Introduction
With the UK economy as it is, a lot of people are turning to used van sales rather than buying brand new vehicles. However, if you’re not aware of what to buy initially, then you could find yourself being taken advantage of by some highly unscrupulous salesmen. Here are a few things you should know to help you prepare for that all-important purchase…
The overall condition
Remember that most used vans aren’t going to be in perfect condition but they should still have the following:
- Good condition paintwork all round. Check that the colour matches on different parts of the van and that there are no small areas that have been touched up to cover imperfections. If you find areas of paintwork that differ in colour it could suggest prior accident repair work or major rust that has been disguised.
- Good condition tyres with more than the minimum amount of tread, and even tread across all four tyres. The spare tyre should also be in good condition as well.
- Minimal signs of welding. If you can, check under the bonnet and around the sills for any signs of recent welding. Untidy or haphazard welding can also suggest recent accident repair work and you could be buying a potentially dangerous van.
- A current MOT or the promise of a full MOT when you pick the van up. If the van dealer has the MOT when you look at it, ask to see it and the advisory sheet that goes with it. Any reputable used van sales team will be happy to show these documents so if you get a ‘no’, you ought to think twice about buying the van.
- Working lights (including all headlights, indicators and dashboard lights) windscreen wipers, door locks, radio (if there is one), horn, and any other electrical components.
- Good condition seat belts with no signs of wear or fraying.
- A working milometer and speedometer with no signs of tampering.
Things to check manually
You don’t have to be a mechanic to be able to perform a few basic checks on a used van. And don’t be scared to poke around under the bonnet before talking about the asking price either.
So what should you be looking for?
So what should you be looking for?
- Oil leaks - these are normally obvious as oil will have dripped onto the floor under the main engine area but it doesn’t hurt to feel the underside of the main engine block to make sure.
- Signs of damage to drive belts and any visible hoses - they may not be expensive to fix but if they are in bad condition there is a good chance the van hasn’t been cared for as well as it could have been.
- Look at the colour of the water in the radiator while the van is still cold – a green tinge is fine as this is normally just a sign of anti-freeze but oily traces could indicate an oil leak or worse - an unhealthy head gasket.
- Foam or lumps on the end of the oil dipstick when the van has warmed up – the oil on the end of the dipstick should be smooth and clear so anything else could indicate a potential problem.
Summary
This is of course a lot to remember and especially if you have a used van sales salesperson looking over your shoulder. Don’t be scared to take a check list with you though as a poor condition used van could cost you a lot more to repair than you save on the price.
Without good preparation and research, your next used van could give you more than you bargained for. However there are good dealers out there – Feeder Commercials offer quality used vans in Bristol with a comprehensive 3 month warranty and a 60 point inspection checklist.
Without good preparation and research, your next used van could give you more than you bargained for. However there are good dealers out there – Feeder Commercials offer quality used vans in Bristol with a comprehensive 3 month warranty and a 60 point inspection checklist.