Unlike a replacement van that's fresh from the factory and backed by an in-depth warranty, a second-hand van will have typically travelled thousands of miles over several years.
Its usage and repair history could also be a mystery, and there's always the priority that your chosen van might not be nearly as good because it first seems.
Whether you're looking to shop for Ford vans, Mercedes vans, Volkswagen vans, Vauxhall vans or Citroen vans, you'll boost your chances of getting great value for money by completing ten basic checks.
Bodywork
The most important thing to see on a van's bodywork is rust. Rust is most blatant on wings, sills and below bumpers, but it also can be found under the wheel bends, around the door frame and at the corners of the windscreen. If you discover rust, continue it gently. If you hear cracking sounds, there could also be corrosion below.
Suspension
You should be able to assess the state of the van's shock absorbers by pressing down on each corner. If the van bounces once and then return to its original position, the shock absorbers should be fine. A test drive will help you confirm your results if you have any questions about the suspension.
Lights
If the lights dim or flicker, it may be a sign of a van's overall electrical health. If your brake lights, headlights, fog lights, indicators, and interior lights aren't working properly, consider buying a van.
Air-conditioning
Assuming the van has got to air-condition, it's important to make sure that it works and works properly. The fans should operate at the least speeds, and therefore the air-conditioning compressor shouldn't be too noisy. Once you've got checked the air-conditioning, perform similar checks on the van's heater.
Engine
Before starting the engine, the van's bonnet should be cold. If the bonnet is warm, likely, the engine is as well, which may indicate a drag. Check for excessive smoke signals and listen for any odd noises after starting the engine.
Tyres
The only point of contact between a van and the road is the tyres. As a result, it's important to inspect each tyre's treads and sidewalls, including the spare, in order. In the United Kingdom, a tread depth of less than 1.6mm is illegal. Uneven wear indicates a problem with the steering, tracking, or suspension.
Paperwork
Whether your shortlist of used vans includes Ford vans, Mercedes vans, Volkswagen vans, Vauxhall vans or Citroen vans, check the small print of every van against the DVLA's online database. You ought to also ask to ascertain a full-service history, with receipts for any work administered. Compare the market van insurance for a far better and cheaper premium after the acquisition.
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