Owing to their ample space and practicality, vans are highly preferred for both professional and personal use. Consequently, one may find that new vans are priced quite high, with the average starting price being around €30,000. In such a case, going for a used van can be an affordable option. But when buying a used van, there are certain factors that one needs to consider to ensure they are making the right decision.

1. Credibility of the seller
One can approach a private seller or a professional dealer to purchase a pre-owned van. Private sellers wish to sell their vehicles directly to buyers without involving intermediaries. While this decision can be cost-saving for both parties, it can be just as risky, especially for the buyer. So, before finalizing a deal with a private seller, one must ensure the individual is reliable and not a fraudster. One would also need to ensure that the used van they are considering buying is in the seller’s name before making a deal.

Likewise, even when approaching a professional car dealership, one must conduct basic research. This includes reading customer reviews about the dealership and checking its reputation.

2. The condition of the van
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a used van is the vehicle’s condition. One must also ensure they do not judge the van’s condition solely from its exterior. To ensure the vehicle is worth the price, one needs to inspect its interiors and mechanism. Checking the condition of a used van that is up for sale is especially important if the price seems too good to be true. One can also request the seller to let a mechanic inspect the van. If the seller disagrees, it could be a red flag, as a mechanic is an expert in analyzing the condition of the van.

3. The vehicle history
Checking the history of a pre-owned van (or any vehicle, for that matter) is also crucial before finalizing its purchase. A vehicle’s history report is a document that states all the key details about its past. This includes information about the vehicle’s ownership and who the previous owners were, descriptions about any major repairs, and if the vehicle has ever been in an accident. A vehicle history report also mentions if it has ever been involved in driving offenses or other legal issues. Obtaining a vehicle history report is easy. One can simply visit the official website of the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) or their office to obtain the report.

4. Test drive
After thoroughly inspecting a used van, even if the mechanic gives it an all-clear, one must request a test drive. A test drive of a used van will allow one to check its handling and overall driving quality. If one is uncomfortable driving the vehicle, it is advisable to back out of the deal.

5. Mileage
Used vehicles generally do not offer mileage as good as new vehicles. But it is still crucial for one to check exactly how much mileage a used van is offering before purchasing it. This will allow one to know how much they would be spending on the fuel and if that particular vehicle is worth buying.

6. Registration transfer
When buying a used van from a private seller, one would need to take care of the registration transfer process themselves. In most cases, the seller would not take responsibility for transferring the vehicle registration from their name to the buyer’s name. Not only private sellers but also a lot of dealerships might not undertake this responsibility. So, one must be prepared to do this task by themselves.

7. Outstanding IVTMs
All registered vehicle owners in the country are legally required to pay the annual vehicle road tax or IVTM (Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica). If left unpaid, it could land the vehicle owners into legal trouble. When purchasing a used van, one must ensure the previous owner has paid the IVTM and that there is no outstanding amount. One can directly ask the seller or the dealership to provide proof of the previous IVTM payment. If the seller cannot provide this proof, one can obtain it from the vehicle history report. If one finds any gaps or lapses in IVTM payments, it is best to steer clear of that purchase.

8. The costs
When buying a used van, one must consider all the costs they would have to bear. Apart from the cost of the van, this includes the costs of ownership. For instance, one would have to spend quite a bit on a few minor repairs and touch-ups after purchasing the van. One would also have to purchase insurance and consider the annual tax amount they would have to pay. To be on the safer side, it is advisable to set a budget before proceeding to look for used vans. This will allow one to look for used van listings for specific prices. For instance, one can look online for “vans for sale near my location under 5000 euros” or “vans for sale near my location under 10000 euros” depending on their budget, and one will be able to see the listings that best suit their needs.