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Thinking about buying a secondhand van?
Page 68
Page 69
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Sleek little number, one careful owner? If you want a van bargain, check out the approved used van schemes. Better still, let us do it for you.
Normally independent dealers, private sales or fleet auctions are the best place to look for a bargain. But with major companies getting their fleet vans in on lease or contract hire, the second-hand market has been considerably bolstered.
This is supported by manufacturers offering warranty and roadside assistance schemes that are often as good as when buying new.
Here we look at a selection of manufacturers' approved used van schemes.
Citroen: Citroen Approved Used Cars
Citroen's Approved Used Car scheme has just been launched and, despite the car tag, it covers used vans as well.Vehicles are up to seven years old with a maximum of 75,000 miles on the clock. Driveline warranty is 12 months with unlimited mileage,or optional 24-month warranty with unlimited mileage for £299 (ex-VAT).
The scheme is available through its 155-plus franchised network and it includes a 'noquibble ' exchange within 30 days, and manufacturer-backed origin checking and mileage guarantee.
• Contact: 0870 606 9000; www.citroen.co.uk
Ford Motor Company: Ford Direct Commercial Vehicles
Ford is the premier van seller in the UK,so you'd expect its coverage packages for used vehicles to be as comprehensive as those for new. Ford Direct is a used car and van scheme available through 85 dealers in the UK which offers a basic driveline warranty up to five years/60.000 miles, as well options to extend beyond.
Mechanical and electrical cover is available on the five-year deal as well as RAC membership. Options include a three-test MOT insurance, and a three-year tyre and key insurance scheme. In the first eight months of 2003,Ford sold 1,100 units through Ford Direct.
• Contact: www.ford.co.uk
Iveco Trucks: Iveco Used Plus
The European-wide Used Vehicle Business Unit includes the whole range from the Daily van up to the heavies. Each van goes through a Freight Transport Association independent pre-sale inspection, and gets a standard 12 month driveline warranty.This covers engine, axle, propshafts,turbocharger, gearbox, air suspension, cooling system, and casings.
There are three dedicated UsedTruck Centres (UTC) based in Middlewich,Birmingham,andWestThurrock, which are supported by 100 Iveco dealers nationwide.
• Contact 0800005588; www.iveco.com
LDV: Approved Used Vehicles
One of the most consistent van manufacturers is LD'V. which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Its Approved Used Vehicles programme covers the full range of panel vans and chassis cabs with Luton,tipper and dropside bodies.
Every used example comes with 12 months' RAC mechanical breakdown cover and 12 months' VANaid roadside recovery.There are further options to extend this to another 12 or 24 months. About 90 dealers around the UK offer the Approved Used scheme.
'Contact 0800400407; www.ldv.co.uk
Mercedes-Benz: Approved Used Vehicles
It's the same deal for trucks as it is for vans with Mercedes-BenzApproved Used Vehicles. Each van gets a 160-point check,followed by a minimum six months' mechanical breakdown insurance, which can be extended. The policy includes driveline,clutch,gearbox, driven axle(s), electrics, brakes, fuel system and air suspension.Additionally, any customer who suffers a breakdown gets a contribution towards recovery to the nearest dealer. M-B's website is currently under construction. Peugeot: Lion Used Cars Peugeot has grouped its approved used vans with its used car program where the warranty on vans is 12 months on all components, including wear and tear on the first 3,000 miles.There are 40 Peugeot dealers that handle vans as well as the 350-strong car network, which will also help with used van enquires.
la Contact www.pcugcot.co.uk
Renault: Renault To Go
The approved used vehicle scheme for Renault is available in most of the 160 UK dealerships. Customers can reserve vehicles for 24 hours with no commitment, and each model comes with two years' warranty. Customers can register their details and vehicle requirements with the dealer so they can select the vehicle of their choice.
• Contact www.renault.co.uk
Vauxhall: Network Q
Network Q handles the Vauxhall used vans scheme and any age of van is available, as long as it qualifies after a stringent 114-point check and passes the background checks from DVLA. Each van bought through the 100-strong dealer set-up gets a six-month driveline warranty that can be extended up to two years, as well as Network Q's Assistance scheme from the AA.The customer can get a replacement or their money back within 30 days if any problems arise.
• Contact: wwvv.valudiall.co.uk
Volkswagen: Assured Used Commercial Vehicles
Following a multi-point check, each Volkswagen van gets a comprehensive re-conditioning programme which includes a full-load test. Checks through DVLA will highlight any mileage, validation and identity issues and finance checks will be run to see if any money is outstanding on the vehicles.The Assured scheme is available through 46 dealers. There is a 12-month full warranty with unlimited mileage, with the option to extend for a further year.
• Contact: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk