If you have a business that relies mainly on a van, then you have to be very careful with the model you choose. Some vehicles will cost much more to repair and maintain, and will consume much more fuel than others, while other vehicles will offer better performance and will last you much longer. This means that your choice will have a direct impact on your bottom line and your ability to serve clients. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should look at when buying a van for your business.
Overall Running Costs
One of the first things you will need to pay close attention to when looking at models is the vehicle’s running costs. Many things will contribute to these costs, including repairs and maintenance, fuel, insurance, and the residual value you can expect to get from the vehicle once you’re done with it.
If you want to keep your van insurance as low as possible, it could be a good idea for you to check out a service like Quotezone that will allow you to compare quotes between hundreds of providers in seconds. You should also check if the vehicle(s) you are thinking of is viewed favourably by insurers.
Other than that, you will need to look up the mpg on the truck, and maybe start your search with a list of the most economical vans on the market. Some of the models you could consider include the Mercedes Citan, the Nissan NV250, the LEVC VN5, or the Ford Transit if you’re looking for something bigger.
New vs Used
You also have to decide if you’re going to buy the vehicle new or used. Both options have their pros and cons, so you need to consider both in detail before you make your decision.
Buying a new van means that you’ll know everything about the vehicle and will be able to maintain it optimally. You will also get the benefit of having a full warranty, which is very important for a vehicle you’re going to use for business. However, vans can depreciate very fast, and you could be disappointed by how much people are willing to pay for them when it comes time to sell them.
This is why buying a slightly used van is usually the better option if you have the means for it. This will allow you to get a vehicle that still has all the latest features, a bit of warranty left, and less depreciation to worry about. You have to make sure that you buy the van from a reliable source, however, and do not commit to anything before you have the car fully inspected.
What About a Lease?
You could also go for a lease for the van, but these can be tricky. First of all, you will have mileage limits which is not ideal if you don’t know how much business you’ll have in the future. Second, you will not be able to make modifications to the van, which could cause many issues in the future as well. So, think twice about going down this route and only opt for a lease if you need a recent vehicle fast and don’t have the money or the credit necessary to buy it upfront.
Handling and Safety
Safety should be a priority when buying any kind of commercial vehicle. Getting into accidents could damage your vehicle, your merchandise and/or equipment, and other people’s property. As a business, you will be very vulnerable to lawsuits, and if you get into too many accidents, your insurance premiums will start going up.
These are only some of the reasons why you need to focus on vehicles that have a good record for safety. Make sure that it handles well too and reacts well in different weather conditions.
Comfort and Usability
Another thing that you need to consider that many people overlook is the usability of the vehicle and how comfortable it is. If you’re going to be performing deliveries yourself, you are probably going to spend a lot of time in that vehicle. So, you need something that will give you the space necessary with comfortable seats that you can easily get in or out of.
Ease of Service
You also have to pick a vehicle that will be easy and not too costly to repair. Your best bet here is to go with models that are popular where you are. Going for a lesser-known brand or model, even if it’s less expensive, could lead to more expensive repairs down the road because of the lack of mechanics that can serve it and the rarity of parts.
These are only some of the things that will let you know if a particular van is a right choice for you. Take your time to look at as many models as possible and only pick a vehicle that ticks all the right boxes.
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