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

The UK’s largest choice of pre-loved vans

Postcode

Current location

Distance

Make

Model

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 13,758 vans

Mercedes-Benz

View 2,963 vans

Volkswagen

View 5,033 vans

Vauxhall

View 3,513 vans

Top picks from the experts

Best Electric Pick-Up Trucks

The electrification of pick-up trucks is lagging behind that for vans, but it is happening and here are some of the best available right now.

bestOf2 months ago

Best Pick-Up Trucks To Lease

Pick-up trucks are durable vehicles as comfortable on tough terrain as they are ferrying families around. Here are just a few of the best available to lease right now.

bestOf3 months ago

Best Large Vans To Lease

Large vans serve a very simple purpose: carrying bulky loads from A to B without breaking a sweat. Leasing is a popular way to acquire a large van, so here are just a few of the best available right now.

bestOf4 months 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

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo eHybrid (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

Volkswagen’s eHybrid technology comes to the Caddy Cargo panel van range offering a new long-term cost-saving competitor for your attention in the small

Volkswagen e-Transporter Panel Van (2024 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

The all-electric Volkswagen eTransporter panel van, sharing so much with the Ford E-Transit Custom, has a head start in trying to convince people that

Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van (2024 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4.5 out of 5

The latest Volkswagen Transporter offers a lot, partly thanks to its joint development with the Ford Transit Custom, but is the new model an improvement

KGM Musso (2024 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5

The top-spec KGM Musso Saracen Platinum offers a lot for a sub-£40k price in the competitive double-cab pick-up truck category.

40,212pre-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

4.6/5

Score is based on 100,931 reviews

Autotrader Classified AdvertAutotraderClassified advert listing on Autotrader

4.65100,931

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 Electric Pick-Up Trucks

Best Pick-Up Trucks To Lease

Best Large Vans To Lease

Nearly new vans

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo eHybrid (2025 - ) review

Volkswagen e-Transporter Panel Van (2024 - ) review

Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van (2024 - ) review

KGM Musso (2024 - ) 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.