When is the best time to buy a used van?

There is no fixed best time to buy a used van, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New vans are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current van in. This means there tends to be more choice of used vans around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold vans.

Can I test drive a used van?

Test driving is a great way to make sure a van meets your needs, and that it is in a good condition. You can arrange a test drive when you contact the seller on Autotrader. Make sure to check inside and outside the van, and be aware of any strange noises, vibrations, or warning lights when you are driving. For more information, here is our guide on what to look for in a test drive.

Can a used van be returned?

If you buy a used van from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the van must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used van from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the van, and it must match its description. If you can prove either are untrue, you can return the van. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the van and not caused by you.

Used vans

Meet your perfect van

Carousel slide 1

Panel Vans

Get your business on the road with these panel vans.

Combi Vans

Need more room for passengers? Have a look at a combi van.

Camper Vans

Recently discovered a new sense of adventure? Check out some campervans.

Electric Vans

Go green with these electric vans.

Browse by brand

Carousel slide 1

Ford

View 13,592 vans

Mercedes-Benz

View 2,850 vans

Volkswagen

View 5,043 vans

Vauxhall

View 3,720 vans

Top picks from the experts

Best 3.5-tonne large vans ranked by payload

A 3.5-tonne large van’s ability to carry heavy payloads is a key consideration when choosing which one will work best for your business – here are the top five ranked by payload.

bestOf7 days ago

Best small vans by mpg

Small vans are a common site on UK roads, but which are the most fuel-efficient? We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

bestOf14 days ago

Best electric vans ranked by range

If you want to make the switch to an electric van, range is a key consideration – so, we’ve done the research for you and ranked the best electric vans by range.

bestOf19 days ago

Find deals on popular models

Carousel slide 1

Nearly new vans

New van feeling, without the price tag

Search thousands of nearly new vans with Autotrader and get the new van feeling without the price tag.

Learn more

Need a second opinion?

Check out the latest van reviews from our team

Toyota Proace City EV Panel Van (2024 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

The Toyota Proace City EV has just enough independent style and specification to feel like its own vehicle, despite sharing so much with the Stellantis

Toyota Proace Sport Crew Cab (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

The Toyota Proace Sport Crew Cab offers the same level of practicality as the standard versions alongside added tech, spec and tasteful aesthetic upgr

Citroen e-C3 Van (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

If you need a budget-friendly, electric, compact car-derived light commercial vehicle then the Citroen e-C3 Van is worth a look… but that’s quite a niche

KGM Rexton Commercial (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

The KGM Rexton Commercial offers a lot for a good price, which might be enough to turn heads away from more expensive car-derived vans and pick-up tru

38,702pre-owned vans
ready and waitingFind yours

Your questions answered

There is no fixed best time to buy a used van, but there are a couple of trends you should be aware of. New vans are released in March and September, with many buyers trading their current van in. This means there tends to be more choice of used vans around this time, and there can be reduced prices as sellers compete. Less in-demand models may have a further price reduction in April and October when sellers are keen to shift their unsold vans.
If you buy a used van from a dealer and discover a fault within the first 30 days, you can return it under the Consumer Rights Act. You will also have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the van must match its description and be fit for purpose. If you buy a used van from a private seller, then legally the seller must be allowed to sell the van, and it must match its description. If you can prove either are untrue, you can return the van. Due diligence is important, as you will need to prove any faults or inaccurate descriptions were in place when you bought the van and not caused by you.

Used van experts since before the internet

For over 40 years we’ve helped millions of people find used vans for sale. From life as a used van magazine, to the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, we evolve to make van-buying easier.

Autotrader Trustpilot rating: Excellent

Autotrader has a Trustpilot score of 4.7/5

4.7/5

Score is based on 103,587 reviews

Autotrader Classified AdvertAutotraderClassified advert listing on Autotrader

4.75103,587

About Autotrader

Used vans

Panel Vans

Combi Vans

Camper Vans

Electric Vans

Van history checks

Browse by brand

Ford

Mercedes-Benz

Volkswagen

Vauxhall

Sellers you can trust

Best 3.5-tonne large vans ranked by payload

Best small vans by mpg

Best electric vans ranked by range

Nearly new vans

Toyota Proace City EV Panel Van (2024 - ) review

Toyota Proace Sport Crew Cab (2025 - ) review

Citroen e-C3 Van (2025 - ) review

KGM Rexton Commercial (2025 - ) review

addWhen is the best time to buy a used van?

addCan I test drive a used van?

addCan a used van be returned?

Used van experts since before the internet

Send me great Autotrader offers and the latest vehicle reviews.