How best to buy a new van?

GillianD

Hi, our van (Citroen Berlingo 2014 plate) is due an MOT and will definitely need new tyres and possibly other work done so we're wondering whether it is a good time to buy a new van. Last time we bought from the dealer and maybe we should again when it opens but I'm noticing eg UK Vans Direct offer the same vehicles £6-8k cheaper. Trustpilot ratings aren't great so that's putting me off.Any advice anyone can offer? I'd hope to get something for trade in and would probably finance with a personal loan. Is that wise?

Many thanks

alan_d

So to save a few hundred quid on some tyres, an MOT, and maybe some other work, you'd rather pay thousands for a new van??
Why? Repair the current one and keep running it - will be FAR cheaper.

MinuteNoodles

No it isn't wise. As alan_d pointed out you're spending thousands to avoid a bill of a few hundred quid, much of that for tyres which would need replacing on any car eventually. 
If it definitely needs new tyres for it's MOT I'm hazarding a guess that it actually needs them now. They're illegal once they get below 1.6mm tread depth and if there's certain damage to them and you can be prosecuted for that up to 3 points and £1000 per tyre regardless of whether or not the MOT is due. You do not wait for the MOT to change tyres if they're not at the minimum legal standard. Likewise things like bulbs.

A vehicle is supposed to be maintained to a standard where it can pass a MOT at any time, not just when the certificate runs out. There are some exceptions such as things which a mechanic would know as a fail but an ordinary lay person wouldn't but things like tyres, bulbs, broken exhausts, missing/broken numberplates, windscreens and obvious suspension, steering and braking issues that can be heard or felt when driving are things an ordinary lay person would be expected to know were defective.

GillianD

Thanks but he has a static warning light on the dash which hubby has looked up in manual and is a major fault

Hl95x

I personally wouldn't buy van if, I'm sure the current costs will not the amount of a new van. Also if the tyres need replacing it is against the law so whether the mot is due I would definitely replace the tyres if you are driving the van. 

GillianD

message received and understood