When is the best time to buy a used van?

There is no fixed best time to buy a used van, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New vans are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current van in. This means there tends to be more choice of used vans around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold vans.

Can I test drive a used van?

Test driving is a great way to make sure a van meets your needs, and that it is in a good condition. You can arrange a test drive when you contact the seller on Auto Trader. Make sure to check inside and outside the van, and be aware of any strange noises, vibrations, or warning lights when you are driving. For more information, here is our guide on what to look for in a test drive.

Can a used van be returned?

If you buy a used van from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the van must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used van from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the van, and it must match its description. If you can prove either are untrue, you can return the van. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the van and not caused by you.

Used vans

The UK’s largest choice of pre-loved vans

Postcode

Distance

Make

Model

More options

Find a van that suits you

Panel Vans

Get your business on the road with these panel vans.

Combi Vans

Need more room for passengers? Have a look at a combi van.

Camper Vans

Recently discovered a new sense of adventure? Check out some campervans.

Electric Vans

Go green with these electric vans.

Browse by brand

Ford

Mercedes-Benz

Volkswagen

Vauxhall

Top picks from the experts

5 Best Volkswagen Vans

Volkswagen has a well-deserved history of producing quality vans of all types - most notably the camper vans, but has an equally strong reputation for its light commercial vehicles. Here, we take a closer look at the five of the best.

bestOfYesterday

Best Small Vans To Lease

Small vans, often referred to as ‘light’ vans, are the smallest van type you’ll see on UK roads today (excluding car-derived vans). Auto Trader’s Tom Roberts takes a look at the best small vans available to lease right now.

bestOf7 months ago

Best Electric Vans Of 2024

From Ford to Stellantis and everyone in between, most manufacturers have electrified their vans - but what are the best on the market right now? Auto Trader’s Tom Roberts digs into the details so you don’t have to.

bestOf11 months ago

Find deals on popular models

Mercedes Sprinter

Renault Trafic

Nissan Navara

Nearly new vans

New van feeling, without the price tag

Search thousands of nearly new vans with Auto Trader and get the new van feeling without the price tag.

Learn more

Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest van reviews from our team

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Van (2024 - ) review

The Mercedes-Benz eVito has been significantly updated with new looks, technology and equipment resulting in the most modern version of the van yet. But

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer (2024 - ) review

The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer is an MPV that boasts the premium brand's style and price tag combined with huge equipment updates following its recent

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

Vauxhall Vivaro Panel Van (2024 - ) review

The Vauxhall Vivaro has undergone a significant facelift centred mainly on aesthetic updates and cabin technology enhancements. But as one of many Stellantis

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

Citroen Berlingo Panel Van (2023 - ) review

The Citroen Berlingo small van is a familiar sight on UK roads loved by fleets and single-van businesses alike. The new range features a new interior,

39,828pre-owned vans
ready and waitingFind yours

Your questions answered

There is no fixed best time to buy a used van, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New vans are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current van in. This means there tends to be more choice of used vans around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold vans.
If you buy a used van from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the van must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used van from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the van, and it must match its description. If you can prove either are untrue, you can return the van. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the van and not caused by you.

Used van experts since before the internet

For over 40 years we’ve helped millions of people find used vans for sale. From life as a used van magazine, to the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, we evolve to make van-buying easier.

Auto Trader Trustpilot rating: Excellent

4.7/5

Score is based on 96,736 reviews

Auto Trader Classified AdvertAuto TraderClassified advert listing on Auto Trader

4.7596,736

About Auto Trader