Menu
Close X
Menu
Buying a new van is a significant financial commitment, whether you’re a tradesperson choosing your first commercial vehicle, a business expanding its EV fleet, or a private buyer looking for a vehicle that can handle work, travel or leisure.
There’s more to choosing the right van than simply finding one with enough space. You’ll need to consider what you’ll use it for, how much weight you’ll carry, the size and body style that best suits your needs, your preferred fuel type and your expected running costs.
It’s also worth thinking about how comfortable and easy the van is to drive. If you’ll spend long days behind the wheel, features such as visibility, driving position, connectivity and safety technology can make a significant difference.
From choosing the right van to taking it for a test drive, arranging finance and getting the necessary paperwork in place, this guide covers some of the key things to consider when buying a new van.
Wondering what to look for when buying a van? There are several factors to think about, such as how you intend to use the vehicle, as well as practical considerations such as size, payload, towing capacity, fuel type, running costs and technology. Let’s take a look at these in more detail:
The best van for you will depend largely on what you need it to do.
For example, if you are a tradesperson, you may need plenty of secure space for tools and equipment; if you’re a courier, you may need to prioritise load capacity and fuel economy. A business transporting bulky or heavy goods may have very different requirements from someone looking for a van for occasional trips, family use or leisure.
Think about what you’ll typically carry and how frequently you’ll use the van. It can also be useful to consider whether your requirements could change in the future. Choosing a van that has enough capacity for your current needs, with some flexibility for future work, could help you avoid having to upgrade sooner than expected.
Vans are available in a wide range of body styles and configurations, each designed for different purposes. Some of the most common options include:
Van size isn't just about the overall length of the vehicle. Consider the load length, load height, load volume and payload capacity as well.
A larger van may provide considerably more carrying capacity, but it can also be more difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces and may not be practical if you regularly park on residential streets or in busy town centres.
Height is another important consideration. A high-roof van can provide additional internal capacity, but check the overall vehicle height if you regularly use multi-storey car parks, low bridges or height-restricted entrances.
Measure the items you regularly carry and compare them with the van's load dimensions before making a decision.
If you plan to regularly use your van to tow a trailer, equipment or another load, check the van's towing capacity before buying.
Consider both the maximum braked and unbraked trailer weights, as well as the weight of what you'll actually be carrying. Remember that the weight of passengers, equipment and cargo in the van also needs to be taken into account.
If towing is an important part of your work, ask the dealership about the appropriate towing equipment and vehicle specifications.
Payload is the amount of weight the van can safely carry, including passengers, tools, equipment and cargo.
It's important not to confuse payload with the size of the load area. A van might have plenty of room inside but still have a payload that isn't suitable for particularly heavy loads.
Think about the heaviest loads you're likely to carry rather than your average load, and allow some margin rather than regularly operating close to the vehicle's maximum capacity.
Fuel type is another major consideration when buying a new van.
Diesel vans remain a familiar choice for many businesses, particularly those covering long distances or carrying heavy loads. They can offer long driving ranges and widespread refuelling infrastructure, which may be important for businesses that spend much of their time on the road.
Electric vans can be particularly attractive for businesses covering predictable daily routes, especially when charging at home, at the workplace or at a regular destination. They produce no tailpipe emissions and can offer a quieter driving experience.
Ford's electric commercial vehicle range includes models such as the E-Transit and E-Transit Custom, giving businesses options across different sizes and applications.
The purchase price is only one part of the overall cost of owning a van.
Before committing to a vehicle, consider:
It can be useful to estimate your likely annual mileage and calculate the approximate cost of running the van over several years.
Modern vans are increasingly equipped with technology designed to make working on the road easier.
Depending on the model and specification, Ford vans offer features such as SYNC infotainment, smartphone connectivity, navigation, digital displays and driver-assistance technology.
Consider which technology you'll genuinely use. If you spend hours driving between jobs, features that make it easier to access navigation, calls and other information without taking your attention away from the road could be particularly useful.
Safety should be an important consideration when buying a new van, particularly if you'll be spending long hours driving your van.
