UNLESS you have some money to waste or have some sort of deal, there is really no good reason to invest in a brand new van.

There are plenty of great deals to be had on the used market, and you could get your hands on an almost new van that is still in warranty for a fraction of the price.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any risks. Things become riskier the farther back you go as well.

But there are things that anyone can do to ensure that they don’t end up with a lemon on their hands. Here are some of the things you should be looking for when buying a used van.

Bodywork

One of the first things you should be looking for is signs of rust. Once rust settles in a vehicle, there is little that you can do, even if the mechanic is A1. 

One of the areas that you should check is under the side panels. A little bit of rust on the exterior of the vehicle is something some people will be able to cope with, but when there’s rust under the vehicle, it will affect its structural integrity.

Sliding your hand under the panels will give you an idea, but you have to fully inspect the bottom of the vehicle to see if there are any signs of rusting and decay.

Suspension

Vans are very heavy vehicles and are often used to carry heavy cargo. So, you have to make sure that the suspension is in great condition. 

Just pushing down on the vehicle on all four corners will give you an idea of the state of the suspension. If the chassis gets back to its original position, this usually means that the suspension is ok. If you have any doubts, a test drive should be able to answer all of your questions.

Engine and transmission

Engine repairs are some of the most important you can make, and major engine issues could total a vehicle. The transmission is another very important component that can get very expensive to repair.

So, it is important that you perform a summary engine inspection at first, and a thorough one after. Check for any signs of smoke and overheating. Try to pay attention to weird noises as well. If you feel any type of grinding, shaking, or slipping when changing gears, this could be a sign of a faulty transmission.

Don’t forget insurance

You also have to consider van insurance, and how much it will cost to insure that particular van. You can go online to compare van insurance fast and easily. Comparison sites will allow you to get quotes from different providers at the touch of a button, and you can compare those quotes even before you’ve decided whether or not to buy that particular vehicle.

Conclusion

If you look out for these things, you should be able to find a great deal on the used van market. However, always make sure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle and pay double attention when working with individuals.

 

 

 

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