What To Consider When Buying A Used Van
Buying a used vehicle arrives with many benefits; from cheaper prices to less depreciation. Having said this, buying used will unlikely come with an extensive warranty. There are plenty of used vans out there in top condition, but you’ll want to make sure that you are picking the right one. Let’s take a look at the things that you should consider when buying a used van.
Look over the bodywork.
When you are buying a used van, you’ll want to take a careful look over the bodywork. Check the van for rust including below the bumpers and the wheel arches especially. Rust is a sign of corroded steel or metal meaning that the structure of the vehicle may be weakened. Rust can corrode a vehicle over time so if you find too much off of it- steer clear! Many people make the mistake of viewing rust as just a cosmetic problem, yet this is not the case. Rust can cause damage to various van parts over time. You’ll also want to check over the quality of the tyres and the spare wheel.
Considering the pricing
Many opt for buying a used van to get a cheaper price. Of course, it’s great to get a deal; however, if the price is too low, this could be a warning sign. The best thing to do is to check the average price of the van that you are looking for beforehand. If you are unsure why the price is lower than you were expecting, you can ask if there is a reason for this. There are plenty of reasonable deals out there on used vans, so you don’t need to compromise on quality. Companies like Manchester Van Sales, for instance, have a wide range of great vans with some nice price tags too!
Suspension
It’s a good idea to check the suspension of the van before you make a purchase. The best way to test the suspension is to have a test drive so you can better gauge the state of the shock absorbers. You’ll want to test the brakes, clutch, and steering while you’re at it. If you find problems, you may wish to attempt to drive down the asking price. If you feel that the issues are too severe, you’ll want to keep looking. Ensure to check that the brakes stop the van in a straight line. You should keep an ear out for rubbing or vibrating noises when braking as these are a bad sign. Make sure that there is no slippage when you use the handbrake for a hill start.
Check the paperwork
Before you buy a used vehicle, you’ll want to check that all the paperwork is in order. Ask for the information concerning the previous maintenance of the van. You should also ask for details of its prior owners. Paperwork will likely be in the form of a V5C registration. Ensure that the documents are genuine and don’t feel pressured into a sale unless you get all the information which you need.
