Buying a van - new or used? | Ask Honest John

Buying a van - new or used?

My son frequently carries equipment in rectangular flight cases of various sizes and currently has a 2004 double axle LDV van, but this, though reliable is showing its age. He has identified the Citroen Relay as a suitable replacement as it has fairly vertical sides for the efficient use of space. Are these a sound second-hand buy?

Given that modern vans are designed for short life and high mileages, what would you recommend as the optimum age/mileage compromise? Also, given the typical frequent short-journey pattern of van use, I am concerned that a more recent vehicle could suffer from the DPF problems which plague motor cars.
Would he be better buying new, possibly on a contract plan?

Asked on 22 January 2014 by R Chapman

Answered by Honest John

Citroen Relays and Dispatches, Peugeot Experts, Renault Trafics and the Nissan Primastar and Vauxhall Vivaro derivatives are all relatively low floor, front drive vans with relatively rectangular load areas. I'd say that a modern van is designed to do 200,000 miles in 4 or 5 years then be sold off to end its days as a builders van. It might make more sense for him to lease one. More in our vans sections: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/

Tags: vans buying a new van

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