What is the best way to sell a commercial van that has 'Died'?

FrankFalcon

Hi all

We have a works van that has finally died. The garage rang us yesterday to tell us that this van (18 Reg) has a head gasket problem and it is likely to be very expensive to fix. To be fair, the van has been on its last legs for ages and we have had a great run out of it. So, this van is sign written. It probably won't run again. How do I sell this van to maximise the cash I receive? Now, I ask this because I came unstuck a few years ago when I sold another of our old vans SOLD AS SEEN, NO RETURNS. Basically, when I sold our previous van that was not roadworthy, a guy came down and said he wanted to buy the van. We agreed on £500 but he ripped me off to my face and said he had given me £500 when he only gave me £400. The guy was very intimidating and for £100 I just let it go. A few days later he rang me back and told me I had sold him a dud and he wanted another £200 back because the van had broken down and he couldn't collect his scrap metal that day. Obviously, I told him the van was SOLD AS SEEN NO RETURNS and he threatened me with violence. Indeed he came to our property the day after (with a guy that was built like Tyson Fury) threatening me, the company etc. It was only the intervention of a friend who told him that he knew a policeman well that the guy backed off, but he left us with some sinister threats because we 'ripped him off and cost him money' and he 'wanted it back' etc. Therefore, I am anxious not to get involved in a similar situation. I know I could scrap it but my mate said I was mad because the van was worth more than £100 scrap fee. What's the best option to sell this van guys, taking into account that I know it's a dud (head gasket problem)…Preferably an option where I am not threatened with serious violence.

Thanks in advance.

Brie

My first thought would be to sell the van for parts. Possibly to a garage that deals with this sort of vehicle and is happy to strip it down to get what is still working just fine. Dealing with a professional could be better than selling to a private individual. And selling through a very visible place - maybe autotrader - so everything about the van is on the ad that everyone can see.

Or go for one of those "we buy any car" type places.

All of this is an opinion from someone who has only sold cars to dealers, never to private individuals as I don't want the hassle. Others will likely be along shortly with better advice!! (hopefully!!)

Exodi

I know the type of people you are referring to, though I'm not sure if I can say… they drive around our industrial unit in a flatbed truck, eye up the vans and ask if we want to sell them. We tell staff to always refuse and make no promises. These types of people are extorters and it wasn't surprising to read what ended up happening unfortunately.

Personally I'd just scrap the van, though calling a few companies as the £100 is low. I wouldn't expect you'll get more than a few hundred for scrap though. If your friend thinks there's mountains more profit being left on the table, offer to sell it to him for the scrap value.

Exodi

Brie

Or go for one of those "we buy any car" type places.

They've even set up a WeBuyAnyVan now!

https://www.webuyanyvan.com/

born_again

Local scrap man.

dnpark38

If it is still at the repairers could you ask them to get rid of it for you?

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6663407/what-is-the-best-way-to-sell-a-commercial-van-that-has-died

Is the van still at the garage?

Does the garage have a forecourt of any kind?

If the answer to both the above is "yes", you could have a conversation with the garage that you are not minded to repair but are they willing to make an offer to buy the van as it is?

They won't give you the top dollar price but will give you what they say they'll give (not £100 less) and also know exactly what the state of the van is so won't be coming back to you claiming issues after a few days. If the garage can just fix the van when they are light on work and treat it as a "hospital job" to keep all the staff busy, they might be able to repair and cover the costs more sensibly than you can.

TBH, if this is a £500 or thereabouts van, the easy sell is the best way. Even more so for a company asset where time is money.

Herzlos

The garage the van is at may also know someone who'd want it even if they don't. Or they'll presumably have regular visits from the scrap man.

I'm assuming the van couldn't get to a scrap yard under it's own power so you won't be getting top prices from the scrap man who'll need to come and trailer it away.

Wildcard if you just want rid of it - the local fire brigade might take it off you (for free) to cut it open for practice. They probably don't get many vans.

sheslookinhot

just scrap it and save yourself any further bother.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6663407/what-is-the-best-way-to-sell-a-commercial-van-that-has-died

Just to be clear, it's an offence to sell an unroadworthy vehicle unless that fact is specifically disclosed, e.g. 'non-runner' rather than 'sold as seen', so if that wasn't made clear last time, don't make the same mistake again!

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/75

Grey_Critic

A company vehicle - make sure there is a legal paper trail. It has to go in the accounts when you dispose of it.