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The Hidden Costs of Buying and Running a Van

Vanaways
Vanaways
4th Aug 2023
The Hidden Costs of Buying and Running a Van

When choosing a new van, many people simply look at the upfront cost of buying or leasing the vehicle before making a decision. However, there are countless other cost-related factors to consider, such as petrol, insurance, maintenance and more.

In order to find the best van for your needs and budget, it’s important to take into account any potential hidden costs before signing on the dotted line. This blog will take you through some of the main financial considerations you should make when choosing your next commercial vehicle.

Upfront Cost

If you’re buying the van upfront, the initial payment will probably account for the vast majority of your van costs. However, if you’re intending to buy your van on finance or lease it, you’ll need to consider how the total cost will be spread out across the lease or payment period, as well as any additional monthly expenses (some of which we have listed below). By doing this, you should be able to gain a better idea of the overall cost of your new van.

To get a fairly accurate cost estimate, we recommend working out the cost of running the vehicle over several years rather than just one. This allows you to take into account any potential hidden costs, rather than solely focusing on the initial purchase price.

Additional Financial Considerations

Whatever you will be using your van for, it’s important to make sure you understand the cost of running a van, as well as the cost of buying one. The main additional financial considerations, on top of the initial purchase price, include:

Insurance: Van insurance tends to be more expensive than regular car insurance. Factors such as the van’s size, model, and usage can influence the insurance premium. It’s crucial to obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers and factor in this cost when budgeting for your van.

Fuel Expenses: Vans generally have larger engines and lower fuel efficiency compared to cars. As a result, fuel costs can be higher. Consider the mileage of the van and estimate your average fuel consumption to get an idea of the ongoing fuel expenses.

Maintenance and Repairs: Vans are subject to wear and tear, especially if they are used for commercial purposes or heavy loads. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, is essential. Additionally, unexpected repairs can arise, such as engine or transmission issues, which can be costly. Budget for these maintenance and repair expenses accordingly.

Vehicle Taxes and Licensing: Depending on your location, there may be annual taxes or licensing fees associated with owning and operating a van. These costs can vary based on the van’s weight, emissions, and registration requirements in your area.

Parking and Tolls: If you plan to use your van in urban areas, parking fees can quickly accumulate. Similarly, if you frequently travel on toll roads or through toll booths, you need to factor in these costs for your regular commutes or business operations.

Depreciation: Like any vehicle, new vans will experience depreciation over time. As you use the van, its value will decrease. While depreciation is not an immediate expense, it’s essential to consider when reselling or upgrading your van in the future.

Modifications and Accessories: Depending on your specific needs, you may require modifications or additional accessories for your van. This could include shelving, security systems, roof racks, or other customisations. These extras can add to the initial purchase cost and ongoing maintenance expenses.

It’s crucial to thoroughly research and consider these factors before buying a van to ensure that you find the right commercial vehicle(s) for your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reputable supplier of new fuel-powered or electric vans for your business, look no further. Vanaways has a range of affordable commercial vehicles on offer, with flexible van finance options available on a variety of models. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with an experienced member of our team!

Vanaways Reviews

   
Zoe Batchelor

Zoe Batchelor

17 January 2025

"Love the van, Perfect as the spec I ordered, Saving up for the next one, thank you Adrian and Team, Boyd Batchelor, Tillage Nurseries"

Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell

05 August 2024

"Found these guys online and was a little bit wary to buy a new van from someone I hadn't heard of. From the off, the first phone call was professional and gave me all the information that I needed, Theo was great, helpful and I proceeded to order my new van, Paige sorted the paperwork quickly and efficiently and within 10 days I had my new van delivered! The price was very competitive and all parts of the transaction were easy and hassle free, wouldn't hesitate to recommend these guys, Thank you so much for a really good experience."

Yusuf U. Gadzama

Yusuf U. Gadzama

20 August 2024

"I was looking for a good deal on a van online and then came across Van away, at first I was a bit sceptical but later went ahead and bought a Peugeot boxer on an unbeatable price online. The sell team were fantastic all the way and very helpful to say the least. I will highly recommend Van away to anybody that's looking for a van of any kind. Thanks Van Away for your first class service and I will be looking forward to a future deal."

Clare Wood

Clare Wood

19 November 2024

"Just purchased a 2nd van through Vanaways to add to our company fleet. Steve Catley was helpful, communicative and informative all the way through the process. We would definitely use Vanaways again, and would not hesitate to recommend them."

Jay Pee Ay

Jay Pee Ay

05 December 2024

"Paige was outstanding in her responsiveness to what presented as a serious problem for our company. The finance company used by her company caused unnecessary and significant delays in the delivery of our van - the pain of which was mitigated somewhat by Paige's proactive communication, informative and realistic communication and very professional demeanour. I'd recommend her and she meant our view of Vanaways was overall positive."

4.9 out of 5 from 441 reviews
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