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Which van is best for my business?

A buyer's guide to finding the correct van for your business. By Duncan Ward, head of commercial vehicles sales, BCA.

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By Duncan Ward, head of commercial vehicles sales, BCA

Buying commercial vehicles is a big investment for any business. But that’s especially the case for small business market.

You want to be sure you have the best vehicle for their needs.

But, as importantly, you need to ensure that your choice will get a good price when you come to resell. This guide to the best selling vans will tell you what to look for.

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Ford Transit

Continues to be the big seller in the used marketplace. Comes in a wide variety of lengths, heights and bodies, the Transit is every van for every requirement. The smaller Transit Connect was also an instant hit when it launched in 2003 and is now even more affordable as greater numbers hit the used market.

Transit alternatives

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Small business users looking for something a little different might favour the Vauxhall Vivaro or Renault Traffic. Both have practical load capabilities, attractive front-end styling, and car-like driving characteristics. Staying with panel vans, the Mercedes Sprinter and Vito are both popular due to the high build quality and reliability – rock solid resale values are an added bonus.

Vauxhall Astravan

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The only estate car-sized van in the market. Favoured by self-employed trades. Sportive versions are hugely popular.

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Small vans, panel vans and double cabs

Provided they are well maintained, the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner will hold their value well. The Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch are in a class of their own, sitting between the car-sized van and the SWB (short wheelbase) panel van.

4×4 Double Cabs

Double cabs, such as the Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara, are effectively the ‘company cars’ of the construction industry and are very desirable in the used marketplace.

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This list of vans is not exhaustive. But it does offer a representative guide to some of the most desirable vehicles in the used market.

Used value is an important factor in the whole-life costs of any working vehicle. So maximising the value when it is sold is just as important as getting a good deal at the front end.

BCA’s best-selling commercial vehicle guide

  • Ford Transit (panel, dropside, tipper, crewcab)
  • Ford Connect SWB/LWB
  • Vauxhall Vivaro MWB/LWB and Renault Traffic MWB/LWB
  • Mercedes Sprinter LWB
  • Mercedes Vito
  • VW Transporter
  • Vauxhall Astravan
  • Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner
  • Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch
  • 4×4 Double Cabs: Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara
  • SWB=Short Wheelbase; MWB=Medium Wheelbase; LWB=Long Wheelbase

For more advice on which van is best go to our Business Vans website

Click here for van buying advice: What van should I buy?

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