subject: Vans For Sale Avoiding A Defective Automobile [print this page] So you're in the market for a new (used) van, but you aren't a mechanic and you don't know what to look for to make sure you aren't buying a dodgy van. Don't feel you're in a boat by yourself; many people haven't the foggiest of what to look for to ensure they get a good buy. There are probably many vans for sale in your local area, but the key is to know which ones are the good ones and which ones to avoid.
A great place to start is to go to a local garage and develop a relationship with the owner or a mechanic. You should ask what they charge for a vehicle pre-inspection, how long it will take, and how much advance notice they will need. This way when you go to look at a van, you will know ahead of time what to expect and you can set up a time with the garage to take a look at the motor of your prospective van.
There are a few things you can look for yourself that don't necessarily require the knowledge of a mechanic. Before you take the time to go look at the van in person, ask the seller a few important questions. Ask for the mileage and the fuel economy. You should already know the make, model, and year so once you have the mileage and fuel economy answers you can check online to see if what the seller told you is typical for that make and model. If there is a huge discrepancy, you might want to scratch that seller off your list. They might be trying to pull a fast one.
Once you decide to go take a look in person at any of the vans for sale on your list, you should keep in mind the interior and exterior condition of the van. If they look as if they have been well cared for, chances are the motor was well cared for too. This is always a good sign. However, it could be that the seller paid to have someone 'detail' or professionally clean the van to prepare it to sell. Still take it to the garage before purchasing.
Another thing you can do is ask the seller if they are willing to sign paperwork stipulating that if you find something significantly wrong with the van (within say 30 days or so) you can return the van for a full refund. They might not be willing to do this, but if they are, it is a great sign that the van is not a lemon.
Whether you are searching for used or new vans for sale you should go to your favorite auto dealer and see what they have to offer. Most of the time, you can find both new and used vans. Dealers will usually have some sort of policy on returns within a certain time frame on vehicles that have serious problems. It is still a good idea to take the van to the garage and have it inspected prior to purchase. If you do all of these things, chances are you will not buy a lemon the next time you purchase a van.
by: Roger Thurston
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