Vans come is many different shapes, sizes and specifications. So if you require a van for your business enterprise, you need to make sure the type you choose is suitable for your particular line of work.
Whether you need a vehicle for plumbing, carpentry, service engineering, painting and decorating, building, catering, delivery or any other type of trade, you can be sure there’s a type of van perfect for your business needs – you just need to find it. Here are some points to consider.
**Size**.
If you’re starting a new business, you might be looking to keep costs to a minimum and therefore opt for a van on the small side. However, this could be a mistake. Your number one priority when choosing a van should be making sure the vehicle suits your needs. So make sure you don’t end up with a van that’s too small because it could turn out to be false economy.
**Equipment**. Think about how you would like your van to be equipped. If you’re buying a new van, look at the equipment that comes as standard and see if you need to include any added extras. Even if you’re buying second hand you should think about equipment you need either as part of the package or for retrofitting. As well as technology such as sat nav, Bluetooth, digital radio, air con and cruise control, there are safety considerations like airbags and traction control. Then there are practical considerations such as storage, tow bar, roof rack, internal load restraint systems, ply lining, rubber floor, bulkhead, steps, etc. Make a list of all the equipment that might be of use to you and put each entry in order of priority.
**Energy**
Your choices include petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid. This might come down to personal preference or a choice based on financial considerations. The amount of miles you expect to cover will no doubt inform your decision.
**Engine size**
Again, your choice could be affected by how much mileage you’ll be putting on the clock. If you’re covering long distances on the motorway on a regular basis, you might want a larger engine that won’t have to work so hard. If you’ll just be covering short distances, you might prefer to economise with a smaller engine.
**Road tax and insurance**
The cost of keeping your van on the road should play a big part in your decision. You need to work out a budget you can afford, and the expense of road tax and insurance should be considered. The cost of road tax, or vehicle excise duty (VED), for your van will depend on the year it was registered and its Euro rating, so do your research before buying. Similarly, get an insurance quote for any van you’re thinking of purchasing before you hand over the cash so you’re aware of the full costs involved.
**Doors**
Do you need a sliding door? If so, on which side? Perhaps you need one on either side. And will you need them to be opened from both outside and inside? You might also require double doors at the rear, or prefer a hatch or shutters.
**Seats**
How many people do you need to carry in your van? Depending on the size of van you require you’ll probably have room for at least one or two passengers, but if you need capacity for more you could consider a double cab, or crew cab, model.
**Security**
Think about the level of security you require. This could also have a significant impact on insurance costs. So research options for locks and latches, immobilisers, alarms and even tracking systems and find out how they could affect your insurance premium.