It pays to ask an expert...
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Webwatch finds out what to look for in a used van at Used Van Expert.
Words: James Clark Company: Used Van Expert Address: www.usedvanexpert.co.uk It's a bit of a departure for Webwatch this week you won't find any vehicles for sale on Used Van Expert, but you will find information designed to help you make the right purchase.
For example, contained on Used
Van Expert are 'fault guides' for various Uta(2120pert models, which will dissuade you from buying a turkey, and the 'price guides' will stop you being ripped off.
That said, the Used Van Expert website isn't the prettiest to look at, but don't let that put you off.
One of the main niggles we have is that the majority of the information on this website is accessible only if you sign up for an account.
To do this, click on 'Register' in the horizontal navigation bar. One saving grace is that the process is free and fairly quick, and, once complete, you will be able to view reports for up to 10 vans. (Once you have used all your credits, you must email the website to request more.)
Product search
After registering and signing in, use the yellow 'Find a Guide' tool at the top of the page to choose a make and model from the drop-down menus.
The fault guide will list common faults or wear items for that model; how to spot them; and what to do if they are present.
As an example, for a Ford Transit, the guide advises you to "start the engine with the bonnet open and listen for a rattle from the top of the engine". If you do hear a rattle, that might suggest the timing chain may need to be replaced" your only real option here is to have the engine professionally inspected.
All of the guides are well illustrated and well laid out, with plenty of colour photographs.
The other main feature of the site is the 'Van Price Guide', again accessible from the menu at the top of the homepage.
Select a make, model and engine size, and if you like enter further information, such as the year and the number of doors. The website will then give you an average mileage and price for a van that best matches your requirements and/or description.
Used Van Expert will even indicate how confident it is in its own figures presumably this depends on how many relevant vans it has found for sale.
Yet another useful feature on this site allows you to tap in your postcode, which will then adjust the price depending on regional variations.
In addition to the features already mentioned, you can find free information on topics such as 'how to haggle and win' and 'how to sell your van quickly in three easy steps'. Again, you must register and log in to access these pages. Used Van Expert also has a sister website, Used Car Expert, which works along much the same lines. Log on to www.usedcarexpert.co.uk