What to Think about When Buying a Van for the Very First Time

You may have purchased plenty of cars in your lifetime and you can probably spot a deal from a mile away. This is great, but buying a van is a completely different process, and if you are not careful then you might end up making a bad decision that will really affect you in the future.

Bodywork

The most important thing for you to look out for when you are checking over a van is rust. The main areas you need to look over include the sills, below the bumpers and even on the wing mirrors. You may even find rust underneath the wheel arches and around the door frame. If you do spot any signs of rust, then it is important that you push on it gently. If you hear any kind of cracking or popping sounds then this can indicate that there is corrosion below and that the van might need some degree of repair.

Suspension

Sure, it can be hard to know the suspension of a van until you get out and give it a test drive. There are however a few ways for you to get an idea without even getting in the driver’s seat. You need to push down on each corner of the van to see how responsive it is. If the van bounces back and then returns to its normal position then the shock absorbers are absolutely fine. If not, or if you have any concerns then a test drive may be required for you to get a better idea.

Lights

You can tell a lot about a van by its lights. Lights can be a fantastic indicator of a van’s overall health. If they are flickering strangely or if they appear to be dimming, then think twice about buying it. You might also want to check the fog lights, indicators, interior lights and even the brake lights too. If possible, you should also compare van insurance before you make the purchase as well because some vans will be far more expensive to insure when compared to

others.

Air Conditioning

If the van has air conditioning, you have to make sure that it is in full working order. The fans should operate properly across all speeds. The compressor should also not be too noisy. Once you have done all of the required checks here, you can then move on to check the heating unit. If you notice a faint smell of burning then this may not be a cause for alarm because if the van has been parked at the side of the road for a long time then dust may have accumulated over time. Keep the heating on, and if it gets better, it’s nothing to worry about. If the smell gets worse, then this could indicate an issue with the heating element.

Tyres

Tyres really are the only point of contact between your van and the road. For this reason, you have to make sure that they are in good condition. If they aren’t then you may be able to haggle the price.

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So there you have it, any more tips and information that you can share? If you have or had a van, please write down your tips or suggestions in the comments!

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