Used Vans For Sale

Find over 2500 quality-checked Used Vans For Sale in the UK with heycar

Vans are the backbone of numerous industries and daily life. From transporting workers and equipment between sites to delivering the millions of parcels ordered online each year, vans play a crucial role.

At heycar, we offer a vast selection of more than 2500 used vans for sale in all shapes and sizes, catering to various needs, preferences and budgets.

Modern vans come with a variety of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric options. Whether you need a small van for city deliveries or a larger model for substantial cargo, we can help, with options ranging from from two-seaters to minibuses that will hold more than ten passengers. Take a look at our collection to find the perfect used van for your needs.

Why buy a used van?

Buy a used van is often a practical, rational decision driven by the need for reliability and, well, to carry stuff around. However, while the primary focus is generally on utility and value, style and speed might be secondary considerations worth thinking about.

Reasons for considering a used van include their cost-effectiveness. Used vans typically come at a lower price point than new models, letting you to allocate funds to other aspects of your business or personal needs.​ On top of that, new vehicles depreciate rapidly. By opting for a used van, you can avoid the steepest depreciation curves and get more for your money.​

The last thing you want is for your van to break down, but many used vans have a track record of dependable service. Models like the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter are renowned for their durability and longevity.​

There's also a wide range of van types available. Whether you're a tradesperson needing to transport tools, a delivery driver handling parcels, or a family that needs seats and space for sports equipment and the dog, there's a used van tailored to your needs.

What types of used vans for sale are there?

There is a huge variety of used vans for sale from lots of different brands, with small vans and large vans offered. One of our favourites is the Ford Transit range - 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 for sale 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.

Buying a used van for sale with heycar

We’ve designed heycar with van buyers in mind. Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little more help deciding, we can help. Narrow down the options with our filters, check out our latest van deals or get in touch with one of our helpful customer service agents via live chat.

We only have the highest quality used vans for sale from selected dealers. We promise that all of our vans are quality checked, have warranties, and have fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock, meaning you can drive away with peace of mind. And to show you we’re serious about quality; we offer a 10-day money-back guarantee.