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 13,014 vans

Mercedes-Benz

View 2,805 vans

Volkswagen

View 4,960 vans

Vauxhall

View 3,501 vans

Top picks from the experts

Best vans and pick-up trucks of 2025

Here are the best vans and pick-up trucks we reviewed and drove in 2025.

bestOfToday

Top 5 best small electric vans by range

If you want to make the switch to a small electric van, a good maximum range is key – so, we’ve done the research for you and ranked the top five.

bestOf6 days ago

Top 5 best medium vans by mpg

Medium vans make up the bulk of traffic on UK roads, but which are the most fuel-efficient? We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

bestOf7 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

Fiat E-Doblo Panel Van (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

The Fiat E-Doblo small electric van looks sharp, drives well and offers good practicality, but is held back by compromises in key areas

Citroen Dispatch VTR (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

The Citroen Dispatch VTR is finally here and oozes top-trim quality… just like the other Stellantis flagship vans

Vauxhall Vivaro GS (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5

Vauxhall’s Vivaro GS is the flagship version of its popular van, and still feels worth it even now each Stellantis brand offers their own top-trim mod

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 (2025 - ) review

This car has a rating of: 3 out of 5

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 pick-up truck could be seen as style over substance… and doesn’t do enough to challenge that assessment

36,720pre-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 4.6/5

4.6/5

Score is based on 104,553 reviews

Autotrader Classified AdvertAutotraderClassified advert listing on Autotrader

4.65104,553

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 vans and pick-up trucks of 2025

Top 5 best small electric vans by range

Top 5 best medium vans by mpg

Nearly new vans

Fiat E-Doblo Panel Van (2025 - ) review

Citroen Dispatch VTR (2025 - ) review

Vauxhall Vivaro GS (2025 - ) review

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 (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.