Which van is right for your business?
SMEs keen to find the right van for their needs should take note as BCA, Europe’s largest vehicle auction group, reveals some of the best selling commercial vehicles.
“Buying commercial vehicles is a big investment, for any business, but especially the SME market,” explains Duncan Ward, BCA’s head of commercial vehicle sales. “First of all operators want to be sure that they’re the best vehicle for their needs. But, as importantly, they need to ensure that whatever they choose will get a good price when they come to resell. Our guide of the best selling vans gives businesses a guide to what to look for.”
The Ford Transit continues to be the big seller in the used marketplace. Coming 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.
However, small business users looking for something a little different might favour the Vivaro or Traffic due to the practical load capabilities, yet pretty 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 with rock solid residuals as an added bonus.
As the only estate-car-sized van in the marketplace, the Vauxhall Astravan continues to be popular with self-employed trades, with the Sportive versions being hugely popular. Provided they are well maintained, the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner will hold their value well. The Scudo, Expert and Dispatch are in a class of their own, sitting between the car-sized van and the SWB (short wheel base) panel van, while 4x4 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.
“While this list of commercials is by no means exhaustive, it offers a representative guide to some of the most desirable vehicles in the used market.” confirmed Tim Naylor. “The 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.”
If you are thinking of buying at auction, then BCA has centres around the country, with commercial vehicle auctions a regular fixture at 16 centres. Armed with a little knowledge, a clear idea of what they want and a strict budget, SME’s could find this an attractive route to take, as there’s plenty of choice of vans ranging from budget vehicles to nearly new.
Be prepared by getting a sneak preview of what’s on offer by logging onto BCA’s free service www.commercialauctionview.com. If there is a specific type of van you are after, checking out Commercial Auction View will help you locate what you want and will let you know when and where it is being auctioned.
BCA sells vehicles for a huge range of sellers including franchised and specialist dealers, car supermarkets, trade professionals and business sellers such as fleet operators and leasing companies and the vehicle manufacturers themselves.
BCA’S BEST SELLING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
1. Ford Transit (panel, dropside, tipper, crewcab)
2. Ford Connect S/LWB
3. Vauxhall Vivaro M/LWB and Renault Traffic M/LWB
4. Mercedes Sprinters LWB
5. Mercedes Vito
6. VW Transporter
7. Vauxhall Astra Van
8. Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner
9. Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch
10. 4x4 Double Cabs