When it comes to buying a used van, the number of variables, considerations, and potential pitfalls can be enough to make your head spin. Here at Used Van Finance Deals, we asked our team of experts what their favourite used vans were and why. They provided an interesting, mixed selection with some wild cards and good old-fashioned staples. Here is that list of what they consider the best value, most reliable vans out there and any thoughts and tips they had on each vehicle:
Citroen Berlingo
The Citroen Berlingo is a superb all-around contender in the used van market. Decent maximum payload for a compact vehicle with some nice in-cab features more akin to a passenger vehicle than a working one. In fact, the driving experience in the Citroen makes it feel like a car in almost every way. Available in many different configurations, it is as versatile and practical a used van as you could wish for.
Engine-wise, it also boasts several choices, manual and automatic gearboxes are available, and it is a plucky, practical little vehicle, albeit with a reduced payload volume maximum of just 4.4 cubic metres.
Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic has been a constant on UK roads for many years and looks set to be so for many more to come. More trim options and added extras appear each time there is a new version and the vehicle performs just as well as might be expected of such a thoroughly road-tested, popular model.
If required, the Trafic comes in multiple versions with a raised roof and/or longer wheelbase, meaning its carrying capacity rises to an impressive maximum of 8.9 cubic metres. It lacks options engine-wise, a 2.0L turbo diesel being the only one available, and Renault hasn’t managed to eke out as much power as the other contenders here. That being said, it still represents great value for money and is more than enough to tackle most working jobs.
Ford Transit
Legacy counts for a lot in the used van market but means nothing if the vehicles fail to live up to those high expectations. As a stalwart of the working-vehicle scene for decades, the Ford Transit remains as popular as it ever was. And it delivers, literally and figuratively. Regular refinements and improvements in performance/efficiency have seen the Ford Transit keep pace with many upstart rivals over the years and remain right at the top of the tree. You cannot do much better in terms of a used van and with low running costs and high value-retention, it remains one of the best options.
Speaking of options, the Transit has a ton of them with 4 different trims, 2 roof heights, and 3 lengths to choose from. The traditional turbo diesel engine is as rock-solid as they come, but perhaps even more impressive is the new electric version that puts out a sensational 269hp. The Transit is a piece of work for sure and the 4WD version is strong enough to pull a tank.
Vauxhall Vivaro
A huge maximum payload and powerful towing ability have kept the Vauxhall Vivaro among the best used van choices for many years. With superb reliability at an affordable price, the Vivaro represents excellent value for money and is comfortable to boot. It is a tough, practical vehicle with excellent fuel consumption and a no-brainer purchase if one can be found in the right condition at the right price.
The Vivaro is the only vehicle here to offer 2 turbo diesel versions, 1.5L and 2.0L, and there’s even an electric version to boot.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
It should come as no surprise to find a Mercedes Benz van on this list of the best and of course, the build quality and standard of engineering are peerless in the industry. The range of Sprinter body types is impressive and makes the van suitable for everything from long-distance haulage to people carrying. Performance-wise there are no better vehicles of this kind available anywhere and the Sprinter does not look like it will be usurped at the top any time soon.
The sheer number of possible configurations the Sprinter offers with 3 roof heights, 4 lengths, and 4 different trim options to consider is impressive. Only the Transporter gets more power from their 2.0L turbo diesel engine but the Mercedes is bigger inside, can carry more weight and tow 1,000kg.
Volkswagen Transporter
The Transporter represents the crossover where commercial vehicles adopt the high standards of fit and finish normally associated with passenger vehicles and it shows. But don’t let that fool you, this is one serious, reliable workhorse machine that is as tough and rugged as they come; it just looks better and feels more comfortable doing it.
Perhaps one of the most reliable vans money can buy on the used market, the Volkswagen Transporter has modern styling that appeals heavily to non-business users. It is a vehicle much beloved among outdoor enthusiasts who convert them in all kinds of useful ways, creating everything from campers to bike hubs.
Honourable mentions:
- Peugeot Bipper
The Bipper is agile and flexible, looks stylish, and can carry 610kg, so is perfect for urban use and is quite affordable. - Ford Transit Connect
A somewhat more compact Transit with superb mileage for a van that is nice and nimble around town. - Vauxhall Movano
Rock-solid dependability is the name of the game with the Vauxhall Movano.
Final thoughts
There are a number of great options when it comes to finding the most reliable vans, but the private vehicle market can still be a minefield for the uninitiated. Buying your next used van from a seasoned, reputable dealer allows for peace of mind as you know the vehicle has been well-serviced and has no nasty hidden surprises. When you combine this with the best used van finance deals in the UK, available through Used Van Finance Deals, you know you are in trusted hands and can focus on other important aspects of your business.
If you are determined to dive into the classifieds and find a used van yourself, here are some things to make sure you check before you buy:
- Mileage
- Custom modifications
- Service History
- MOT
- Rust and any evidence of accidents or major repairs
Contact us
If you would like to communicate directly with one of our experienced van finance experts, please do not hesitate to contact us. With our wide range of finance deals to suit any budget, we are sure to be able to help and any hassle-free quotes or recommendations we provide will be obligation-free. We think you will be impressed and hope you will choose us as your used van finance partner when the time comes.
