Diesel vans are still an extremely popular buy, particularly when you’re looking for a used van. While industry icons such as the Ford Transit are being offered as a plug-in hybrid van or a fully electric van, around 98% of the used Ford Transits for sale on heycar come with diesel power. Diesel vans come in all shapes and sizes, varying power outputs and with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. What’s more, the latest diesel engines are a lot cleaner and less harmful to the environment than you might think.
There’s three clear reasons why the vast majority of vans for sale are powered by diesel engines: pulling power, reliability and cost. These factors are of crucial importance to businesses big or small, particularly when heavy loads and long distances are involved. Used diesel vans use a good deal less fuel than pure petrol vans in regular driving - often by as much as 20% - and emit less CO2 as a result. Van users doing long distances love how a full tank of fuel in a used diesel van can get you well over 500 miles. Diesel engines are also considered more durable and reliable than alternatives, while the gutsy pulling power they deliver means that van drivers lugging heavy loads won’t struggle to keep up with traffic.
The aforementioned Ford Transit is a household name in the diesel van world and for good reason. Well over nine million Ford Transits have been sold globally since it first launched way back in 1965 and it’s been the backbone of many industries. There’s a huge number of Ford Transits for sale in different bodystyles including panel vans, minibuses, chassis cabs and even campervans, while all the latest models are surprisingly good fun to drive and well-equipped. The Volkswagen van range - the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter - are also well-loved by those that use them for being solid, comfortable and practical. Other vans we recommend include the popular Vauxhall Vivaro, classy Mercedes Vito and Sprinter and affordable Citroen Berlingo.
The most important thing to consider when you’re looking to buy or lease a diesel van is which emissions standard it meets. This is particularly important in cities, which are either banning or levying a charge on older diesel vehicles. The general rule is the newer the better, with less harmful emissions from the latest diesel vans. You’ll also want to make sure that the diesel vans for sale meet your work requirements - for example some are available with low-power engine variants that won’t stand up very well to being heavily loaded or having to tow equipment. As with any van, you’ll want to make sure the diesel van has been looked after and serviced regularly to ensure it still has a long life.
If a diesel van isn't quite right for you, we've also got 1000s of used vans for sale to suit all budgets.
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