A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a New Van In 2024
Looking to buy a new van this year and feel well-informed? Introducing your van buyers guide, with everything you need to know about buying a new van.
So, you’re looking for a new van. You might think that knowing how to buy a van is simple, but when it comes to the moment it can be tricky.
How do you know which van will best suit the needs of you and your business? How do you make sure you get the best deal when buying a new van? We’ve put together a van buyer’s guide to help, so you can feel confident about making that all-important decision. Read on for all you need to know!
Finding the right van for you
Let’s start right at the beginning of the process, with your initial search. Even if you’ve already bought a new van before, it can be helpful to have a reminder of the things you need to think about.
When buying a new van, you’ll need to consider:
Size
Vans come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small and medium vans to large vans and custom conversions. It’s crucial to make sure you choose the right size van, especially if you need to transport bulky loads or long, heavy items of equipment.
The size you choose will depend on the nature of your business. For example, if you work for a large courier company, you might need a large van. If you run an independent business, you might only need a small van.
Payload and load space
They may sound similar, but payload and load space are two different things. Payload refers to the maximum weight a van can hold for safety, including both cargo and crew.
Load space refers to the storage, or load area, behind the bulkhead where you store your cargo, sometimes called the cargo area. To help you figure out which van will best suit your needs, check out our load and size guides for different vans.
Take plenty of time to weigh up your options when it comes to payload and load space. Choosing a van that offers the correct dimensions for your needs is not only important for practicality but also safety.
Accessories
Depending on your business, you might also want certain accessories and extras when buying your new van. Things like towing packs will be handy if your van will be used for towing. Looks are important too, as you’ll be driving your van every day so you need to be happy with its appearance! Things like vibrant body colours and alloy wheels can make all the difference if you’re happy to pay a little extra.
Efficiency
Choosing a van that runs more efficiently can benefit not just the environment, but also your business. With electric vans, businesses are enjoying lower running costs and tax savings. All while still enjoying practical loading and towing capabilities.
If you only make short regular trips each day, an electric van could make an ideal choice. You’ll enjoy zero emissions, fast charging options, and a smoother drive, plus free entry to Clean Air Zones. Particularly worth considering if you operate in these normally costly congestion-free areas.
Even if you want to stay traditional, there are plenty of diesel vans that offer reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. Make sure to shop around and compare mpg rates if you do decide to opt for traditional power.
Taking all these factors into consideration is sure to help you find the perfect van for you and your business. Need inspiration? Check out our top six vans for 2024 from Vansdirect.
Preparing it for business
Once you’ve chosen your new van, there may be some work needed to get it ready for the job. For instance, you might want to wrap the exterior with your company’s logo and graphics. Or, you might require racking and other storage equipment fitted in the interior to keep things organised.
Other things you’ll need to tick off your to-do list before hitting the road include insurance and setting up fuel cards. These are available for both traditional and electric vans to help make running your van easier and more cost-effective.
It’s a good idea to make a list of these things beforehand and factor them into your van-buying decision. This will help you stick to your budget and ensure your van is ready for work as soon as you collect it or take delivery.
Thankfully, at Vansdirect, we offer a range of these services, allowing you to cover everything under one roof. Our security and racking partners can help fit your van with the latest storage and security features to keep it safe and secure. We also have insurance, livery, and fuel card partners who can help you sort all the essentials before heading out in your van.
When buying your new van at Vansdirect, you’ll also be given a complimentary new driver pack to start you off. This contains everything you need for life on the road - from a fully stocked first aid kit to a high-vis jacket and other safety equipment.
Payments and finance options available
Having chosen your van and specified any additional extras you’ll need to prepare it for work, you’ll then need to think about payment. Buying a new van involves some cost, especially if you choose an electric model. But that’s where van finance options come in to help.
Van finance options offer a great way for you to spread the costs of your new van, breaking it up into monthly instalments. These normally remain fixed throughout your agreement, so you needn’t worry about inflation. With some options, you can also choose the deposit and the term, tailoring the package to suit your budget.
At Vansdirect, we offer a range of van finance options including Hire Purchase, Contract Hire, and Van Fleet Leasing. The latter of these is perfect if you’re expanding your fleet with more than one van, giving you an easier way to monitor overheads.
If you’re new to van finance, it’s worth reading up on the options available to see which suits your needs. Each of these works slightly differently and will be better suited to different businesses.
For more information on the finance options available, check out our finance guides for everything you need to know.
Find your new van at Vansdirect
We hope you found this van buying guide useful and feel ready to find yours! At Vansdirect, we’re the home of new vans, which means you’re in the right place if you’re looking for top-quality models and competitive deals.
Discover the latest models from the best van brands, including Ford, Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and many more. Browse our latest van leasing deals available below, or get in touch with our van specialists if you have any questions.
