Picking a van isn’t just about the one that will get you the best miles to the gallon.
Getting the right vehicle for you and your business means finding a van that will get you the right tax allowances, drive smoothly, and be a viable candidate for fleet insurance.
Let’s look at the important things you need to consider when choosing a van for your business.
Size matters
Van’s come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to pay extra attention to what you buy.
If you’re looking for something fuel-efficient, a medium-panel van (MPV) is your best bet. A classic three-door van with plenty of space and an economic engine.
Need something a bit smaller? We’re not going to recommend you buy a ‘Piaggio Ape’ (one of those funny little vans for going up Italian hillsides). A minivan should be more than enough to give you a balance of size and practicality.
You may also need something with more seats if you’ve got a bigger crew. Some vans can have up to 15 seats in them (so almost like a minibus). But, obviously, these are less economical, so be ready to pay more in fuel.
Think about running costs
Fuel is, of course, a massive thing to think about when running a van.
Considering the environment when purchasing your van will set you up for success in the future and make your life easier, should any green initiatives come into effect.
But of course, there are other running costs that you need to consider when choosing a van for your business.
Getting the proper road tax and insurance will be very important and depend on various factors. Smaller vans tend to be cheaper, but it’s always worth checking.
Upkeep and maintenance are also really key things to think about. If your van is cheap initially but is gonna cost an arm and a leg later to get fixed, you’ll be better off finding a more supported van.
We’d recommend finding vans with the most extended warranties possible. In a competitive environment, it always pays to find the best deal.
This also extends to forming a solid relationship with your dealer. It’s worth visiting a few and ensuring you get on with them.
Marketing yourself
Don’t underestimate the importance of branding your van. No matter what you do, you’ll still need to market yourself properly.
If your van doesn’t have room for a decal, but you know you need to up your visibility, this is something to consider.
Look at the market, speak to your dealer, and work out the best option for you. Every business is different – it’s worth taking the time to find something right for you.
Tax breaks
Struggling to make any sense of tax for your van? That’s our job. Come to us with your proposal, any questions you may have about getting a van, and we’ll talk to you about what is the right decision for your business.
It’s not worth wasting time or worrying about something when we can look at it for you.
Talk to us to today, and find out how we can help you choose the right van for your business.