There are currently over 3.9 million vans on the roads in the UK, they are the backbone of the UK Industry!  Choosing a van can be difficult enough but once you’ve decided which van model is perfect for you, finding a van to buy can be even harder especially if your buying second-hand.

We have put together a guide of our top tips for when you are buying a second-hand van…

Do your research.

Before you start looking for a specific van, think what exactly do I need a van for? Make sure you look at a range of models and sizes before making any decisions, most people often have a make in mind that they’d like to stick to whether it’s Volkswagen or Ford the decision is down to your personal preference.  It’s important to research all aspects of the models you are interested in, look at the sizes they offer, the engine, any known past issues or take a couple of models for a test drive to get a feel for how the van drives.

Once you have decided on a model you need to look at the average price the van is selling for second hand, it’s important to look at van dealerships, private sellers, Auto Trader and Facebook pages.

Check out the Van’s History.

When you have narrowed down your search and found a couple of vans you like that are in your price range, it’s time to dig deep into the van’s history.

Ask the dealer or seller for its MOT history, make sure this includes all the times the van passed or failed and the advisory notes for each test! You will need the logbook; this will provide you with the full van service history including its previous owners and current owner so you can ensure the seller has the right to sell you the van.

Give the van a Thorough Inspection

Just because you know the van’s history doesn’t mean you exactly know the van’s full condition. It is so important you look inside and outside of the van for any damage or wear that may be hidden to you.

Here are a few basic checks you need to do before you close the deal on your second-hand van:

• Bodywork – Of course have a good look around the outside of the van for any paintwork or accident damage. Some sellers may try and hide some damage from you, so they get a better price.

• Rust – Checking the van for rust is essential, look especially on the wings, door sills and wheel arches. A good check to make if you see rust is to gently tap it and if you hear cracking sounds this may mean there is a further issue underneath like corrosion.

• Suspension – this is an easy check to make, if you press down on each corner of the van you will be able to see the condition of the shock absorbers. If you press down on the corner and the van returns to its normal position quickly, the shock absorbers are in a good state.

 

• Tyres – Make sure you check all tyre’s depth and general wear and tear using a tyre safety kit. For tyres to be legal in the UK they need to have a minimum depth of 1.6mm.  Check the tyres walls for any cracks, cuts or bulges, the tyres need to be in good condition.

• Brakes – When you take the van out for a test drive it is important to properly test the brakes to see if they have a squeak, knocking or grinding sound.

• Engine –Before you start the engine from cold ensure that the bonnet is cold if you can feel a warmth coming from the bonnet then the engine may have an issue. Also, ensure there is no smoke coming out the exhaust or any unfamiliar noises.

• Interior – Ensure there are no warning lights on the dashboard when you start the engine, all-electric controls like the windows are working, check all doors open inside and out and ensure all seat belts lock properly.  Have a look round the cabin as well to see if there is any general wear and tear, rips or stains that may help you haggle down the price!

 Close the Deal!

Once you are happy with all aspects of the van, it’s time to haggle a little bit and close the deal with the seller!

Remember, you will need to arrange tax and van insurance before you can drive it anywhere. Lastly, ensure you change the registration details in the logbook to legitimise your ownership.

We hope this guide will help you find the perfect van for you, and once you’ve bought your van you can make it your own with all of Van Demon’s exterior and interior accessories!