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Last updated: 24 March 2026
This article was originally based on an AA Vehicle Inspections insight that's still a useful reminder for anyone buying used: vans can be more likely to show problems on dealer forecourts than other vehicle types.
What the AA Vehicle Inspections survey found (May 2016)
A May 2016 report based on AA Vehicle Inspections' dealer forecourt work said 40% of inspectors felt vans had the most problems during pre-sale inspections (compared with 24% for medium-sized cars and 12% for sports cars). It also reported that more than half of inspectors believed over a quarter of vehicles they checked had illegal or unsafe tyres, and that inspectors most often saw issues in vehicles with 100,000–149,000 miles.
Treat this as an indicator of what can go wrong in the used market — not a guarantee that every used van is "worse" than every car — and use it to guide what you check.
The used-van checks that matter most
If you rely on your van for work, the goal is to avoid buying problems that could mean downtime, repair bills, or an MOT failure.
1) Tyres: safety, legality, and hidden costs
For cars and light vans, the Highway Code states tyres MUST have at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the full circumference.
Also look for sidewall damage, uneven wear (tracking/suspension issues), and mismatched tyres across an axle.
2) Brakes, steering and suspension
- Listen for knocks/clunks on a test drive, especially over bumps and when turning.
- Check for vibration under braking.
- Look underneath for leaking shocks or broken springs.
3) Service history and workload clues
- Service records should make sense for the mileage and the type of work it's likely done.
- Heavy wear in the load area, doors and hinges can indicate hard use, even if the cab looks tidy.
4) Warning lights and electrics
- Make sure all dash warning lights illuminate at ignition (and then go out appropriately).
- Test doors/locking, windows, lights, sensors, and infotainment — electrical niggles can be expensive.
Where insurance fits in (and where it doesn't)
Motor insurance is a legal requirement to use a van on the road, but it generally isn't designed to pay for routine mechanical faults or wear-and-tear repairs.
For "stay on the road" protection, what usually helps is:
- A proper pre-purchase inspection
- A warranty (where offered, with clear terms/exclusions)
- Breakdown cover and a solid maintenance routine
Insurance becomes relevant when a fault contributes to an incident, or you suffer an insured event (collision, theft, vandalism, etc.) — but it's not a substitute for checking the vehicle's condition before you buy.
Sources
- Car Dealer Magazine — "AA Inspections reveal vans have the most faults on dealer forecourts" (31 May 2016).
- GOV.UK — Highway Code, Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance (legal minimum tread depth for cars and light vans: 1.6mm).
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
