For small businesses that are just starting out or making plans to grow, a brand new truck or van that’s just off the factory assembly line might be a little beyond budget. However, there are plenty of used trucks and vans on the market that have been well taken care of by their previous owners and that can still provide a lot of value and service life for the next owner.
Commercial Truck Trader is taking a look at what keeps the resale price of a vehicle high and which vans and trucks are the most popular when it comes to overall value. For small business owners or those that are trying to increase the size of their fleet, we’re listing plenty of models that will help you achieve your goals without spending a ton of money.
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There are several factors that go into retaining the value of a vehicle. The base factors include age (model year) and mileage, but there are many other things that can play into the equation.
A vehicle that has been well cared for is more valuable than one that is not. Why? Because a vehicle that has received routine maintenance as suggested by the manufacturer is likely to provide longer service than one that has been poorly maintained or neglected. In this scenario, a 2020 vehicle that has 100,000 miles on it may be considered more valuable than a 2021 vehicle that has 75,000 miles if the former was well maintained and the latter was not.
Driving style can also impact the value of vehicles. Trucks and vans that don’t have a lot of mileage on them but have made many short trips with lots of starts and stops will be less valuable than a vehicle with a little more mileage that has made primarily longer trips. Constant starts and stops put a lot of wear and tear on the brakes and brake pads, as well as the transmission and other components of the vehicle.
Another thing that can increase the value of a truck or van is if the original owner added popular features such as running boards, bed liners, or other commercial vehicle upgrades. Further, if those features are OEM-produced versus a “one-size-fits-all” aftermarket product, that vehicle will have more value because the features added are completely to specification for the make and model it was designed to be in.
One final factor that adds value to the vehicle is if it is clean and free from dings, dents, and scratches. A truck or van that presents a sparkling exterior and interior will be perceived by buyers as a vehicle that has been well maintained. Dings, dents, and scratches are scars from incidents and accidents that are viewed less favorably by buyers. And any intrusions to painted surfaces can lead to a bubbling or blistering of the clearcoat and potentially rust if the paint has been completely compromised.
So, when it comes to finding the best value for your money when purchasing a used truck or van, some other key factors to take into consideration include reliability, performance, and fuel economy. Based on popular listings currently found on the marketplace, here are some of the most valuable models:
Of course, there are a lot of great used trucks and vans on the market that are not listed above. If you have a specific brand that you are loyal to, filter your search to that particular manufacturer. If the make isn’t as important as the overall value, look at age and mileage, but, as recommended above, dive into how well the vehicle was maintained, what kind of driving was previously done, if the vehicle has ever been in a fender bender, and if any aftermarket modifications have been made.
Commercial Truck Trader can help you narrow your search using our extensive database of new and used vehicles offered by dealerships and private sellers. Take advantage of our search features to narrow down your potential options, then see what jumps out at you the most.
Good luck with your hunt and we hope you enjoy exceptional value from any vehicle you decide on.