How to Not Get Ripped Off When Buying Used Vans

Are you looking to buy a used van but don’t want to risk being ripped off? Large numbers of people each year get ‘ripped off’ when it comes to buying used vehicles. If you are falsely sold an item, such as a van, via false advertisement, you will need to look for a consumer protection attorney in Denver, or one wherever you are based, to deal with the issue. Ideally, you will be able to buy a used vehicle without coming across any issues, but there are tips to follow to ensure this happens! Here are some top tips on buying the best used van.

There’s a lot of prejudice surrounding used vans, more so than with cars, largely due to the use and abuse than vans typically go through. However, this prejudice is often misinformed and with a little bit of know-how and preparation you can ensure you get the best deal when buying used.

Here’s a quick rundown of things to check for when buying a used van:

Carry out a Vehicle History Check

Before you seal the deal on a used van, it’s smart to do a Vehicle History Check to ensure you’re getting a quality vehicle. One great way to do this is by getting a Carfax report. It’s like a peek into the van’s past, giving you the lowdown on important stuff like how many owners it’s had, its service history, and any accidents or damage it’s been through. This report is gold because it helps you make a smart decision about whether the used van is worth your hard-earned cash. You don’t have to break the bank to get this info as there are websites out there that can offer a cheap carfax report, often more affordable than snagging one directly from the dealership. So, before you drive that van off into the sunset, make sure you’ve got the facts to keep you cruising smoothly.

See it in Person

In the world of internet shopping, you’d be surprised by the number of people who purchase a vehicle online without even seeing it. Nothing can give you a better understanding of the condition of the van – and prove it’s real – better than giving it a thorough inspection in person. Make sure that while you’re there you can take it for a test drive to ensure everything’s in good working order.

Watch the Mileage

This is one of the key indicators that a car isn’t exactly what it seems to be. If the mileage is particularly low on an old van then it could have been tampered with – typically a van will cover around 10,000 miles a year, often more. If this doesn’t appear to be the case then find out why – it could be something innocent like it was declared off the road, but it’s always worth checking the MOT certificate and DVLA details to make sure.

Is there a Warranty?

Often private sellers won’t offer you a warranty or guarantee on your vehicle, but if you’re buying through a used van dealership then there should be some sort of warranty to give you peace of mind. If this isn’t offered on the vehicle you’re after then you should probably think twice about the purchase.

Modifications

Has the van been modified in any way? If things like engine modifications or bodywork have not been done by a professional then it could be finished to a questionable standard. This is especially important if you’re buying a van that’s converted to be accessible or disability-friendly. You should always check what modifications have been made, as well as pertinent information such as the fact that wheelchair van conversions can cost up to $30,000 or more, and so if any such modifications have been made, there should be receipts from a reputable auto shop that match that number.

Previous Owners

How many people have owned that van before you? This information can tell you a lot about a van, especially if it isn’t particularly old but has been through a surprisingly high number of owners. You can check how many previous owners a car has had with the DVLA – lots of changes over a short period could spell out mechanical problems or other issues, so look out for this.

Buying from an Experienced, Professional Dealer

The best way to ensure that you get the best possible used van is to visit a professional dealer with a good reputation and years of experience in the industry. One who checks over all their vehicles to ensure that their customers never buy a lemon and offers a warranty to give some peace of mind that if anything does go wrong, they’re covered.

About the Author – Feeder Commercials is a Bristol Based used commercial vehicle dealership with over 40 years’ experience delivering an outstanding service. If you’re looking to buy a used van then visit Feeder Commercials online today to see our wide range of stock.