How much does an Escort sized white van cost?

[JonnyBoy12]

As you know I am considering becoming a same-day courier, and will be needing a white van. Some companies insist on your van being white, and less than 4 years old, so need to know what this would cost. I am thinking along the lines of an Astravan, or Escort van, but am not sure how much this would cost. What budget do I need to allow for, and is is okay to get one at auction, or would this be a gamble?

Thanks in advance for your ever helpful replies.

[NazNomad]

3½ grand.

[Toureman]

not that much!

http://shop.ebay.co.u...at=See-All-Categories

[boxtops]

Just make sure you get it checked over before you commit to buy.

[NazNomad]

I assumed, maybe wrongly, that using it for a same-day courier service might require it to be fairly new(ish) and therefore more reliable than an old clunker.

[boxtops]

True naz, if the business works it'll be on the road all day, every day. Ergo, the newer the better.

[Buenchico]

JohnnyBoy12:
As a former trade plater, you probably know more about the quality of vehicles taken to auction than most others on here anyway!

My own experience, as a fellow trade plater, is that I'd normally trust anything that was sold directly by a leasing company at a reputable auction house (e.g. Manheim, rather than BCA) but I would be extremely wary of anything which was put up for auction by a private vendor (particularly at some of the smaller auction sites). The only problem is that some leasing companies arrange 'closed' sales, where only authorised dealers can bid. However that tends to occur more with car sales than with commercial vehicles.

For the highest quality secondhand commercial vehicles (usually in white), look no further than BT Fleet:
http://www.btfleet.co...es/vehicle-sales.aspx

Chris

[JonnyBoy12]

Yes, thanks for your answers, folks; glad to see some of you have long memories. I did used to work as a Trade Plater, and that means I do have a good eye for vehicles, and it is always best to see them in the light, not dark. I am repeating myself when I say I need a white van, which is under 4 years old, as some companies insist on this condition. Are there any other same day couriers here, by the way, as would love to hear about your experiences doing this.