Does the number of previous owners affect a van’s value?
Without a shadow of a doubt… the answer is yes! A van’s number of previous owners directly affects its value.
A van with multiple previous owners indicates that it has potential issues, has been used frequently and may have had inconsistent maintenance. Conversely, a van with fewer owners is typically seen as being more reliable and better maintained. Therefore, it can generally command a higher price.
So, if you’re looking to sell your van and it’s had a few owners, there are a few things you need to consider. Read on to find out more.
- How to effectively research a van’s ownership history
- How to maintain or improve your van’s resale value
- Cheat sheet for getting the best price for your van
- FAQs
How to effectively research a van’s ownership history
Here’s how you find out how many owners a van has had:
📕 Obtain the V5C logbook: This document provides details of the current and previous owners. Ensure the logbook is authentic and matches the seller’s information.
💻 Conduct an HPI Check: This comprehensive online check, provided by the company Hire Purchase Investigation, will reveal if the van has outstanding finance, is stolen, written off, or has mileage discrepancies. It also lists the number of previous owners.
🔧 Service and MOT records: Reviewing these documents can indicate how well the van has been maintained. Consistent records suggest responsible ownership.
💻 Online vehicle history reports: Websites like the DVLA, Auto Trader, and others offer vehicle history reports with ownership details.
🙋 Ask the seller: Questioning the seller about the van’s history will provide details about how it was used and maintained.
How to maintain or improve your van’s resale value
Regular maintenance
Sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule is crucial for maintaining your van’s performance and reliability. We’re talking:
👍 Regular oil changes
👍 Tyre rotations
👍 Brake inspections
👍 Fluid top-ups
These all help prevent major issues and ensure the van runs smoothly. Also, keep detailed records of all maintenance work, including receipts and service logs. This documentation reassures prospective buyers that the van has been well cared for and maintained properly throughout its lifespan.
Keep it clean
A clean van is more appealing and can command a higher price. Regularly wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint from damage caused by dirt, grime, and environmental elements.
Keeping the interior tidy is equally essential. Vacuum regularly, clean the upholstery, and wipe down surfaces to prevent stains and wear. Protective covers for seats and floor mats can also help maintain the van’s interior in top condition.
Repair damage as soon as possible
Immediately addressing dents, scratches, and mechanical issues prevents further damage and maintains the van’s appearance and functionality. Even minor damage can significantly lower the value if left unattended.
Prompt repairs for mechanical issues ensure the van remains reliable and safe to drive. Keeping up with necessary repairs shows potential buyers that the van has been well-maintained and cared for.
Use genuine parts
When replacing parts, opting for genuine or high-quality alternatives helps keep your van on the road. Genuine parts are designed for your van, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
High-quality aftermarket parts that meet or exceed the original specifications can also be a good option. Using inferior parts can lead to frequent breakdowns and reduce your van’s overall reliability and value.
Keep a full service history
It’s essential to keep a comprehensive service history, ideally supported by receipts for work done and parts used, from your ownership and past owners. This will significantly increase buyer confidence, showing that the van has been well looked after.
This extra peace of mind will boost the van’s value and get you a better price.
Don’t go crazy with the modifications
While some modifications can enhance a van’s functionality or aesthetics, extensive modifications may not appeal to all buyers. Personalised customisations, such as unique paint jobs, unconventional interior changes, or performance modifications, can narrow your market and reduce the van’s resale value.
Modifications that are minimal, easily reversed, or widely appreciated will help maintain the van’s appeal to a broader audience.
Drive carefully
Driving carefully helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your van. Avoid harsh acceleration, braking, and cornering, which can strain the engine, transmission, and suspension. Gentle driving practices extend the lifespan of critical components and maintain the van’s overall condition.
Also, following speed limits and avoiding rough roads whenever possible helps preserve the tyres and suspension system. A well-driven van exhibits fewer signs of wear, making it more attractive to buyers.
Cheat sheet for getting the best price for your van
| Instruction | Best practice |
| Prepare your van | Thoroughly clean and repair any damage to present the van in the best condition possible. |
| Determine the right price | Research market value and consider a professional appraisal to set a competitive and fair price. |
| Create an attractive listing | Take high-quality photos and write a detailed, honest description highlighting key features and conditions. |
| Engage with potential buyers | Be responsive to inquiries, arrange viewings, and offer test drives to serious buyers. |
| Negotiate smartly | Set a minimum price and be prepared to negotiate, highlighting the van’s positives to justify your asking price. |
| Finalise the sale | Secure payment through safe methods and complete all necessary paperwork, including notifying the DVLA. |
| Choose the right selling platform | This is where we come in! At Motorway, 5000+ verified dealers compete to buy your van. Get a free, instant valuation for your van today. |
FAQs
Does a car dealer count as a previous owner?
No, a car dealer typically doesn’t count as a previous owner on the V5C logbook. When a vehicle is traded in or sold through a dealer, the dealer’s name usually isn’t recorded as an owner.
What affects the resale value of a van the most?
The resale value of a van is most affected by its condition, mileage, and service history. A well-maintained van with low mileage and a comprehensive service record typically commands a higher price. Other factors include the number of previous owners and the van’s age.
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 to maintaining your van’s value. Understand your van’s worth in the wider market.
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- 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