Thinking about buying a new van in Ireland? Whether you’re a tradesperson, courier, or café owner, a great van makes your daily job easier. But picking the right one means knowing exactly what to look for.
At 123.ie, we’re all about making life simpler - so here’s our handy guide to buying your perfect van, hassle-free.
We'll walk you through purpose, budgeting, inspections, insurance essentials, and the paperwork you need to hit the road with confidence. No stress, no surprises - just smooth driving ahead.
Match the Van to Your Job
Imagine you're Dave, a plumber from Galway. Dave chose a compact van to save money. Three months later, he was stuck unloading half his gear just to find a spanner. Avoid Dave’s headache - think carefully about what your job needs.
Different jobs demand different vans:
- Plumbers and electricians usually need vans with sturdy shelving, secure storage, and good payload.
- Couriers benefit from spacious vans with easy access and great fuel economy.
- Café or restaurant owners often prefer refrigerated conversions or vans with easily cleanable interiors.
Payload and Size Limits
Always check payload – the total weight a van can safely carry. Exceeding the limit risks fines and penalty points because, as the Road Safety Authority warns, every load “must be distributed, packed and secured so no danger is liable to be caused”.
Calculate your typical cargo carefully. After purchase, our guide on what happens after purchasing a van policy explains the next steps.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
Fuel choice can dramatically affect your running costs:
- Diesel - Ideal for long-distance motorway driving, offering excellent fuel economy.
- Petrol - Suitable for shorter urban trips, often cheaper initially but higher running costs.
- Hybrid - Great in urban environments, with low emissions and fuel savings on city deliveries.
- Electric - Perfect for city driving with low running costs, reduced tolls, and exemption from Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges.
Choosing wisely means fewer stops at the pump and fewer euros spent overall.
New Versus Used - Pros and Cons
A shiny new van comes with a reassuring warranty, latest tech, and zero mileage - but a higher initial cost. A used van saves money upfront but requires careful checks.
- New vans - Full manufacturer warranty, better finance rates, and predictable reliability. But higher depreciation in the first year.
- Used vans (12–24 months old) - Ex-demo models can hit the sweet spot - still under warranty but significantly cheaper due to initial depreciation.
Whichever you choose, inspect carefully and factor warranty length and reliability into your decision.
Budget for the Full Ownership Cost
Sticker price isn’t everything. Think beyond upfront costs - running expenses make a big difference over the years.
Purchase Price vs. Running Costs
A van €3,000 cheaper with poorer fuel efficiency (10 mpg less) can easily cost more in just five years due to fuel expenses. Always calculate total lifetime cost rather than initial savings.
Finance, VAT, and Grants
- Hire Purchase (HP) - Clear monthly repayments - you own the van at the end.
- Leasing - Smaller payments, but you don’t own the van outright.
- VAT Reclaim - Businesses reclaim VAT on commercial vehicles, saving 23% instantly.
- SEAI Grants - Up to €3,800 for electric van purchases, making eco-friendly choices more affordable.
Insurance and Road Tax Forecast
Always get provisional van insurance quotes before buying. Check annual road tax costs too - larger vans and higher emissions lead to higher taxes. Paying annually avoids admin fees, saving you money each year.
Inspect Before You Invest
Buying a van without thorough inspection is asking for trouble - especially given Ireland’s climate. Rust and water damage are common concerns.
Service-Book and Mileage History
Always verify service stamps and run a CARTELL.ie vehicle history report. Genuine mileage and regular servicing indicate a reliable van.
Bodywork, Rust, and Leaks
Check common rust spots carefully:
- Wheel arches
- Door bottoms
- Roof gutters
Use simple tricks like sprinkling talcum powder beneath the engine overnight to spot leaks easily.
Test-Drive Performance Checks
Test the van thoroughly:
- Cold start - Engine noise and ease of start-up.
- Urban driving - Braking, clutch bite, steering responsiveness.
- Motorway driving - Acceleration, smooth gear changes, stability in higher gears.
Professional Mechanic Verification
Spending around €150 on an independent pre-purchase inspection can easily save you €500 or more in negotiation. It's a small investment for peace of mind and big savings.
Factor Insurance into the Decision
Premiums vary by weight, power, driver age, and security. Consider step-back no-claims protection to safeguard your discount.
Commercial vs. Private Cover Rules
Ensure your van is correctly covered:
- Commercial use - Delivery, trades, transport of goods - requires commercial van insurance.
- Private use - Personal transport, family van conversions - requires standard private insurance.
Misclassifying your van can lead to denied claims, fines, and unnecessary costs.
Security Upgrades for Discounts
Improve security and insurers reward you with lower premiums:
- Immobilisers - Effective and affordable.
- Thatcham trackers - Recover stolen vans quickly, leading to significant discounts.
- Secure overnight parking - Declaring garage or secure compound storage can trim up to 10% off your premium.
Close the Deal with Confidence
Before handing over cash, double-check the paperwork and ensure your transaction is airtight. If circumstances change later, you can always update your van insurance policy online in minutes.
Logbook and VRT Validation
Always verify:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (logbook) matches VIN and registration plates.
- Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) receipt confirms tax paid.
- No outstanding finance.
CVRT/LCV and Emissions Certs
Check that the van has a current Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) or LCV for smaller models. Buying a recently tested vehicle ensures roadworthiness and enhances future resale value.
Negotiation and Final Payment Tips
Negotiating politely can secure discounts. Try a friendly approach:
- “I like the van, but I've seen others priced slightly lower. Can we find a fair compromise?”
Pay securely using bank drafts or escrow services and always insist on a signed receipt with both parties’ addresses clearly noted.
Time to Get Your New Van on the Road!
Now you’re all set to buy the ideal van-matched perfectly to your needs and budget. Once you've picked your van, keep life simple by insuring it with 123.ie. We offer quick van insurance quotes, competitive premiums, and more benefits as standard.
Forget the paperwork headache - leave the insurance to us, and focus on what really matters: driving your business forward.
Get your fast, hassle-free Van Insurance quote from 123.ie today and hit the road confidently!
