This is the more robust end of the market! Buying from auctions can be very cheap, but it’s time consuming, and you need to know what you’re doing. Having a broker you can rely on to do the legwork can be a better solution
- A lack of awareness of the vehicle history and the validity of service records.
- Depending on the age of the van there’ll be no manufacturer warranty.
Balancing the risks was clearly an important factor when it comes to buying pre-used vehicles, as was sourcing them.
You’ll need to balance the potentially considerable cost savings against any uncertainty in the van’s history
The survey showed that many van operators buy ex-demos and other low-mileage pre-registered vans direct from manufacturers’ dealers, and cited strong relationships with particular dealers as being a large influence in this choice. The use of brokers like Low Cost Vans, winner of the Best Small Fleet Van Leasing Award, to help identify the right vehicle was also seen as a useful tool for some operators.
One buyer said, “It’s important for us to source the right vehicle and using a gives us an opportunity to reduce our capital expenditure and enables us to purchase a reliable and clean vehicle.”
There is no doubt that cost is the key factor for the ‘good and bad’ when it comes to buying that second hand van. The use of pre-used vans serves a valuable purpose for some and this approach seems to suit both van operators who need straightforward ‘off the shelf’ vehicles and, interestingly, those with more specialist requirements.
As a whole the survey didn’t reveal any great surprises: there can be distinct advantages in terms of cost which need to be balanced against the uncertainty surrounding the vehicle’s history.
May I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas from all at the FTA and Van Excellence – and here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2014.
The writer, Mark Cartright, is a judge at the Business Van of the Year Awards which are supported by MAGMA Automotive.
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