Buying a van? Then you should consider how well it’ll sell when it’s time to get rid. Auction firm BCA says that even seemingly trivial matters such as colour can make a difference. Here are its top tips on selling...

• Whatever the vehicle, a powerful and reliable engine is top of many buyers’ lists.

• Make sure a full service history is provided at the time of sale, to give buyers peace of mind on the mechanical condition.

• Versatility is important for the second user, so for panel vans a side-loading door is necessary and two are preferable. Used buyers generally don’t like the medium wheelbase/low roof configuration as it’s neither one thing nor another.

• Low-mileage commercials are highly prized, but exceptionally rare.

• Rear doors should be solid, as rear windows are seen as a security risk by many van drivers.

• Increasingly the used buyer expects all the driver comforts, such as remote central locking, electric windows, decent in-van entertainment and even air conditioning. Bearing in mind these vans may end up delivering to all points of the compass, factory-fitted sat-nav is becoming increasingly desirable.

• As for colour, white is fine, as is silver or blue metallics. Buyers generally don’t like the obvious corporate utilitarian colours – brown, orange, yellow and green, for example. Avoid non-factory finishes as used buyers do not like them.

• Many operators now use vinyl graphics to ‘dress’ their vans, which can be removed when it’s time to be sold to reveal a sensible base colour.

• Users also like to see vans that are ply-lined to protect from ‘inside-out’ damage. A bulkhead is essential if aircon is fitted, and adds further protection to the driver from shifting loads.

• Pre-sale vehicle preparation is vital and can range from a simple powerwash to ‘settle the dust’ to specialised preparation to ‘ready to retail’ condition.

It is important that the vehicle’s condition is commensurate with its age and mileage. Pre-sale preparation and, where appropriate, trade name deletion is critical to this. cm

Right van, man: how do they hold their value?

Hatchback vans are hugely sought after. They are perfect for the second user who does not need to carry huge loads, such as pizza deliveries, security guards or couriers. Buyers love the Peugeot 206, the Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta and Ka vans. However, they can be mileage sensitive and condition is important so it’s worth investing in repairs.

The pick-up sector has enjoyed a good level of growth in recent years and 4x4 single and double cabs remain hugely popular in the used market. These vehicles often are the family car at weekends, meaning double cabs are favoured. Specification is very important, as basic models do not attract as many buyers. Black, silver, red or blue pick-ups could make significantly more money than a white one when it is sold on.

The car-sized van is very much the ‘price range’ van for a small business looking for a quality used vehicle, with a wide choice and good availability. Specification and power become much more important in this category. The second user is likely to be a self-employed tradesperson or small business owner and in-van entertainment and aircon are highly prized. Light vans must have a side loading door, plenty of power, clean panels for rebranding and be in a standard factory finish.

Remarketing short-wheelbase panel vans needs a lot more thought than just taking vehicles out of service and selling them. Buyers like power in the shape of a big engine, a good load capacity, usability and versatility. Condition is usually more important than age and high mileage is a turn off. White is good, but silver, blue and grey metallics are better. Obvious corporate colour schemes are a turn-off. Used buyers want a blank canvas to rebrand as they wish. Consider using vinyl graphics which can be removed before sale.

Unless a MWB/LWB van is really going to earn its keep – perhaps in courier delivery, window replacement or carpet fitting – many used buyers will opt for the smaller version, making this a limited market. With many of these vehicles going into 24/7 delivery work, a powerful and reliable engine is top of many buyers’ lists, plus a full service history. a side-loading door is necessary and two are preferable. Driver comforts are also important, as is sat-nav, as these vehicles tend to do long distances.

The 10 most popular commercial vehicles at auction

1 Ford Transit – panel dropside tipper (inc crewcab)
2 Ford Connect
3 Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Traffic
4 Mercedes Sprinter
5 Mercedes Vito
6 VW Transporter
7 Vauxhall Astravan
8 Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner
9 Fiat Scudo/Peugeot Expert/Citroën Dispatch
10 4x4 double cabs

Source: British Car Auctions

Source

Construction Manager