Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Van
Before you hand over your hard-earned cash to buy that used van you've been eyeing, there are several essential questions you must ask first. This article will outline those crucial questions and provide some tips on where to find a used van for your needs.
Essential Questions to Ask
Do you have the logbook? Ensuring that the vehicle has a logbook is vital. If it doesn't, this should raise alarm bells. Make sure the logbook credentials match the van (registration number, owner's name, vehicle classification).
Do you have the service history? A prudent vehicle owner should always keep a service history for their vehicle. A van with a service history is more likely to have been well-maintained. If you can obtain the service history, you can see when the last service was and anticipate any potential issues.
What did the previous owner use the van for? Understanding the van's previous use can help you gauge how well it was cared for. Ideally, you want a van that drove longer distances rather than shorter stop-start distances in cities, as this can cause more wear and tear.
What is the mileage and age of the used van? A newer van with high mileage may have been under more strain than an older van with the same mileage. As a general rule of thumb, try to find a van with less than 100,000 km on the clock.
Why are you selling the van? Make sure you're not buying someone else's problems.
Has the van ever been in an accident? A bad crash can have a lasting impact on a vehicle.
Has the van got its MOT or equivalent (Mandatory vehicle inspection in Europe)? A van with an MOT certificate is a good thing. If it doesn't have one, you may need to pay for repairs to pass the inspection.
Has the van got an up-to-date tax disc? If the van doesn't have a tax disc, you will need to pay for this year's tax and potentially back tax.
Is the used van registered in a foreign country? If the van is registered in a foreign country, you could face a hefty tax bill for importing it. It's better to buy local.
Can you lower the price? Always try to negotiate a better deal.
Background Checks Before Buying a Used Van
Before buying a van, conduct a thorough background check using a website like AutoCheck.com. You will need the vehicle registration number and the VIN (vehicle identification number) from the owner. Some essential checks include:
- Has the van got any finance on it?
- Is the van stolen?
- How many previous owners has the van had?
Get an Auto-Mechanic to Inspect the Van
Before purchasing the van, have it inspected by an auto-mechanic. This is known as a "pre-purchase inspection." If the seller refuses to allow an inspection, consider it a red flag and do not proceed with the purchase. The inspection can cost around €120, but it's well worth it to avoid potential issues down the line.
Where to Buy a Used Van
Here are some websites and platforms to find used vans for sale:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- RVTrader.com (pre-converted)
- ConversionTrader.com
- VanLifeTrader.com
- TheVanCamper.com
- VanViewer.com
- RVs.com
- ClassicVans.com
- CarsForSale.com
- RenovatedRVsForSale.com
Final Thoughts
After purchasing your van, it's a good idea to take it to a garage and have it serviced right away. By asking the right questions, conducting thorough background checks, and having a mechanic inspect the van, you can ensure that you're making a sound investment in your future van life adventures.