For many businesses, a van is as much of an essential as an accountant or a uniform. These vehicles are the lifeblood of the country, delivering goods and services all over the place.
However, new models can be an expensive outlay, particularly for small businesses or those requiring investment elsewhere. So why not save some pennies and go for a used van instead?
There are undoubtedly some drawbacks – a potentially hard life with previous owners, the lack of the latest safety and emissions equipment, and possible repercussions in the future regarding pollution being some of the most pressing.
On the other hand, the savings in up-front costs or monthly payments can be substantial, and many owners or operators prefer the simplicity of older models to the latest vehicles with potential question marks over long-term reliability.
We’ve rounded up what we think are five of the best vans you can pick up for under £10,000 (excluding VAT).
Ford Transit Custom
No list of vans would be complete without the Ford Transit. It’s been the best-selling commercial vehicle in the UK for decades and is a real institution among British businesses.
A few years ago, the range was split into the larger Transit and mid-sized Transit Custom – both of which are brilliant vans.
The Transit Custom is fantastic to drive – perhaps the best-driving mid-sized van out there – yet retains a superbly square and practical load bay and a vast number of potential configurations. Opt for the mid-spec 125hp engine and you’ll have plenty of shunt for heavy loads too.
