wide variety of vans available, having a particular need wouldn’t be a problem. You need to decide on a particular budget too and work within it.
If by now you have chosen a particular vehicle in the dealership, find out everything about it. Check out its overall condition, interiors, health, MOT and history. Then book a test drive if the vehicle has passed your standards.
When visually inspecting the vehicle of your choice, look for any signs of damage or rust. Take a closer around the door frames and under the wheel arches. Determine if the vehicle has been in an accident. For instance, a mismatch in paint colours or the presence of dents is a giveaway.
Check out the tyres. Are they the right size and type for the vehicle? Are the sizes even across the front and rear? If not, there might be a problem with the alignment or suspension. Don’t forget to check the tyre treads too. The minimum tread depth required in the UK is 1.6mm. To test the suspension, press down on one corner and see if it quickly bounces back. If the shock absorbers are in great condition, the vehicle will go back to its original position smoothly and quickly.
Inspect the interiors thoroughly. If it looks way too old and grimey, it might have been used heavily by the previous owner. Check all the doors, windscreen wipers, seat belts and electronic controls. All of them must be in good working condition. Experts even suggest inspecting the vehicle with all doors open and checking it from inside and out. Don’t forget the air conditioning and heaters. If you are planning to use the vehicle to transport goods, make sure the loading bay is free from any signs of damage.
When starting the engine, check for the presence of black or blue smoke from the exhaust, warning lights that stay lit in the dashboard, and weird noises when you accelerate the vehicle. Pay attention to any sounds when doing a test drive too. Make sure the vehicle doesn’t give weird noises when you hit the brakes. The steering wheel should be responsive. The vehicle should drive smoothly on the road.
If you have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, have taken it out for a test drive and are satisfied with it, negotiate a price with the dealer and sort out the date for collection or delivery. Don’t forget to fill out the registration details in the V5 document, arrange tax payments and van insurance before the vehicle is sent to you.
Second hand Van Dealers Near Me
There may be a lot of second-hand dealers near you but the problem is finding the right one. To help you find the best dealer, consider these tips:
2nd Hand Van for Sale
We understand that it is in your best interest to find the best 2nd hand van for your business. Which is why Big Van World is proud to offer a great selection of vehicles that will suit your specific needs.
Take a look at what we’ve got by checking out our online showroom. You can also personally talk to our vehicle specialist by filling out the contact form or by calling us on 01793 751866 at a time that is most convenient for you.