A booming second-hand vehicle market means that you have plenty of choice if you are looking to purchase a used van. However, it is important to ensure you are protected against unscrupulous dealers.
1. Understand the local market
Spending some time familiarising yourself with the local market is the only way to easily identify offers that are simply too good to be true. Vans that are similar in age, type and mileage should all be within the same price bracket, indicating that they are being advertised correctly and that you won’t be in for any unpleasant surprises after purchase.
If you are looking for used vans for sale Gloucester, there are many options, such as the examples seen here: https://cotswoldvancentre.co.uk/buy/used-vans-for-sale/gloucester/.
2. Always view the vehicle before purchase
Some sellers may push for ‘sight unseen’ purchases or deposits, which should be viewed as a major red flag. If sellers aren’t responsive to your requests to view the van in person before transferring any money, don’t leave yourself open to fraud and look elsewhere for your ideal van.
3. Check the vehicle’s history
Most vehicle checking firms will supply the details for vans up to 3.5 tonnes for a small fee. Checks will flag any potential issues, such as if the van has been reported stolen or if there are any outstanding financial agreements still in place.
4. Don’t ignore the mileage
The average mileage for a light commercial vehicle was recorded as 13,200 per year by a 2021 Department for Transport report.
This means that it is reasonable to allow for around 13,000 miles for each year a vehicle has been on the road. You don’t need to immediately discount vans that have a higher mileage, however, it is information that should be used to inform your decision-making process.