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Finding the Best Used Van

Finding the Best Used Van

There are some situations in life that just seem to require a van. There’s something nice about getting all of the height and room of a larger SUV while still enjoying a driving experience that feels more relaxed and familiar. These vehicles are perfect for families, road trips, and many different kinds of jobs. No matter why you’ve decided that a van is the best vehicle for you, choosing a pre-owned van instead of a new one can help you save a lot of money when you buy your vehicle.

What To Look for in a Van

Once you’ve started looking into vans, you probably already have a pretty good idea of what sets these vehicles apart from other options. Still, not all vans are the same. Compare your options to make sure you’re getting the exact combination of reliability, size, value, and performance that fit your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions at the dealership as you weigh your options, and you can also find great information by searching online. We usually recommend thinking about all four of the following factors.

Reliability

Whether you’re using the van to transport your family or move a lot of gear, it’s especially important to know you can count on your vehicle. If you’re using your vehicle for work, it’s important to know that you can get yourself and all of your cargo where it needs to go. If you’re using your vehicle to transport your family, you’ll be a lot more comfortable knowing that you won’t get stuck on the side of the road with a full load of kids.

Size

By the time you’re on the lot inspecting different kinds of vans, you’ve already realized that size matters. Still, some vans are even larger than others. It’s also important to think about how you’ll use the space inside of your van. Is it more important to you that the rear seat is comfortable enough for adult passengers, or are you primarily concerned with storage options?

Value

Let’s face it; money is important when you’re buying a van. Our vehicles are some of the most expensive purchases we make in our entire lives, so it can help a lot when choosing one that offers an especially great value. One of the best ways to save money on a van is by getting a used one instead of a new one. By giving up the new car smell, you’re putting all of your money toward features and performance.

Maintenance Costs

You can continue saving money throughout the entire life of your vehicle if you choose the right one. Look into the cost of maintenance of some of the different used vans on the lot. You’ll learn which have better fuel efficiency, which are less expensive to insure and cost the least to maintain.

Understanding Your Needs for a Pre-Owned Van

Once you know which features to look for, think about how they’ll make a difference in your life. How will you use the van on a daily basis? Are there any particular features or capabilities you absolutely can’t live without?

Family Life

Most people who want to buy a used minivan are doing it for their families. In this case, seating and safety will be especially important. Do you have enough space for all of the kids, and will they be safe on the road?

Used Vans for Work

If you’re buying a used van for your job, other things might be more important. Do the seats fold down easily to provide extra storage? Is the van easy to drive while you’re making deliveries and rugged enough to handle all of your job sites?

Best Pre-Owned Vans for Travel

The minivan is the ultimate road trip vehicle. If this is what you have in mind, you’ll need plenty of space for your traveling companions as well as all of their gear. Consider buying a used minivan with an all-wheel drive if you plan on making excursions into the mountains or other snowy locations.

Where to Buy a Used Van

The best way to get a good deal on a used car is to be mindful of where you buy it. Choose a “buy here pay here” used car dealership with an excellent reputation and strong community ties. This will help you be more confident that they have your best interests at heart.

Best Pre-Owned Vans for Sale in Tucson, AZ

Here at Cactus Auto Sales, the $500 Down Payment Dealership, we’ve been serving Tucson residents and the surrounding areas for years. As an independent used car dealership, we offer used vans of all makes and models, with only $500 down and no credit check. Stop by today to explore our selection, and we’ll help you find the right fit for your family.