Used van leasing for sole traders and small businesses

If you run your own business, your van is more than just a way of getting from A to B. It could be carrying your tools, getting you to jobs, or hauling materials, so it's essential that you've got something that's reliable without putting too much pressure on your budget. 

Let us present used van leasing. For sole traders and small businesses, leasing a used van can offer a practical way to access a dependable commercial vehicle while keeping monthly costs manageable. 

However, before jumping the gun, there are a few things to think about. In this guide, we explain how used van leasing works for sole traders and small businesses, when it could make sense compared with leasing new, and what to consider before choosing your next work van.

Used van leasing works in the same way as leasing a new van. Rather than buying the vehicle outright, you lease it for an agreed period and pay fixed monthly rentals, helping you plan your business costs more easily.

This gives you more freedom to choose a van that's actually suited to your business, rather than choosing one based purely on price. 

The key is that you're leasing a van that's already been on the road. All used vans offered through Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are up to five years old and with up to 80,000 miles. Before being offered to customers, vans go through a thorough preparation process covering mechanical and cosmetic check, and are offered with a minimum of six months' MOT and servicing. 

That can make used van leasing particularly appealing to a sole trader or small business that needs a dependable work vehicle but doesn't necessarily need a brand-new one.

For example, if you're a self-employed electrician who wants to keep more cash in your pocket, leasing allows you to spread the cost while getting a vehicle suited to your day-to-day work. 

For a small business or sole trader, a van needs to do its job without putting unnecessary pressure on the company finances and day-to-day operations. 

Used van leasing offers a practical middle ground, giving you access to a dependable commercial vehicle while spreading the cost through fixed monthly payments. 

You're also not limited to one type of van. Choose from pickups, small and medium vans, with examples ranging from the Ford Ranger and Vauxhall Combo to the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter. 

And because reliability matters when your van helps you earn a living, vehicles go through mechanical and cosmetic checks before being offered to customers. They are also delivered with a minimum of six months' MOT and servicing, although some age-related wear and tear should still be expected.

A brand-new van won't always be the best fit for every business. If your priority is keeping costs manageable and getting a capable work vehicle rather than having the latest model, used van leasing makes a lot of sense. 

One of the biggest pros is value for money. A used van lease may come with a more affordable monthly payment compared to a new vehicle, although pricing will vary depending on the model, age, mileage and lease terms.

A new lease may still be the better option if you need a very specific specification, want the latest technology or simply prefer having a vehicle from new. The right choice comes down to what your business actually needs and what represents the best value for your budget.

For a sole trader or small business, keeping a close eye on cash flow is essential. Leasing a used van can make vehicle costs easier to plan because you pay an agreed monthly rental rather than buying the van outright.

That can help you keep more money available for other areas of the business, whether that's tools, materials, wages or simply dealing with an unexpected expense.

However, monthly rental isn't the only cost to consider. Factor in: 

• Initial rental
• Insurance
• Fuel or charging costs 
• Servicing and maintenance 
• Tyres and other running costs 

The key is to look at your total budget. If the figures work for your business, a lease van lease can offer a useful balance between predictable monthly costs and access to a reliable vehicle. 

The best used van isn't necessarily the biggest, newest or cheapest one available. It's the one that suits the work you actually do.

Start with the basics. Think about how much equipment or stock you carry, how many miles you cover and the type of roads you spend most of your time on.

A local electrician carrying tools around town will have very different requirements from a courier covering hundreds of motorway miles each week.

Find your next business van through Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. We've been trusted since 2002, with more than 180,000 leases arranged. Explore our available used van deals today.