Our top 5 bargain vans

LET’S be honest, we’d all love a new van, but sometimes that’s just not possible – for example when you’re starting out on a new business venture and money is tight. This is where these bargain vans can offer an affordable, but still practical van solution. So, Business Vans has picked five of the best and cheapest vans on sale. One piece of advice though – make sure you get insurance quotes in advance of buying, as commercial vehicle insurance tends to be more costly than you’d expect. And beware the speed limits lower than for cars!

Ford Transit 2000-2006

Celebrating its 50^th birthday this year, even at the bottom end of the market, we reckon the iconic Ford Transit is still worth a look. Why? Well, this generation of Transit was available in both front and rear wheel drive versions, features tough and reliable engines and is easy to drive. Make sure any Transit you look at has plenty of paperwork to prove it hasn’t been nicked or crashed – it might be worth doing an HPi check on its history to be sure. Then, look for evidence of regular servicing – the more service stamps the better! Other than this, watch for whining rear axles, noisy diesel engines and a sloppy feel to the steering and gear change. Pay £1,100 for a 2002 SWB 2.0-litre TD panel van with 165,000 miles.

Ford Transit Connect 2002-2013

Tough replacement for the Fiesta-based Courier and the rather long-in-the-tooth Escort van, the first-generation Transit Connect continues to be a popular bargain van because it’s reliable, tough and spacious. Watch for failing alternators, rattling gearboxes that indicate a clutch on its way out, wiring, worn wheel bearings and that the sliding side door opens and closes easily. Expect to pay £1,200 for a 2004 SWB Connect 1.8 TD with around 120,000 miles.