TL;DR:
Buying second hand vans requires careful inspection. This comprehensive 20-point checklist covers paperwork, mechanical parts, and bodywork to ensure you invest in a reliable commercial vehicle for your business.
Investing in second hand vans is an excellent way for sole traders, local tradespeople, and expanding delivery fleets to secure reliable commercial vehicles without the steep depreciation costs of buying brand new models. However, the used commercial market can be tricky to navigate if you do not know exactly what to look for during a viewing.
Commercial vehicles lead working lives, often carrying heavy loads, driving long distances, or navigating tight urban delivery routes. Consequently, ensuring you get a dependable asset requires a methodical approach.
As a trusted family-run light commercial vehicle dealer established in 1996, Exeter Diesels has spent decades helping customers across Devon and the wider South West avoid the common pitfalls of the used market. This comprehensive, practical 20-point checklist will guide you through the vital paperwork, exterior, interior, and mechanical checks you must perform before buying your next work vehicle.
The Paperwork and History Checks
Before you even turn an engine key or lift the bonnet, you must confirm that the vehicle has a legitimate legal identity and a transparent service history.
1. Match the V5C Logbook
Always verify the details on the V5C logbook against the physical vehicle. Ensure the registered keeper details match the seller, and check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on the van chassis matches the paperwork perfectly.
2. Verify the Full MOT History
Do not just take the seller’s word regarding the mechanical health of the vehicle. You should use the official GOV.UK MOT history service to review previous test results. Look closely at past failures and structural corrosion advisories.
3. Review the Van Maintenance History
A comprehensive service portfolio proves that the previous owner looked after the vehicle. Check the service book for regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and brake fluid flushes at the correct manufacturer intervals.
4. Run an Independent HPI Vehicle Check
An independent HPI vehicle check reveals whether the van has outstanding finance, has been written off by an insurance company, or is flagged as stolen. At Exeter Diesels, we ensure all our second hand vans for sale are completely history checked for your peace of mind.
Exterior and Bodywork Inspections
The exterior of a commercial vehicle often tells a story about how it was driven and looked after by its previous operator.
5. Check for Structural Rust and Corrosion
While minor surface scratches are normal on working vehicles, deep structural rust is a serious red flag. Inspect the wheel arches, sills, and underside of the chassis for deep corrosion that could lead to future MOT failures.
6. Inspect the Load Area and Internal Lining
Open the rear doors to examine the ply lining and metal floor pan. Heavy structural damage, deep dents, or bowed floors indicate the van was frequently overloaded, which places massive strain on the suspension and braking systems.
7. Test Door Locks and Hinges
Side sliding doors and rear barn doors take a lot of daily abuse. Ensure the side doors slide smoothly on their runners and that all locking mechanisms operate securely from both the inside and the outside.
8. Inspect the Condition of the Tires
Check all four tires, including the spare, for adequate tread depth. The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but uneven tread wear across the tire surface is a strong indicator of tracking issues or suspension damage.
Under the Bonnet and Mechanical Checks
The mechanical health of the engine and drivetrain determines whether your new purchase becomes a reliable asset or an expensive workshop liability.
9. Fluid Levels and Signs of Leaks
Pull the dipstick and check the engine oil. It should be clean and filled to the correct level. Look under the filler cap for a creamy white substance, which indicates coolant mixing with oil due to a blown head gasket. Inspect the engine bay for signs of active fluid leaks.
10. Check the Cold Engine Start
Always request that the engine is completely cold before you start it up. A cold engine start reveals true battery health, starter motor efficiency, and whether the glow plugs are functioning correctly without blowing smoke.
11. Analyse the Exhaust Smoke Colour
Keep a close eye on the exhaust pipe during startup and acceleration. Blue smoke indicates the engine is burning oil, white smoke points to coolant leaks, and heavy black smoke suggests fuelling or diesel particulate filter issues.
12. Check Suspension Bounce and Performance
Push down firmly on each corner of the vehicle to test the shock absorbers. The van should bounce once and settle immediately. Listen for knocks or creaks when driving over uneven ground, which signals worn bushes or ball joints.
