Driving the vanguard

She’s shown you some good times, and helped you through the bad ones. But you know in your heart of heart it’s time to move on. One careful owner may well be the ideal, but vans are working tools and drivers should not limit their usage in an effort to avoid the inevitable.

Refurbishing a vehicle at the end of its contract or lease period, however, can improve its used value and speed of sale significantly, and it’s not as pricey as you might think. Investing £100 on specialised valeting could provide a 200% plus return.

Manheim Auctions has provided a list of the ten most common areas of damage on light commercial vehicles so that operators can judge for themselves what damage should be addressed prior to sale and what elements are OK to leave.

Load area damage on pick ups, drop sides and tippers caused by incorrect loading and insecure loads

Buyers will generally expect cosmetic damage to this area, unless metal is distorted or cement has been left to cure. If your prospective buyer is thinking of using the van after hours, values will suffer dramatically if damage is not repaired.

Poor DIY repairs, eg duct tape holding components together, brush applied paint finishes, rivets and cable ties drilled through plastic trims and panels

Poor DIY repair jobs can cheapen your vehicle, hinting at sub-standard repair and maintenance practices under the skin. Remember, first impressions count, even in the used van market.

Interior load area damage due to lack of interior ply lining, eg outward dents and creases caused by moving loads

This is the deal breaker. The repair process for dents that are caused by unsecured loads are often complex and expensive. Most buyers would be put off by a vehicle that required extensive levels of repair. Investment in professionally installed plywood lining and using load restraint systems can avoid this issue completely.

Unrepaired minor damage – scratches, chips, dents

As with interior damage, all valeting must be selectively applied. Only deep scratches and dents that show further signs of deterioration should be repaired. Investing in a three-stage body polishing will improve the appearance and sale value if damage is average.

Rear door and rear panel damage – caused by low speed impacts

Buyers generally accept the odd bump and scratch due to reversing mishaps. High repair costs suggest the reason for the increased popularity of rear parking sensors in warehouse-centric vehicles.

Sill and mid-panel damage on panel vans

If damage is minor, these elements are not considered a problem to repair, but severity and location of damage should always be taken into consideration.

Poorly specified or fitted ancillary equipment eg glazing racks, roof racks

Damage due to poor fitting or removal of equipment is a complex and expensive repair area and another clincher, especially on glazing vans.

Damaged or missing plastic bumper end caps and bodywork trims

These are not a priority to repair, but must be addressed prior to a retail sale. Many plastic bumpers can appear sound cosmetically, but that little run-in with next door’s cat could have caused hidden damage to mounting brackets and panels.

Roof damage caused by loading and unloading

Minor damage is acceptable. If there’s a huge dent where you put your foot through the roof rack, it’s probably another matter.

Interior damage – especially dashboards and seats

This should definitely be addressed prior to sale at auction as the high cost of repairing dashboards, trims and seats can be off-putting to a potential buyer. When your executive office sits on four wheels, it pays to be selective. Specialised valeting and smart repairs consistently add value in this area.