What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

In the not-too-distant past, when it came time to renew the firm’s LCV stock, the fleet manager would be inclined to scroll down to the base-level model and put in an order for required number.

Anything more generously kitted out was likely to be the preserve of owner/drivers or, possibly, small businesses.
But with vans increasingly converging with their passenger car stablemates in terms of interior styling, and with operators and drivers demanding higher standards of practicality, refinement and comfort, the situation is changing. But do spec-laden vans fare better when it comes to remarketing time, enabling vendors to claw more back for their bottom lines?

Duncan Ward, BCA head of LCVs, certainly thinks so. He believes up-speccing commercial vehicles at acquisition time can deliver benefits to operators by making them more desirable in the used market at the end of their first working life.

“Generally, a better specification will make a van more desirable and saleable," says Ward, “and higher-spec vehicles will often sell the first time they are offered, improving cash flow for the seller.”

Ward continues: “The end- user buying at auction will seek out the best vehicle they can buy with the budget they’ve got – and if a van with two side loading doors, a bulkhead and aircon
is on offer that will be the one they bid for if all the other vans available are basic models.”

But George alexander, Glass’s CV editor, adds that too many extras can have a detrimental affect.

“This can limit the suitability of an LCV when subsequently it is offered to a business that might have very different needs to those of the first owner,” he says.

He also points out that when a model moves out of warranty, the cost of maintaining certain optional features can render it less desirable. The same is true for a chassis with specifications that fundamentally and permanently change that vehicle’s functionality, such as glass frails, personnel lifts and most bespoke coach bodies.

Internal racking systems that have resulted in a lot of holes being drilled into the structure, preventing it being returned to its original form, are also not welcomed.

“LCV residual values are best supported when the vehicle in question appeals to the maximum number of potential buyers, and it’s true to say that less is often more,” alexander says.

Ward cautions that the value of options is relative to the condition of the vehicle itself – in other words, a shabby van will always struggle to sell even if offered with every conceivable addition.

BCA draws a distinction between options that operators consider essential on a used van and those that are merely preferable to have included.

Ward cites ply-lining as the most in-demand value extra for vans, saying it protects load bays against most inside-out damage and helps to ensure stock is in a saleable condition after years of hard work. a near- side side loading door is another must-have, while doors both sides are extremely desirable for vans working in tight urban environments.