Interior, Cabin, and Electrical Systems
The cabin is your mobile office, meaning comfort, safety features, and functional electrical components are essential for long working days.
13. Assess Driver Seat and Pedal Wear
Heavy wear on the driver seat bolster, rubber pedals, and steering wheel should match the displayed mileage on the odometer. If a van shows low mileage but the interior plastics are completely worn out, the mileage may have been altered.
14. Test All Dashboard Warning Lights
Turn the ignition key to the first position. All warning lights, including the engine management, oil pressure, and airbag lights, should illuminate and then extinguish when the engine fires up. If lights stay on, diagnostic work is required.
15. Check Heating and Air Conditioning
Test the blower speeds, heating elements, and air conditioning systems thoroughly. A non-functioning air conditioning system can be costly to repair if it requires a new compressor rather than a simple gas top-up.
16. Verify Window and Mirror Electronics
Electric windows and adjustable side mirrors are prone to wiring failures inside the door hinges. Operate them multiple times during your viewing to ensure they move smoothly without stuttering.
The Road Test Evaluation
Never buy a commercial vehicle without taking it on a thorough road test that covers urban roads and dual carriageways.
17. Evaluate Clutch and Gearbox Smoothness
The clutch pedal should feel firm but not excessively heavy. Engage all gears, including reverse, to ensure the gearbox does not crunch or whine, which points to worn synchromesh or bearing failure.
18. Test Steering Alignment and Pulling
Find a flat, straight road and safely loosen your grip on the steering wheel slightly. The vehicle should track perfectly straight. If it pulls aggressively to one side, the tracking is out or a brake caliper is sticking.
19. Check Brake Responsiveness and Vibrations
Apply the brakes firmly when it is safe to do so. The pedal should feel firm, and the van should stop quickly in a straight line. Vibrations through the steering wheel under braking indicate warped brake discs.
20. Confirm Emission Zone Compliance
With Clean Air Zones expanding across the UK, you must ensure the engine meets Euro 6 emission standards to avoid daily driving charges. You can check the emissions status via the official DVLA vehicle enquiry service.
Summing Up
Buying the right second hand van takes time, patience, and a methodical approach to inspections. By following this 20-point checklist, you can protect your livelihood and secure a dependable vehicle that keeps your business moving safely.
If you prefer to bypass the stress of private sales and unverified vehicles, the team at Exeter Diesels is here to help. We stock a carefully curated selection of quality vehicles, ensuring our customers always drive away with complete confidence. Every eligible vehicle we sell comes with a minimum 6-month RAC Platinum Plus Warranty and aftersales support.
We also offer competitive, tailored dealer finance options and hassle-free part exchange services to make upgrading your work vehicle as straightforward as possible. Please feel free to explore our current online stocklist or drop by our showroom in Exeter, Devon, to speak with our friendly team. Contact us today through our online enquiry page to find your next reliable commercial partner.
FAQs
What is the most important thing to check when buying a used van?
The most critical factor is a verified service and ownership history. Ensuring the vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer guidelines, alongside a clean HPI check, guarantees that you are buying a mechanically sound, legally unencumbered asset rather than inheriting costly mechanical issues from a previous operator.
How do I check the history of a used van?
You can verify a vehicle’s history by checking the physical V5C logbook, reviewing the stamped service portfolio, and using online government tools to look up the MOT history. Running an independent commercial HPI check is also highly recommended to uncover outstanding finance or hidden insurance write-offs.
Is high mileage bad on a second hand van?
High mileage is not necessarily bad if the vehicle has a documented maintenance history. Modern diesel engines are built for long distances, so a well-serviced van with high motorway mileage is often a better purchase than a low-mileage vehicle that has spent its life doing short, stop-start city deliveries.
Should I get a vehicle inspection before buying a van?
Yes, arranging an independent vehicle inspection provides ultimate peace of mind. A qualified mechanic will inspect hidden mechanical, structural, and electrical components that you might miss, helping you avoid expensive repair bills and ensuring the commercial vehicle is genuinely safe and fit for your business operations.