Buying a used van with high mileage? Here’s what you need to know

Buying a high mileage van

We’d probably all love to be able to purchase a brand-new vehicle outright, taking advantage of the latest technology and the newest styling to complement the appeal of our business. However, the sensible motorist is aware that buying a used van represents better value for money, with none of the significant depreciation costs associated with buying new.

Of course, there are still risks to buying a used model, not least if you’re buying a high mileage van. The investment entails a number of considerations, so we’ve compiled our very own buying a second hand van guide to help you make a wise choice.

Questions to ask yourself

It pays to ask yourself several questions before making a purchase, as this will help inform your decision on whether or not to buy a used van with high mileage. These include:

  • How many miles do you expect to do in the van?
  • Does the van represent an essential component of your business, without which you would be unable to work?
  • Do you require your van to help convey part of your company image?

These three questions should be a starting point to your search for a used van. If you only anticipate doing a few thousand miles annually, and thereby not putting too much demand on your vehicle, a high-mileage used van may well prove the most cost-effective choice. However, should your day-to-day activities rely on the use of a van, you may feel that the risk of a high-mileage model is too great.

Finally, you may want to consider the image of your company. While high-mileage vans may continue to run well, they are more often than not older models, and have thus have signs of wear and tear. If you’re looking to use your van to support your brand, you may prefer a more modern edition.

Questions to ask others

While you should ask yourself these questions before you even begin your search, the questions you need to ask the vendor of a given model will undoubtedly make or break a sale. Ensure you ask - and receive answers to - the following questions, so that you have complete peace of mind about making a purchase:

  • Does the van have a full service history?
  • What work has been conducted on the vehicle over the years?
  • Does the van come from a hire fleet of models?
  • Why is the van for sale?

The responses to these questions should help you determine whether the risk of investing in a high-mileage used van is worth taking, or whether there may be potential problems ahead in the ownership of the vehicle.

Buying from a reputable dealer

At Vanwise in Harlow, we take pride in ensuring that each and every used van we sell meets the needs of our customers. From nearly new models to those with higher mileage, we provide something to suit the budgets of all. Plus, with our team of technicians offering thorough analysis of the quality of each vehicle, and our business contract hire experts able to get you great value for money, buying a used van from Vanwise offers exceptional peace of mind.