Which vans hold their value?

These vans need to be dependable and reliable and choosing the right model is, therefore, a big decision for any business owner. Not only do you want something sturdy, reliable and long-lasting, but if you decide to change vehicles down the line, you’ll want to know which van is likely to hold its value.
 
There are a number of factors you need to bear in mind before you invest in a new van. You’ll need to assess price, size, wheelbase and, if you choose, used mileage. After all, your van is likely to be one of your biggest business purchases. As a valuable asset, you’ll also need to think about protecting it with van insurance for your specific needs.
 
Which vans hold their value?
 
It’s no surprise that the best-selling vans are also those that tend to hold their value better than the average. Several of the major car companies manufacture commercial vans in what is a highly active market segment. An example is Volkswagen, and its flagship large van, the VW Crafter, which is an excellent drive (almost as easy to handle as a saloon car), with above-average comfort and a well-designed and practical cab space. 
 
Looking at smaller models, the Citroen Berlingo has been a constant favourite among commercial drivers for many years. It updates frequently and can be ranked alongside two other small vans, the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo, which are raising standards in the small van segment. Features in the most recent models include high-tech safety precautions, such as an overload warning sensor.
 
The Ford Transit Connect is another popular small van, which holds its value well. It has a roomy cab and has the best fuel efficiency in this category - a key factor in keeping running costs down if you’re going to be racking up the miles. When it comes to holding value, an important question is how easy it is to sell on. Ford has one of the biggest dealer networks in the UK, making it easy for you to find a buyer when the time comes.
 
 
 
 
Benefits of purchasing a van that holds its value
 
If you have ever bought a new car, you’ll know that it depreciates at an alarmingly fast rate. Fortunately, vans don’t (or at least, not as quickly). Life brings change and it only makes sense to have half an eye on the future when you buy your van. You may retire, change career or, with a lot of work and a bit of luck, find your business expanding so you need to resize or upgrade. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring resale value into the equation when you make your decision. Whatever the case, it’s worth doing more in-depth research using specific criteria to assess the resale value of a van.
 
What is the best van to buy used?
 
It isn’t hard to find a van to fit your budget, but finding one which will guarantee the reliability you’re after can be a bit of a challenge. When looking for the most reliable used vans, it’s worth taking the time to compare and contrast so that you can be sure it will meet the needs of you and your business.
 
The Ford Transit is still one of the most reliable and best-selling full-size used vans on the road. There are hundreds of these vehicles available and the selection of models is diverse – you can choose from three body lengths, three roof heights and two wheelbases.
 
Used Ford Transit Connect models (small to mid-sized vans) are available in two wheelbases and seven seats in three rows. They have a payload of around 1200Ib and 100 cubic feet of cargo room and are known for retaining an above-average resale value.
 
Another excellent option for a used vehicle is the Volkswagen Transporter. It offers three roof heights and two body lengths. The engine is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, with five different power outputs. At the lower end, the front-wheel drive versions have a five-speed manual gearbox, while the two more powerful models get six speeds.
 
Of course, the adage ‘buyer beware’ always applies to a vehicle purchase. As a buyer, you’ll get a lower price from a private seller, but there are no guarantees on its overall condition. Buying and selling using a dealership takes away the uncertainty around price and quality – provenance and guarantees are certainly much more transparent when a dealer is involved. You will probably be offered a warranty, too, giving you extra peace of mind.
 
 
What is the most reliable van on the market?
 
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to reliability in the small, medium and large van sales sector. Glancing through multiple review sites, the following manufacturers and models keep cropping up. They come in various shapes and sizes and you’ll probably recognise all of them:
 
Volkswagen Transporter - great residual quality so holds its value well
Volkswagen Caddy - the smallest VW model but with big impact
Mercedes-Benz Vito - medium-sized with excellent build quality
Peugeot Partner - small and versatile, good for small business owners
Citroen Berlingo - ever-popular small carrier
Renault Trafic – comes in various sizes and wholly reliable
Ford Transit – reliable and great build quality; plug-in hybrids coming soon
 
However, it’s the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which tops the list in this recent ranking. Van Guide found it to be super-spacious with a design and chassis combination of an excellent standard.
 
What car holds its value the best?
 
As a van owner, it’s still a good idea to get perspective on the value delivered by vehicles across the overall car market. It can be a good indication of what technological advancements (such as electric and hybrid) to invest in over the next few years.
 
As electric vehicles (or at the very least, hybrids) gain more and more market share, a well-known source for consumer research, WhatCar, suggests that electric has the edge over petrol when it comes to depreciation in value.
 
Analysing practically the entire range of makes and models of cars sold across the UK, the consensus on Britain’s least-depreciating cars lists Lamborghini, Ferrari and Lotus as the top three. For us mere mortals, the following are the top three makes and models for holding their value:
 
  • Audi E-tron 55 quattro
  • Porsche Cayenne E-hybrid,
  • Land Rover/Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic 
 
Which small cargo van is the most reliable?
 
Small vans are big business. There are lots of car makers vying for sales in this niche, with a wide range of options offering varied sizes, engine types, payload and cargo volume.
 
The large majority are still diesel-powered and their power and efficiency have been optimised tremendously. Even so, mention should be given to the latest electric vans, great if you’re a local business doing fairly limited mileage. These electric vans have enough range to spend a day driving around, while the Government's ‘Plug-In Van’ Grant can reduce their list price by some £8,000.
 
Otherwise, the most recent Citroen Berlingo model and Peugeot Partner are both highly rated among those in the know.
 
Get a quote for van insurance today
 
Your van is your lifeline when it comes to your business. In many cases, it’s also your largest fixed asset.
 
Being a bigger vehicle, there’s an increased chance of getting a few bumps and grazes along the way and if you have tools, equipment or goods in your van, there’s also a risk of theft.
 
It only makes sense to protect that asset. Here at Insurance Factory, our friendly team can help you find the right cover for your circumstances.
 
Get a quote today.