Buying the right van for your business can be the difference between you operating more efficiently or stopping you from growing your enterprise. It’s an important decision to make as a business owner as it has the potential to deliver better service and more revenues. As many SMEs operate in highly competitive markets, you cannot afford to get your new or used van purchase wrong.
Whilst it may seem that there is almost an overwhelming amount of choice out there, the reality is that many manufacturers offer similar things to one another. Once you know exactly what your business needs a van for and your budgets simple to narrow your options until you have the perfect van for you.
What to Look For When Buying a Van For Your Business
The first step to finding your new van for business is to identify exactly what you’ll need yours for. Put together a list of all the attributes you need to help your business run as smoothly as possible. For example:
-
Load capacity - how much room do you need in the back and how much weight do you need to be able to carry?
-
Access - do you need sliding side doors or will standard rear doors be sufficient?
-
Size and turning circle - where does your business operate? If you regularly have to navigate city streets it may be best to opt for a shorter wheelbase.
-
Economy - does your business require you to travel large distances? If so, getting a highly efficient model will save money on fuel.
-
Growth - make sure that the van you buy now will still be sufficient further down the line. You don’t want to invest in a vehicle at risk of becoming redundant.
New or Used Van?
Once you know which core features your van need to have you’ll need to work out whether you’re looking to buy new or used. Whilst it may be tempting to save money and dip into the second-hand market, that can present a whole host of problems. The process itself is much longer as it can be more difficult to ensure second-hand vans are reliable and up to the job - be sure to test drive any that you consider getting and review the service history if possible.
The other option is to go for a brand new van. Although this is often the more expensive option, there are reassurances over performance and reliability that often end up saving money in the long term. Length manufacturer warranties are common, the latest technology often comes as standard and they usually come with more efficient engines.
For companies in a position to do so, we would always recommend opting for a new model as the benefits outweigh the expense in the medium to long term.
Tax Benefits of Buying a Van For Your Business
Whilst buying a van for a small business is often a significant investment, some useful tax benefits can help ease the financial strain.
The amount you end up spending on your van is claimable against your tax bill for the year, although how much you claim will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you use standard or cash basis accounting then you can claim the new van as capital allowance (unless your company uses a simplified method).
Buying a van for your business is different from buying a car as a van qualifies as part of your annual investment allowance. This means you can deduct the total value of the van from profits before submitting your tax return. Check out our guide to claiming tax back on a new van for full details.
Which are the Best Vans For Small Businesses?
While there is an awful lot of choice out there when it comes to choosing a van for your business, there are some models that are more popular than others. Our picks for the best in each category are:
Best Small Van - Volkswagen Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a solid all-rounder that can perform on city streets as well as on the motorway. The Caddy comes with a great choice of engines and the interior is finished to a high standard. As well as the build quality, all engine options are highly efficient and overall running costs are low.
Best Medium Van - Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect offers the perfect combination of agility and load space. The handling is balanced and weighted well, leading to an excellent driving experience. In the back, you’ll find plenty of room for storage and the cabin also features a high headroom making it suitable for a range of jobs and uses.
Best Large Van - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter offers a higher load capacity than the Transit Connect making it the go-to for anyone that needs extra load room. The different engine options available all balance efficiency with power making the Sprinter excellent and transporting heavy loads. Packed with the latest mod cons and safety features, this is one of the best vans on the market.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new van for business then our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss the options and find the best van for you.
