The Best Used Large Vans

As you might expect, the Sprinter is the kind of van to choose if you want a little extra class. In typical Mercedes fashion it’s got a well-made interior with lots of neat touches, including some of the very latest technology that the firm has to offer. There’s a large touchscreen in the middle and even a compact digital display in between the main dials ahead of the driver.

The Sprinter also has a glowing reputation for reliability, making this into a van that you can rely upon. When it comes to sizes and shapes, the Sprinter does well, too, with four lengths and three heights there to choose from – ensuring that there’s a Sprinter model to fit any type of job you could have in mind.

The Stellantis group has something of a monopoly in the van segment. It means that if you’re looking at the Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato or Vauxhall Movano, you’re actually checking out largely the same van with all three sharing the same platform and a number of engines. While there are some differences in design, it may all boil down to which is available at the right time – and the right price – for you.

It’s the Ducato which feels the most modern overall, but each one of these vans takes a more simple approach to in-van design. The Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall are available in four lengths and three heights, while the Fiat can only be specified in one of three lengths and three heights.

Iveco is one of the biggest names in the HGV world, creating hard-wearing trucks that can go the distance. But it also makes vans, with the Daily being one of the most robust options available today. It’s an impressively robust van with a maximum load weight of close to four tonnes – one of the largest about. But it’s also got plenty of technology on-board while certain models also benefit from standard-fit air suspension for level ride.

There are four lengths and three heights there to choose from on the Daily, too, while its range of turbocharged diesel engines provide assured performance no matter what you’re bringing along with you. A four-wheel-drive version is there for drivers who need extra traction, too.

You may not have heard of Maxus, but it is making some of the best-value vans available in the UK today. The Deliver 9 is its large panel van and though it may not have the badge prestige of others here, it counters with exceptional versatility and boatloads of features.

It also has an electric version which is a viable alternative for diesel-powered versions. However, if a regular-powered version is what you’re after then the Deliver 9 is a fine choice, though with just one body length – albeit two roof heights – it’s not quite as flexible in terms of sizes and shapes as others on this list.

The Transit is a superstar in the van world. It’s often what people will refer to when they say the word ‘van’, replacing it instead with ‘Transit’. A familiar sight on UK roads, it has been the go-to option for load-lugging drivers for decades and the latest version continues in that spirit. Available in a massive number of specifications it can be tailored to fit any type of job, with three lengths, two heights and an impressive seven load weights there to pick from.

There’s also an electric version in the E-Transit which does surprisingly well and does live up to this van’s name. However, even the regular version will meet your needs easily – and then some.

Another inter-company collaboration has seen the creation of both Nissan’s Interstar and the Renault Master on the same platform. The Interstar name replaces the old NV400 as the largest van in Nissan’s stable, while the Master has been a familiar sight in Renault’s line-up for a little while. Both offer acres of loading space, mind you, with a great number of load lengths and roof heights to choose from on both.

While both feel a little dated to drive they impress where things count, with diesel engines that provide more than enough punch to get you up to speed in good enough time. The forward cabin is also surprisingly spacious with a good number of pockets and bins to use.

Like the smaller Transporter, the Volkswagen Crafter has established a fine reputation for being dependable and easy to drive. Since they share a platform, you can get a similar experience from the MAN TGE, too, and while it may not come with the German brand’s badge prestige, it still makes for a very convincing option in this segment.

Both feel very ‘car-like’ to drive with easy-going controls and plenty of manoeuvrability that makes them a breeze to pilot in all sorts of areas. How do you pick between them? Well, that’s really down to personal preference – though MAN’s excellent aftersales setup (born through its experience as a truck brand) might be enough to swing it, particularly if you like to have a reliable mechanic nearby at all times.