Often, when one searches online for “vans for sale near me under 10,000 or 5,000,” the myriad of search results can create confusion. While one can easily find offers that allow them to purchase new vans for compelling prices, such deals are often elusive. In such scenarios, pre-owned vans can serve as a practical alternative. Well-maintained used vans offer good value for money, but buyers must keep certain things in mind before purchasing them.
1. Decide on the type of van
This decision entails carefully considering one’s requirements besides the choice of model and brand. For instance, if one intends to use their pre-owned van for transporting heavy goods, then one can go for a 3.5-tonne van available for sale near one’s location under $10,000 that can carry an average payload of up to a tonne. On the other hand, if one is looking for a van to carry lightweight goods, then one can opt for a cheaper van available for sale nearby for under $5,000. It is pertinent to mention here that the price of a used van increases depending on its capacity.
2. Review the history of the van
After shortlisting a few used van options, one should review the history of each vehicle. This step is important because it gives crucial insights into the automobile’s condition, reliability, functionality, and potential issues.
For example, most cargo vans for sale under $10,000 would have been used as commercial automobiles. Sometimes, businesses don’t take the best care of their fleet, which may give rise to issues that may not be noticeable at first glance. So, when shopping for used vans for sale by owners, one should make it a point to ask the seller about the vehicle’s maintenance history. It can help one know if the chosen vehicle has received routine maintenance and frequent oil changes. One should request the seller to provide the vehicle’s logbook to verify the claims made.
Additionally, one should always run the vehicle identification number (VIN) when looking for the best place to buy second-hand vans. It helps one track the van’s history and the list of the previous owners. The VIN also provides details on previous accidents, if any, and helps determine if there are any outstanding loans on the used van.
3. Examine the body of the van for damages
Before one purchases vans available for sale near one’s location for under $5,000, examining the vehicle’s body will help. This involves checking the sides, top, and undercarriage. The exterior is undoubtedly one of the most crucial attributes of a used van. Rust is a common issue found in most used automobiles. But, it can be challenging to spot rust. When inspecting a van’s body for rust, a few tips can help.
- A bubble under the paintwork can indicate rust. Sometimes, this rust may be deep inside the metal, which demands immediate fixing.
- Besides looking for bubbles under the paintwork, one should inspect the chassis for signs of rust. If there is a fresh coat of paint on the chassis, one should ask the seller for details since some try to conceal rust using this technique. One can request before-and-after photos or invoices, which can serve as valuable proof.
- The roof of the van is another common area where rust accumulates. When people are in a hurry to bring their van home, they usually inspect the sides but overlook the roof, as the height from the ground level makes it tricky to examine the top thoroughly. To avoid any surprises in the long run, it is advised to inspect the van’s roof using a ladder before purchasing.
- Other areas to check for rust include door frames, doors, and wheel arches. Wheel arches are often exposed to salt and water from the road, so rust is common in these areas.
- Sometimes, if rust has accumulated in the van’s floor, sellers try to conceal it using plywood flooring. But when one examines underneath the van, one can easily spot rust which may be caused by the screws used to attach plywood panels to the floor.
Besides rust, one should check for other external damages like dents or scratches. Significant damage to the van’s exterior could point to issues with its functioning.
4. Check the engine and gear
Before buying a second-hand van, one should ensure the engine sound is not tapping and loud. While tapping sound is not a major concern, it can sometimes indicate issues with the engine or vehicle parts that need replacement.
In addition, one should ensure the exhaust does not produce any dark-hued fumes, as this could indicate problems with the fuel system or the possibility of an oil leak. Lastly, buyers should check if jerking occurs when changing gears. One can do so by taking the vehicle for a test drive to see if the gear transmits smoothly without any delay.
5. Examine the suspension and tires
One must always inspect the tires to ensure they are not worn out. The van’s suspensions and shock absorbers should also be in good condition, especially when one intends to use the vehicle to transport heavy goods. There are several ways to confirm this.
- Press down on the van’s hood twice or thrice to make it bounce.
- If it bounces less than three times or settles quickly after a single bounce, the shock absorbers are likely in good shape.
- If one observes repeated bouncing, it may indicate weak shock absorbers.