Now is the best time to trade up your van, according to motoring experts
Posted by: electime 6th March 2025
Searches for ‘used commercial vans for sale’ have surged by 91 per cent over the last three months- Vansdirect have shared why now might be the right time to trade your van
Choosing when to trade in your van can be tricky, especially when there are so many financial factors and business implications to consider.
However, if switching your van has crossed your mind, then now might be the time to make the switch. That’s because searches for ‘used commercial vans for sale’ have increased by 91 per cent over the last three months, presenting a prime opportunity to sell your van for a more competitive price.
So, to help you decide if selling is the right option for you, the motoring experts at Vansdirect have identified four signs that your current van may be ready for retirement.
- Emissions standards have changed
As clean air zones (CAZ) expand across the UK, older vans that fail to meet emission standards face penalties or outright restrictions in these zones.
If your work frequently takes you through one of the UK’s 13 designated clean air zones, upgrading to a more environmentally friendly model could save you from mounting charges.
- Reliability is becoming a concern
The older the van, the more likely it is to break down. These reliability issues can disrupt operations and rack up costly repairs.
Electrical faults, in particular, make up a quarter of all MOT defects and could be an early sign that your van is on its last legs. Other common defects include a van’s suspension (19.34 per cent), brakes (16.27 per cent), and tyres (12.55 per cent).
Even if your van still runs smoothly, wear and tear on smaller features, such as buttons, dials, and cabin controls, can make your workday more frustrating than it needs to be.
- Your van no longer aligns with your business needs
As your business priorities change, so should your van. For city-based jobs, compact models make navigating traffic and finding street parking easier.
On the other hand, if you have a larger team and bulkier equipment, a higher-capacity van becomes a requirement, as it saves you from buying two vans to carry the same load. This saves on both fuel and maintenance costs in the long run.
No matter the change, if your van no longer matches your evolving business needs, then it is time to consider an upgrade to better serve your goals.
- Your safety features are outdated
Modern vans come equipped with advanced safety technology that not only protects drivers but also reduces insurance premiums.
Features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking are becoming standard in newer models, making them significantly safer.
If your van lacks these critical updates, trading up could ensure a safer driving experience for you and your team.
For more information on how to finance your next van, take a look at the Vansdirect finance guide.
