Cheapest vans for sale 2024
Looking for a great van that won’t break the bank? Here are some of the cheapest workhorses that should last for many years to come
For many people, a van is an essential part of running a business, so it’s important to get the right one. You need to consider things like the purchase price or cost of finance, running costs, load capacity, equipment and, perhaps crucially, reliability.
This doesn’t mean that you need to spend more than you are comfortable with, though. We have thousands of used vans available here on BuyaCar, with prices starting from around £5,000 for a small model and £11,000 for larger vans. Opt for finance and these could cost less per month than you might expect.
There’s a wide variety of vans available, from supermini-based models that are perfect for making express deliveries, to the large commercial vehicles that might be used for moving furniture or transporting electrical appliances. Most van drivers opt for a model with a diesel engine, but hybrid and electric models are growing in popularity.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of the cheapest vans for sale on BuyaCar, that should make shipping your work gear around that much easier, with prices that won’t take a big chunk out of your profits.
1. Citroen Berlingo
Our pick Citroen Berlingo 1.6 BlueHDi
Used deals Limited stock
The second-generation Citroen Berlingo (2008-2018) sold in big numbers, so you won’t be short of choice when you’re searching for a used example. An update in 2015 refreshed the styling, improved the level of equipment and added more advanced EU6 diesel engines, so it’s worth getting one of these models if your budget will stretch.
Choose the L1 version for the maximum 896kg payload, because although the L2 is longer, the highest potential payload is actually reduced. The 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine is extremely economical, regardless of the power output, but petrol and electric versions are also available if you don’t fancy driving a diesel van.
2. Ford Transit Custom
Our pick Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi Used deals Limited stock
The Ford Transit has been the ‘backbone of Britain’ for more than 50 years, during which time it has cemented itself as the nation’s most popular van. Indeed, in 2021, the Transit Custom was the biggest-selling vehicle in Britain, outselling all passenger cars. The Custom is Ford’s medium van, sitting between the Connect and full-size Transit.
With so many available on the used van market, prices are temptingly low, so it should be easy to pick up a great deal. Choose from two different wheelbases and a long list of trim levels, from the basic Leader to the lavish Limited and Sport models. The Trail and Active versions arrived in 2020, but it’ll be a while before they’re considered ‘cheap’.
3. Vauxhall Combo Cargo
Our pick Vauxhall Combo Cargo 1.5 Turbo D Used deals Limited stock
If you’re looking for the newest van for the lowest price, look no further than the Vauxhall Combo Cargo. Around £11,000 is enough for a 2019 model, which could still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
The Combo Cargo uses the same parts beneath the skin as the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Toyota Proace City, but because used prices are lower, you can afford a newer van with fewer miles on the clock. There are two lengths, one height and a range of trim levels, from the basic Edition to the Limited Edition Nav. Both the 1.5- and 1.6-litre diesels offer excellent fuel economy.
4. Peugeot Partner
Our pick Peugeot Partner 1.6 BlueHDi Used deals Limited stock
A budget of around £10,000 could be enough for a late example of the Peugeot Partner, on sale from 2008 until 2019. It’s essentially a Citroen Berlingo wearing Peugeot badges, so you can select from two body lengths, multiple payload choices and a range of diesel, petrol and electric powertrains.
In common with the Berlingo, buying a Partner built after the 2015 update makes a lot of sense, not least because the engine will meet Euro 6 emissions regulations. If you see a Partner with the Multi-Flex seating option, it means there are two passenger seats in the front, which could come in handy.
5. Volkswagen Caddy
Our pick Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI Used deals Limited stock
Few small vans are as desirable as the Volkswagen Caddy. Launched in 2015 and updated in 2018, the Caddy looks as at home in a building supplies store car park as it does parked next to a beach on the Cornish coast. Prices start from around £10,000.
All engines meet EU6 emissions regulations, while the maximum payload of 857kg is competitive for a van of this size. Access to the back is via a top-hinged tailgate or side-hinged rear doors, and while a single sliding door is fitted as standard, some versions feature an optional second door.
6. Ford Transit Courier
Our pick Ford Transit Courier 1.5 TDCi Used deals Limited stock
The Transit Courier is the smallest member of the Ford Transit range, but is larger than the supermini-based Fiesta Van. Not every van driver values a car-like driving experience, but if you do, the Courier feels like a Ford passenger car from behind the wheel, being easy and satisfying to drive. Just remember to secure your load before having too much fun.
Launched in 2013, but updated in 2019, the Transit Courier is offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine with a choice of power outputs and a 1.0-litre 'EcoBoost' petrol unit. The latter is ideal for anyone hoping to make express deliveries in an urban environment. Payloads range from 519kg to 595kg.
7. Vauxhall Vivaro
Our pick Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo Used deals Limited stock
With prices starting from around £15,000, the Vauxhall Vivaro is the cheapest way to secure a relatively recent large van. On sale from 2014 until 2019, the British-built, second-generation Vivaro was an incredibly popular vehicle when new, so you won’t be short of choice.
There are two body lengths, two heights and three styles to choose from: Panel, Double Cab and Combi. Even the short-wheelbase version offers a maximum load length of 2,537mm, but this can be extended on models with a load-through bulkhead. The diesel engines offer excellent fuel economy, especially if you press the Eco Mode button on the dashboard.
8. Nissan Navara
Our pick Nissan Navara 2.3 dCi Used deals Limited stock
The Nissan Navara is currently the cheapest pick-up available on BuyaCar. It makes a lot of sense on the used van market, because many buyers ordered high-spec versions for use as a working vehicle during the week and family duties at the weekend. So, if you get a used version, you may be able to benefit from thousands of pounds of extras for barely any extra cost. All versions are powered by a 2.3-litre 'dCi' diesel engine, although the output varies according to the model.
Navaras left the factory with an uncovered load bay, but many of the used examples on BuyaCar benefit from a tonneau cover or full canopy, giving you greater practicality. These were expensive items when new, so going used means that you can potentially grab a bargain. The maximum payload for the Double Cab version is rated at 1,180kg, meaning that you can carry all sorts of loads in the Navara.
*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:
48 monthly payments of £192
Deposit: £0
Mileage limit: 8,000 per year
Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923
Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926
Total cost of credit: £2,426
Amount borrowed: £9,500
APR: 9.9%
BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.