Look at the vehicle's standard and optional safety and driver-assistance equipment. Depending on the model and specification, modern Ford vans can include technologies designed to assist with parking, lane positioning, speed management, and collision avoidance.
Also consider practical safety features such as good visibility, effective mirrors, lighting and a comfortable driving position.
A test drive is your opportunity to see whether the van works for you in the real world.
Vans can feel very different from cars, particularly if you're not used to driving a larger vehicle. Try to arrange enough time to assess the vehicle properly rather than simply taking a quick drive around the dealership.
Before your test drive, check with the dealership what documentation you'll need. This will usually include a valid full UK driving licence, National Insurance number, and proof of ID.
Once you've found a van that suits your needs, you'll need to decide how you want to pay for it.
The best way to buy a new van depends on your circumstances and budget; you could purchase the van outright or arrange a finance agreement.
If you're considering finance, compare the total amount payable, deposit, monthly payments, agreement length, mileage restrictions where applicable and any final payment, rather than just the monthly payment alone.
Your dealership can explain the finance options available and what eligibility and affordability checks are required.
There are two common ways to finance a van: Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) - although the availability and suitability of particular products can vary for commercial vehicles and business customers.
With HP, you typically pay a deposit followed by fixed monthly payments. Once all the payments and any applicable fees have been made, you own the vehicle.
PCP generally involves lower monthly payments than HP because part of the vehicle's expected future value is deferred until the end of the agreement. Depending on the agreement, you may then have the option to make the final payment and keep the vehicle, return it subject to the agreement's conditions, or potentially use its value towards another vehicle.
If you're considering finance, make sure you understand the terms and conditions before signing an agreement.
For a more detailed explanation of HP and PCP, see our guide to PCP vs HP car finance.
If you're buying a van for your business, there may be tax implications and potential tax relief available. However, the rules depend on factors including how your business is structured, how the van is used and the accounting method you use.
For example, under certain circumstances, a van used for business purposes may qualify for capital allowances, potentially allowing you to claim qualifying expenditure against your taxable profits.
Tax treatment can also differ depending on whether the van is used exclusively for business or also for private purposes.
Tax rules can change, so it's important to check the current HMRC guidance or speak to an accountant before making a purchase based on expected tax benefits.
Read more in our guide to van tax.
Discover more tips when buying a company vehicle
Once you've agreed to buy your new van, there are a few important practical steps to take before you drive it away.
Check that the details are correct and keep the V5C information somewhere safe.
Finally, arrange a suitable date and time with the dealership to collect your new van or arrange delivery, if available.
Before driving away, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle. Make sure you understand the main controls, infotainment system, safety features and any charging equipment if you've chosen an electric van.
Once everything is in place, you're ready to get on the road in your new van!
If you're looking for a new Ford van, Foray Motor Group can help you find the right vehicle for your business or leisure requirements.
From choosing the right model and specification to exploring finance options and arranging a test drive, our team can guide you through every stage of the buying process.
With a range of Ford commercial vehicles available, including the Transit, Transit Courier, and Ford Ranger, you can explore all options and find a van that suits the way you work and live.
How much VAT do I have to pay when buying a van?
You have to pay 20% VAT on the purchase price when buying a brand-new van from a VAT-registered dealer in the UK. However, you can reclaim the 20% VAT if the van is used for business purposes.
Is buying a van 100% tax deductible?
Yes, buying a qualifying commercial van can be 100% tax deductible through the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA).
Can I claim for buying a van on my tax return?
Yes, you can claim the cost of buying a van on your tax return if you use it for your business.
Find out more about expenses for self-employed businesses on the Government website.
Is buying a van a good investment?
For many businesses and self-employed people, a van can be a worthwhile business asset as you can often claim vehicle costs or capital allowances against taxable profits. However, it's also important to consider depreciation and ongoing running costs.
When's the best time of year to buy a van?
Financially, the best time to buy a new van is in the winter months, when dealers often offer discounts to clear older stock before year-end targets.
