Does mileage affect a van’s value?
Want to sell your van but worried its number of miles may reduce the price? We hear you!
At Motorway, we help people sell all types of vans in various conditions every day. And mileage is one of the most significant factors in determining the price a seller gets for their second-hand van.
Simply put, the more miles a van has, the more wear and tear it‘s likely to have on its mechanical parts, dropping its worth in the eyes of the buyer. On the other hand, lower mileage often suggests less usage and a potentially longer lifespan, which makes it more attractive to a buyer.
In this guide, we’ll look at how mileage affects your van’s resale price and how you can help it retain its value.
- How mileage affects a van’s value
- How mileage affects the value of different van brands and types
- How buyers and sellers view mileage
- How to maintain your van’s value despite its high mileage
- FAQs
How mileage affects a van’s value
| Mileage | Number of miles | Wear and tear on mechanical parts | Maintenance costs | General opinion |
| Normal | 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year | Low | Reduced | Potential longer lifespan |
| High | >15,000 miles per year | Increased – potential mechanical issues | Higher | Lower resale value due to perceived wear and tear |
How mileage affects the value of different van brands and types
Understanding how different brands retain value
Each brand has its own level of depreciation and resale value retention. Factors influencing this include:
👍 Brand reputation
👍 Build quality
👍 Market demand
For example, premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen often retain higher resale values due to perceived reliability and craftsmanship. In contrast, lesser-known brands may depreciate faster.
A look at how mileage impacts vans differently based on their use
Mileage affects vans differently depending on their use. Delivery vans having to frequently stop-and-go, may have more wear on their brakes and engines, and accrue higher mileage quicker. Conversely, vans used for long-distance travel may accumulate mileage more gradually but still face wear on suspension and transmission components.
Knowing what a van has been used for and how many miles it’s done, gives us an insight into its maintenance needs and potential resale value.
How buyers and sellers view mileage
How high mileage might affect a buyer’s view of a van and its potential uses
High mileage can significantly impact a buyer’s opinion of a van:
🔴 Reliability concerns: Buyers may worry about increased wear and potential mechanical issues.
🔴 Maintenance costs: Higher mileage vans often require more frequent and costly maintenance.
🔴 Value depreciation: Resale value tends to decrease with higher mileage, affecting affordability and long-term investment.
Despite these concerns, high-mileage vans can still be attractive for businesses or personal use, especially if they’re priced competitively and adequately maintained.
How to sell a van with high mileage
Here are some strategies that will help you sell your van if it has a few miles to its name:
📖 Transparent history: Build buyer confidence with detailed maintenance records and vehicle history.
🔧 Highlight maintenance: Emphasise any recent repairs or upgrades that enhance reliability.
💷 Competitive pricing: Price the van competitively based on its condition, mileage, and market value.
🎯 Targeted marketing: Focus on businesses or individuals seeking cost-effective options.
📜 Offer warranty options: Consider offering extended warranties to counter buyer concerns about potential future repairs.
A great way to sell your van is on Motorway! Get a free valuation instantly and have over 5000 verified dealers compete to buy your van.
How to maintain your van’s value despite its high mileage
Tips for slowing down depreciation
🔧 Regular maintenance: Keep up with scheduled services and inspections to prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.
🧽 Keep it clean: Regularly wash and wax the exterior, and clean the interior to preserve the paint and upholstery.
🐘 Avoid overloading: Stick to the manufacturer’s weight recommendations to prevent strain on suspension and engine components.
🛣️ Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, which can prematurely wear out brakes and tyres.
☔ Store properly: Park in a garage or covered area to shield from the elements.
Essential maintenance checks to help your van keep its value
| Maintenance check | Why it’s important |
| Oil changes | Regular oil changes, typically every 5,000-7,500 miles, keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly. |
| Timing belt replacement | Replace the timing belt at manufacturer-recommended intervals to prevent engine damage. |
| Brake checks | Regularly inspect brakes and replace pads or rotors to maintain braking performance. |
| Suspension and steering inspections | Check and replace worn suspension components to ensure a smooth ride and precise handling. |
| Tyre rotation and alignment | Rotate tyres regularly and align the wheels to extend tire life and improve fuel efficiency. |
FAQs
How do I find out the market value of my van?
The easiest way is on Motorway! Simply type in your van’s reg and mileage, and we’ll give you a free and instant estimated sale price that’s based on real-time market data.
Why do some vans have VAT and some don’t?
This depends on if the owner claimed back the VAT when they bought their van. If they didn’t, it probably means they weren’t VAT-registered. So the VAT won’t be chargeable when someone else buys the van. However, vans used for commercial purposes are more likely to need VAT payment.
Ready to sell your van?
Want to read more about owning, valuing and selling your van? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from depreciation and maintaining your van’s value. Understand your car’s worth in the wider market.
- Sell my car
- Track your car value
- How to sell your van online
- Van valuation – the ultimate guide
- How to check if your car or van’s MOT is up to date
- The van driver’s guide to London’s ULEZ
- Does market demand affect a van’s value?
- Does the condition affect a van’s value?
- Does specification affect a van’s value?
- The (not quite) A to Z of different types of vans