Why Choose a Used Van for a Commercial Vehicle?

Mihai-Alexandru Cristea 26/04/2022 | 00:52

Starting a business in a trade is an exciting move to make – and one that an increasing number of people are making in 2022. But starting a business incurs a number of start-up costs, which are ultimately crucial to your operation and long-term success.

 

One of the bigger up-front investments you will have to make is in the purchasing of a van for transport and storage. Even though you are buying to start a business, your van does not need to be shiny new; indeed, a used van can often be a much shrewder choice for first business vehicle. But why?

 

Variety of Models

The automotive industry continues to experience tumult with regard to manufacture, as an ongoing microchip shortage crisis has starved factories around the world of crucial components. As such, there is limited availability of new vehicles on the market, leading to a rush on the second-hand market.

As has always been the case, the used car market in the UK has an incredibly wide range of vehicles in it to choose from, but with the aforementioned shortages in showrooms, it is currently the best place to go for that range. Rather than waiting for a dealership to stock the kind of van for which you are looking, you can find a number of sellers within miles of your location by searching used listings online.

 

Minimal Outlay

The major advantage to searching the used car market for vans lies in the purchase cost. Brand-new vehicles depreciate in value extremely quickly, losing as much as a third of their value within a year of leaving the showroom. The only real advantage of buying a brand-new car is the knowledge that you are its first owner, and a first year of near-guaranteed freedom from mechanical error.

Unless a van has been run ragged in its first year on the road, the functional difference between it and a brand-new model is minimal – meaning you can make significant savings straight away. Older vehicles are naturally more prone to require servicing, a fact reflected in their reduced costs. However, if you know what you are doing, you can service the vehicle yourself, and cut costs even further.

 

Choosing the Right Van for Your Needs

With the sheer variety of models available on the second-hand market, it can be easy to get swept up in the search without evaluating your needs first. But before you start to initiate viewings, you should ensure that you are looking at vans that directly suit their purpose.

For example, as a mobile mechanic you would want a van large enough to pack a majority of your tools, and powerful enough to carry heavy loads. Budget is also a key consideration, as you will need to factor in mobile mechanic insurance as well as other associated business costs.

As a tradesman offering domestic repair services, you may not need the same working space as a mechanic or engineer; you could stump for a smaller city van to store your hand tools and spare parts. City vans also reduce the cost of travel, being more efficient than their larger counterparts – potentially giving you more budget to play with.

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Mihai-Alexandru Cristea | 27/03/2024 | 17:32
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