Chris Sykes, National Sales Manager of Moneybarn, shares his advice for those considering sending their van to a new home.
You may love your van, but sooner or later the time will come to sell it. When that day eventually arrives, there are a number of things worth thinking about to ensure you get the best deal. Here are our top tips on getting the best price for your old van so you can put some extra towards that upgrade you have your eye on…
Don’t underestimate
First things first, you need to know how much your van is worth. You’ll need to know the following information to determine its value:
- Make and model
- Mileage
- Year of manufacture
- Valuable features i.e. low mileage, long wheel base and high roof.
Be brutally honest about the van’s general condition. Any defects will impact the price, so account for those when valuing your vehicle. Look at online adverts for vehicles of a similar make, model and age to value your van. Online sites such as Regit can give you a guide price using just your registration and mileage.
First impressions count
A clean and well-presented van will be much more appealing to potential buyers than a dirty, neglected vehicle. Empty all rubbish and tools, then have your van valeted inside and out before photographing or showing your vehicle.
Consider completing any small repairs you have been putting off – like scratches and small dents – as they could be used as a bartering tool and could end up costing you more than the price to fix them. Make sure you get a basic service; it won’t look good if the van doesn’t start for its test drive! It’s also useful to renew your MOT if it’s coming up.
Showcase the quality
Your van needs to stand out from similar ones available, so shout about any good features. For example, if your van has an abnormally low mileage or a high average MPG, let potential buyers know.
Mention its service history and any work you or previous owners have had done. Buyers will always choose a van backed by paperwork – like receipts for work carried out and a full logbook- over those with just a MOT certificate and a missing or partially completed logbook.
Take a clear photograph of the whole van, along with detailed pictures of the front, side, rear and interior. Always disclose and picture any damage in the advert, so the buyer knows exactly what they are buying.
Be cautious
Not everyone out there is trustworthy and fraud is common for sellers as well as buyers. If someone emails you wanting to buy your van immediately – especially without seeing it – be cautious. This could be a scam to take money from your bank account once account details are shared, or an attempt to steal the vehicle.
Another common scam to look out for is when someone contacts you claiming to have a buyer waiting. They will offer to ‘match’ you with the buyer for a finder’s fee, typically between £80 and £100. Unfortunately, this person then disappears once you’ve transferred the money and you’re left out of pocket.
Doing the deal
Meet the potential buyer at your home address, and it can be a good idea to have a friend or family member with you for extra security. When the buyer comes to see the van, don’t allow them to test drive it unless they have a valid driving licence and insurance certificate. Your own insurance policy may allow another driver to use your vehicle, but always double-check and if not, make no exceptions.
In terms of receiving payment, only hand over the keys when transferred funds are fully cleared into your account. Alternatively, ask to be paid in cash to ensure you have the funds before you hand over the van. You’ll need to notify your insurer and the DVLA of the sale immediately to get a refund for any road tax you’ve still got left to run. You should also give section 10 of the V5C to the new owner.
