Buying a second-hand van can be an excellent move, if you do it right. Whether you’re a tradesperson or a delivery driver, used vans can offer solid value for money. 

However, unfortunately, not every seller has your best interests at heart. If you’re looking for second-hand vans in Slough, here’s how to make sure you end up with a vehicle you can trust: not a costly headache on wheels.

1. Never Rush the Decision: Do Your Research First

The worst way to buy a van is when you’re panicking. Take your time. Start by researching which van models suit your needs. Think about payload, fuel economy, access (side doors, rear doors), and size. 

Popular choices in Slough include the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, and Vauxhall Vivaro — all reliable, versatile vans with good parts easily available. 

Once you’ve shortlisted a few models, look into any well-known issues. Every van has its quirks, and knowing them in advance puts you in a stronger position when you’re inspecting one.

2. Know Who You’re Buying From

When you buy privately, you may save a bit upfront, but you’re also rolling the dice. Private sellers aren’t required to follow the same consumer protections as dealerships. If something goes wrong the day after you drive off, you’re on your own.

At Huntswood Van Centre, we’ve been selling second-hand vans near Slough for over 30 years. As a family-run dealership, we’re fully committed to doing things properly. Every van is thoroughly inspected by our in-house mechanics and comes with a 12-month warranty. That’s peace of mind you simply won’t get buying off someone’s driveway.

3. Inspect the Van, or Make Sure Someone Qualified Already Has

Before you buy any used van, someone who knows what they’re doing should check it over. Here’s what to look out for:

• Exterior: Check for signs of rust, damage, mismatched paint (which could mean a repair), and the condition of the tyres.
• Interior: Worn seats and pedals can tell you a lot about how the van was used. Look for signs of water damage, mould, or broken controls.
• Under the bonnet: Fluid levels, oil colour, and belts should be in good condition.
• Test drive: Always go for a test drive. Pay attention to how the clutch feels, how it brakes, and whether there are any odd noises.

At Huntswood, you can skip all the stress: we’ve already done this for you. Every van is fully serviced, safety checked, and ready to go.

4. Ask About the History

A reliable second-hand van should come with a full history. That includes:

• Service records
• MOT history
• Previous ownership
• Any major repairs or accidents

If the seller can’t produce these, it’s better to walk away. A lack of paperwork often means something’s being hidden. We provide full documentation for every van we sell. What you see is what you get.

5. Don’t Be Blinded by a Cheap Price Tag

We all love a bargain, but if a van’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap often means high mileage, hidden problems, or no warranty. It might also mean you’ll spend more on repairs down the line.

Instead of focusing purely on price, think in terms of value. What are you getting for your money? At Huntswood, we price our vans fairly, and we back them with a full year’s warranty and delivery anywhere in the UK. That’s real value.

6. Check What’s Included, and What’s Not

Some sellers strip out extras to lower the price. You might miss out on roof racks, spare keys, or even service books. Always ask what’s included in the deal. Also find out whether VAT is included in the price or to be added: this can catch buyers off guard.

Our listings are always clear about what’s included. You get the full picture upfront.

7. Look for Dealer Guarantees

When a dealer includes a warranty, it shows confidence in the vehicle’s condition. A 30-day guarantee is the legal minimum, but at Huntswood, we go much further with a 12-month warranty as standard. We also offer a free nationwide collection, which means if you’re outside Slough or can’t make it in, we’ll sort it.

8. Buy Local (But With National Support)

Buying from a local dealership means you can come back for support, servicing, or just a friendly chat. Even if you live just outside of Slough (we have many customers in Windsor, Maidenhead, or further afield) we’re only 15 minutes away in Horton. You can pop down, view our vans in person, and take your time deciding.
Ready to find your next van? Visit us in Horton or browse our current selection online. Or simply contact us today.