Van advice.
No waffle.

Choosing the right van

Start with the job, then choose the badge.

A compact van such as a Citroën Berlingo is easier around town and generally cheaper to run, but buying too small can lead to overloaded journeys or repeated trips. Medium vans such as the Ford Transit Custom or Vauxhall Vivaro balance carrying space with everyday access, while a full-size Ford Transit provides more flexibility for larger loads.

Write down the longest item, heaviest normal load, number of seats, towing need and any height restrictions you meet. Those five answers narrow the search faster than starting with a make or model.

Payload explained

Your tools count. So do you.

Payload is the weight a van can carry after its own kerb weight. It needs to cover the driver, passengers, fuel, tools, stock, racking and accessories. Load volume tells you what fits; payload tells you how much can legally and safely travel.

Estimate a normal working load and add sensible headroom. If the number is close to the vehicle limit, ask us to check the exact derivative rather than relying on a model name alone.

Whole-life cost

The cheapest van can become the expensive one.

Compare vehicles using the costs your business will actually face: deposit or purchase price, finance interest, insurance, fuel, servicing, tyres, tax and expected downtime. A well-prepared van with clear history and aftercare can represent better value than a lower headline price.

Keep a monthly allowance for maintenance even when warranty cover is included. Warranties protect against specified faults; they do not replace routine servicing or wear items.