There is plenty of choice in the new van market for any business
requiring a large van, and parcel delivery fleets, glazing
companies, and contact hire organisations usually snap them up.

The problems begin when all these large vans come into the used
market to compete for the buyers’ attention. Unlike the SWB van
that is relatively compact, who wants a three-metre wheelbase,
high-roof van parked on their drive every night? (And who would
want to be their neighbour?) They are specialist tools and unless a
MWB/LWB van is really earning its keep – perhaps in courier
delivery, window replacement or carpet fitting – many used buyers
will plump for the smaller version.

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In the used market, supply of high mileage LWB vans can far
outweigh used demand. These vehicles are very much purchased to
satisfy the requirements of first life rather than second.

All this means remarketing these large panel is a process that
begins with the purchasing of the vehicles coming into the fleet.
The big operators appreciate that the specification of the van at
the front end is a vital part of whole life costs.

With many large panel vans going into 24/7 delivery work, a
powerful and reliable engine is top of many buyers’ lists. Even
though today’s modern engines are designed to give several hundred
thousands of miles service, the buyer still likes to know it has
been maintained properly. Versatility is also important for the
second user, so one side-loading door is necessary and two is
preferable.

Low-mileage examples are highly prized but exceptionally rare.
Similarly, it is unusual to find MWB/LWB vans in clean condition
free from damage – they require no specific qualification or
licence to drive and are often too big for the ordinary driver;
many used examples bear the scars of navigating tight areas.

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Rear doors should be solid, as rear windows are seen as a
security risk by many van drivers. Factory-fitted satnav is
becoming increasingly desirable. When choosing colour, white is
fine, as is silver, green or blue metallics.

If you have to dress your vans in company colours, consider
keeping the van in a sensible base colour and applying vinyl
graphics with the company logo on. Also make sure vans are
ply-lined to protect from ‘inside-out’ damage and consider fitting
a bulkhead – essential if aircon is fitted, and adds further
protection to the driver from shifting loads.

Used buyers generally don’t like the medium wheelbase/low roof
configuration as it’s neither one thing nor another and low-powered
examples are avoided – whatever the configuration.

Duncan Ward, UK business development manager – commercial
vehicles, BCA

Prices from BCA Auction View