Why vans need checking carefully
Vans work hard. Many spend their lives loaded, doing short stop-start journeys or covering big motorway miles. That makes the history more important, not less. A van with a steady MOT record and readings that climb in a believable way is a much safer buy than one with gaps and recurring failures.
The free check covers any vehicle registered with the DVLA, so it works for vans, pick-ups and other light commercials. Vans need their first MOT three years after registration and then one every year, like cars. Look out for repeat advisories on brakes, suspension, tyres and corrosion. Our MOT history check explains the watch list.
The free check also flags an outstanding safety recall or a marked-for-export flag, and shows the date the latest logbook was issued, which tells you whether the van changed hands recently.
Mileage on a working vehicle
High mileage is normal for a van, and it is not a problem in itself if the van has been maintained. What you need to know is that the mileage is genuine. The report lists every MOT reading and flags any drop of more than 100 miles. Ask for the service records and check they line up with the MOT readings. A van that has covered big motorway miles can be in better shape than one that did short urban trips.
The average yearly mileage is compared with the UK average for cars of about 7,000 miles, so expect a working van to sit well above it. Look at the wear on the driver's seat, steering wheel and pedals, and at the load area for damage. A van with a battered load floor and a low claimed mileage needs an explanation.
Tax, clean air zones and the full check
The free check shows the tax status and due date. Our yearly tax estimate covers cars only, and vans have their own rates, which GOV.UK lists in its vehicle tax rate tables. Our clean air zone verdict uses the standards for cars too, and some zones that do not charge cars do charge vans, so check a van with GOV.UK's clean air zone checker before you rely on it.
The full history check works for most vans, as long as our data supplier holds a record. It adds outstanding finance, write-off, stolen and keeper checks. Vans are often bought on finance, so the finance check is worth running before you pay. See pricing for packs if you are comparing several.
Use the plate scanner to check vans on a forecourt or at the roadside quickly, then compare the free reports before you call the seller.