What to consider when buying a van for your small business

For many small business owners, a van is a great choice, offering space, durability, security, and comfort. If you are thinking about buying a van for your small business, you should consider the following.

Table of Contents

New or used?

A new van gives you access to the latest technologies, a longer warranty and expected lifespan, and greater mechanical reliability; however, it will usually mean a higher initial outlay, the insurance is usually higher, and it will depreciate significantly in the first few years of its life.

A used van will be cheaper to buy and insure, has proven reliability, and will not depreciate as quickly as a brand new one; however, it will probably have a shorter warranty, a shorter expected lifespan, and will require more maintenance.

Go green?

Whilst considering new or old, you might also want to consider the possibility of an electric van. These offer lower emissions, lower running costs, a quiet/smooth ride, and can boost your brand reputation by advertising your eco-friendly thinking.

Van size

It is important to consider how much storage space you require. This depends, to some extent, on what you will be using it for; for example, if you only have a few tools and will be driving between jobs, a smaller van may well be sufficient. If, on the other hand, you will be moving lots of goods between different places, you will probably need something bigger.

Also, consider how your needs may change in the future and take this into account when making your choice.

Budget

This is obviously an important consideration and will be affected significantly by your choice when it comes to opting for new or used. Also, bear in mind that financing is usually easier to obtain for new vans.

Van specialists

If you have decided to buy a used van for your small business, companies such as https://cotswoldvancentre.co.uk/buy/used-vans-for-sale/oxford specialise in used vans for sale Oxford.