Summer is traditionally the busiest time for tradesmen and small businesses, so demand for used vans rises too. We show you how choosing a commercial vehicle differs from choosing an ordinary car.

August tends to be the toughest month for self-employed people and small businesses – removals, the building season and deliveries all go full throttle. If you're looking at buying a used van, it's worth knowing that it's assessed a bit differently from an ordinary car. Mileage, bodywork and service history all play a different role here.

High mileage is normal for vans

For commercial vehicles, a mileage of 150 to 250 thousand kilometres is entirely normal, since they're on the road practically the whole working day. More important than the figure itself is how the vehicle was serviced and whether the engine and timing components match the manufacturer's intervals. Diesel engines in vans are built for high mileages and, with proper care, can cope with over 300 thousand km without major issues.

Choosing body size to match your actual needs

The L1, L2 or L3 designation indicates the length of the load area, and it's worth choosing the size based on real-world use rather than what you think "should definitely be enough". A smaller L1 body is easier to park in town and is plenty for everyday tools and materials, while a longer L2 or L3 pays off if you're carrying bulkier goods or several pallets at once. We stock both approaches – the compact Ford Transit Custom L1 and the roomier Citroën Jumper L3H2.

A vehicle's company history tells its own story

Vans are often registered to a single company or sole trader, which usually means regular servicing, since a vehicle off the road directly holds the business back. With this type of used vehicle, it's worth checking whether it was used for light deliveries or, on the other hand, for hauling heavy materials, as this affects wear on the chassis and brakes. We routinely check the vehicle's origin and service history through Cebia, so you have a clear picture before signing the contract.

Payload and practical features that often get overlooked

Besides the size of the load area, it's worth checking the maximum payload and how it's distributed relative to the type of work you'll be doing. The Toyota ProAce or Citroën Jumper offer different balances of power and payload, so it's worth comparing them for your specific use, not just on price. It's also sensible to check the condition of the sliding doors, seals and the floor of the load area, where signs of wear show up first.

Tips from our current stock

If you need a smaller, nimble van for the city, take a look at the Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi Trend L1 from 2023. For more demanding work needing greater volume, the Toyota ProAce 2.0 D-4D or Citroën Jumper 2.2 HDI L3H2 could be a better fit. Every vehicle in our range is checked through Cebia, comes with a warranty and the option to return it within 7 days, which is especially handy when you're deciding between different body types.