Used Vans For Sale

Used Vans For Sale in the UK with Drive

Vans remain the unsung heroes of everyday life, vital to everything from the construction industry to home deliveries. Whether you're transporting equipment between jobs, delivering online orders, or just need something practical plenty of space, a reliable van is essential.

At heaycar, we've got a huge selection of more than 2500 used vans for sale in all shapes and sizes to suit your particular needs. From numble small vans that are perfect for navigating tight city streets to long-wheelbase giants built for bulkier loads, there's something for everyone. You'll also find petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric options available, as well as everything from two-seaters to minibuses that can carry ten or more passengers.

Why buy a used van?

Buying a used van makes strong financial and practical sense. Running a business, or just need something spacious and dependable? A used van will be great value, with a lower up-front cost than a brand-new model, and far less depreciation that you'd get with a new vehicle. That gives you more budget for upgrades, insurance or even fuel ane maintenance.

Many used vans are also known for their reliability. Models like the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter have earned deserved reputations for toughness and longevity, often having served businesses reliability for hundreds of thousands of miles.

And if you're after flexibilty, there's a van to suit every role, whether you're a tradesperson that needs to move tools and equipment or part of a family that's looking for weekend adventures, with extra seating and boot space.

What types of used vans for sale are there?

There's a wide variety of used vans on the market from lots of different brands, with small vans and large vans offered. We particularly love the Ford Transit range, which has been an icon of the commercial-vehicle world for several decades. You can get Ford Transits in a variety of sizes and styles, with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even electric power. Other great used vans to consider include the Volkswagen Caddy and Volkswagen Transporter, the Mercedes Vito and Mercedes Sprinter, the Vauxhall Vivaro and the Citroen Berlingo. 

Find a ULEZ compliant used van for sale

With the expansion of clean air zones and the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) now covering more areas, ULEZ compliance is a top priority for many van buyers. Luckily, there are lots of ULEZ-compliant used vans for sale, inlcuding diesel, petrol, hybrid and electric models.

Most diesel vans registered from September 2016 onwards meet Euro 6 emission standards, which means they're compliant with current ULEZ regulations. If you're buying a used diesel van, it's worth checking this, particularly if you plan to drive in or near town and city clean air zones.

If you'd rather avoid diesel altogether, there's a growing number of petrol vans for sale, as well as a small number of hybrid vans for sale. Depending on your circumstances, you may find that one of the growing number of used electric vans for sale is just what you're looking for. 

Can I drive a 3.5 tonne van on a standard car licence?

Yes – if you hold a full UK Category B driving licence, you can legally drive most conventional vans and pick-ups weighing up to 3.5 tonnes (3500kg) gross vehicle weight (GVW). This includes the vast majority of light commercial vans used for trade, deliveries or general transport.

Thanks to a rule change introduced in 2017, drivers can also operate heavier electric vans (up to 4250 tonnes) on a standard car licence. This accounts for the extra weight of electric batteries and helps make the switch to electric commercial vehicles easier.

If you're buying or hiring a van for personal or business use, it's always worth confirming the van’s GVW to ensure you’re covered under your current licence. If the weight is too heavy, you'll need to upgrade to a Category C driving licence, also known as a Class 2 HGV license.

Can I drive a 7.5 tonne van on a standard car licence?

That depends on when you passed your driving test. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997 then you may automatically be able to drive larger, heavier vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes (check the back of your driving licence to see if you're entitled to drive Category C1 vehick ).

If you your driving test after that date, you'll needs to pass an additional test and get your C1 licence in order to drive vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes.

Do different types of vans need different driving licences?

Yes, you need a different licence to drive heavier or specialist vehicles.

A Category B licence (the standard car licence) lets you drive vans up to 3.5 tonnes. A Category C1 licence lets you drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, while a category C1 E covers vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750kg and combined weight of up to 12,000kg.

You might also need to fit a tachograph if the vehicle weighs over 3.5 tonnes when fully laden or towing a trailer and is used for commercial purposes. 

What should I look for when buying a used van?

When buying a used van for sale, start by asking yourself what it needs to do for you. Small vans, such as the Citroen Berlingo or Ford Transit Courier, are perfect for city driving – easier to park, cheaper to run – but limited in payload. Medium vans, like the Vauxhall Vivaro or Volkswagen Transporter, offer a balance of space and efficieny so can be great all-rounders for tradespeople.

Larger vans, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the full-size Ford Transit, can haul heavy or bulky items, but cost more to fuel and insure. They can also face height restrictions in car parks and under low bridges.

Think about the powertrain, too. Diesel is by far the most common, but petrol, hybrid, and electric vans are increasingly common, especially for city-based work.

As with any used vehicle, always check the mileage and service history of the van you're considering, as well as the condition of the tyres, brakes, suspension and load area. Check whether it's ULEZ compliant and what its emissions rating is, as well as its MOT status, noting particularly any advisories.

It's also worth thinking about how the van was used in its previous life, too. For example, ex-fleet or ex-rental vans can be very good value, but may have had a hard life.