As a general rule, we tend to spend a fair amount of time researching commercial vehicles when it is time to upgrade an existing make or model, or add to a growing fleet. However, when it comes to choosing the right commercial vehicle dealer to buy from, the research can sometimes be less than thorough. Yet, this is arguably the most important aspect of buying a second-hand commercial vehicle.
If you choose a commercial vehicle dealer who does not know what they are doing or who doesn’t have a wide range of vehicles, this can seriously restrict your choice. It can also put your money at risk. Other, unscrupulous types of commercial vehicle dealers can also sell vehicles with hidden problems or try to upsell unnecessary add-ons.
This simple mistake can be avoided by carrying out sufficient research around your chosen commercial vehicle dealer, even before you have settled on which type of used van you want to buy.
Read commercial vehicle dealer reviews
You may know all about reading vehicle reviews, but you should also take the time to check out customer testimonials from commercial vehicle dealers. People tend to post reviews when they have received amazing service they want to share. Or, conversely, terrible service that they want to warn others about online. Watch out for dealerships with no reviews, as they may delete negative feedback as soon as it appears. Over-the-top glowing recommendations should also be carefully considered. Do you know who’s actually writing them? Check out, too, how the dealership responds to its reviews – both good and bad.
Never disregard word of mouth
There is nothing quite so valuable as receiving personal feedback from someone you know who has used a commercial vehicle dealer. They should be able to give you more details about their experiences – good and bad – than are normally contained in anonymous reviews online. You can also follow up with your contacts after the sale to see if any problems cropped up with their used van or commercial vehicle a few days, weeks or even months down the line. Friends and family members will hopefully be more invested in trying to help you find the right commercial vehicle dealer for your needs. After all, they may find themselves being driven in your chosen used van or commercial vehicle one day. So, it is in their best interest to help you find the safest, reliable and efficient option out there.
Know the stats
Just as you would check out engine size, cab dimensions, payload, mileage, etc. on a used van, so you should familiarise yourself with the stats of your chosen commercial vehicle dealer. This could mean how many years it has been in business, official accounts filed online, directorship details, number and size of locations and rough numbers of vehicles bought and sold, if you can get hold of that information. It is generally a good sign if a commercial vehicle dealer has been in business for a long time. This shows stability and business acumen. The dealership will have had time to build up a reputation, get to know the market and its customer base and see off less reputable competition. Read up, too, on your rights as a consumer so that you can ensure that your commercial vehicle dealer is doing everything by the book.
Websites and online presence
Another way to assess the suitability of a commercial vehicle dealer is to follow its website for a while. This is especially helpful if they list used vehicles for sale online. You can see how often the stock changes, whether they regularly discount vehicles that are slow to sell and whether prices are in line with other comparable dealerships. Does the commercial vehicle dealer have an active online presence on social media? This can also give you clues as to how fast vehicles are sold. Photos posted online can also give you a good idea of the age and condition of the vehicles they have in stock. Check they have their official company details listed on their website, including genuine contact details (email and phone).
admin
Latest posts by admin (see all)
- Top Summer road trip destinations reachable only by truck in the UK - January 11, 2026
- Have you considered Nissan pick-up trucks for your next second-hand vehicle? - January 10, 2026
- How to find a reputable commercial vehicle dealer - December 15, 2025
