WHITE vans are known as the kings of the road. What’s better than driving high up in a van, carrying a load of tools and gear?
Commercial vehicles can often have a hard life, so a low upfront price could help you more in the long run.
If you’re using the van for your trade or business, breakdowns can cost more than repair costs – they can affect your reputation, too.
When buying a used van, you should forget style and focus on the essentials: reliability, carrying capacity and performance.
It pays to do your research before searching for a used van, which is why the experts at Sun Motors have created this guide.
We’ll provide some tips on what to look for when buying a used van and pick some of our favourites for sale on Sun Motors.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but when buying a used van, here are some of the things you should consider:
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Commercial vehicles can rack up hundreds of thousands of miles, but be wary of super-high-mileage vehicles.
Commercial vehicles need more care and attention than passenger vehicles, as the higher mileage and hard nature of their service can put an extra strain on essential components like the engine, brakes, suspension and more.
If you can, buy a van with a complete service history and one supported by an independent assessment of its condition.
Used vans will naturally take a few bumps and scrapes now and again, but significant damage can tell you a lot about how the van has been treated.
Check panels and doors line up, and check online to see if the van has previously been involved in an accident.
READ MORE BUYING A USED CAR
Lots of miles on the road can wear out the internals of any vehicle. Check the seats, steering wheel and gear stick for damage.
These are often great signs of how a van has been used and cared for.
Ask the dealer what the van was used for, and stay away from former hire vehicles or those that have had a hard life.
With all this in mind, it’s time to start looking at some of the best used van bargains for sale today in the UK.
Buying a used vehicle? Find vans for under £200 on Sun Motors here.
Who wants to worry about gears when you’re carrying a load of gear? One of our favourite automatic vans is the Mercedez Benz Vito.
Model: Mercedes-Benz Vito
It’s a similar size to the VW Transporter but without the premium price tag.
You can find used automatic Vito vans for under £10,000. Our favourite is this low-mileage example. With just 6,000 on the clock, it’s barely broken in.
While automatic vans are less popular than manual ones, they’re out there. Some of our other favourites include the Ford Transit and the stylish and quirky Citroen Berlingo.
Electric vans are a great option for city-based drivers who want a low-emission alternative to dirty diesel.
Model: Volkswagen Transporter
The VW Transporter e110 is a great option that comes with all the confidence you get from buying one from one of the world’s most respected manufacturers.
We reckon electric vans are best suited to those who live in cities and aren’t carrying huge amounts of tools or trade items, as the extra weight can impact battery performance.
Other great used electric vans include the Renault Master E-Tech, Ford Transit E-Custom and Renault Kangoo E-Tech, says Whatcar.
The Ford Transit is the UK’s most popular van for a reason: it’s brilliant. You can choose from a basic white van for everyday driving to the Electric-powered E-Custom, Transit Connect or tricked-out Transit Custom.
Model: Ford Transit
We’re purists and prefer the classic Ford Transit 350. This 2022 Ford Transit 350 comes fitted with the reliable 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, pushing out an impressive amount of power, while delivering impressive efficiency.
It’s Euro6 compliant, so no worries about ULEZ or other congestion charges.
To be honest, as long as it’s been well cared for and maintained, you can’t go far wrong with any Ford Transit.
ULEZ and other congestion charges are the enemy of commercial traders who worry about getting hit every time they drive in to London (or Bristol, Bath, Birmingham or anywhere else with a clean air zone scheme in place.)
Model: Peugeot e-Partner
All the vans listed here are Euro6 compliant, meaning no charges for driving or parking in the ULEZ zone or any other congestion charging zone.
Our favourite ULEZ-compliant van? All of them! Before buying a used van, you can check whether it’s compliant or not by checking here. (Use this page for all the other UK congestion zones.)
Doing your research before shopping can save you some serious cash. Be aware that regulations can – and probably will – change and that there are no guarantees.
The EU has recently approved the Euro 7 Standard, which will likely come to the UK, too. The reality is that in the future, the only compliant vehicles will probably be EVs.
You may think that the Ford van range begins and ends with the Transit, but it doesn’t. For those who need a smaller van, the Ford Fiesta van is a firm favourite of ours.
Whatcar? loved the driveability, performance and fuel economy of the Fiesta van, and we do too.
It’s a small van that’s perfect for city drivers who need a reliable and convenient van for short trips with small loads.
The Renault Master is an old boy but remains a reliable and affordable workhorse, says car guide Parkers.
Model: Renault Master
At the heart of the recent Renault Masters is a bullet-proof diesel engine that’s Euro 6 compliant (meaning you won’t be charged to drive it in the ULEZ or any of the UK’s other congestion zones).
Despite having a similar carrying capacity to the Mercedez Benz Sprinter, the Renault Master is much cheaper. You can pick up a low-mileage used Renault Master for around £10,0000 (ex VAT) on Sun Motors.
The Renault Master is an ideal van for the cost-conscious buyer who wants a reliable van without worrying about any extras.
It’s pretty basic, but you should get over 200,000 miles out of the engines, says Vehicle Score.
Here, we answer some of the common questions buyers have about used vans, including when VAT is charged or not and our favourite used vans for sale.
If a van is advertised as ‘no VAT’ that can mean a couple of things. It may mean that no VAT needs to be added to the sale price, which means the sticker price you pay is the total cost.
In other cases, it may mean that VAT needs to be added to the sale price. Vans are often bought by commercial traders who are VAT-registered.
They can claim the additional 20% back in their VAT returns, which means they only really pay the ‘no VAT’ price.
As an example, the total sale price of a ‘no VAT’ van advertised at £10,000 would be £12,000 (£10,000 plus VAT at 20%). The VAT-registered buyer can claim the £2,000 back.
If you’re not a VAT-registered buyer, you’ll need to pay the full £12,000.
Our list above pretty much covers all bases when it comes to buying a used van. The choice depends on what you need a van for, the size, engine, age and a range of other factors.
Model: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Personally, we’re huge fans of tried and tested classics like the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Before we give you our choices, you’ll need to define what a large van is? We’re going to assume you’re talking about the type of van you can drive on a full B-category car licence.
If you qualified after 1997, you can legally drive any van weighing up to 3500kg (3.5 tonnes) gross vehicle weight (GVW). These are often called long wheel-base vans.
So, what’s our choice of large van? Again, if you need a traditional van, we’re huge fans of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
There are loads of other options, says tradesperson’s bible Professional Builder. They recommend the Vauxhall Movano, Fiat Ducato and Renault Master.
When it comes to vans, there are bargains to be had – but you’ll need to do your research.
Instead of the cheapest van, if you’re using it for your living, think about the most reliable.
At the top of the tree you’ll find the Volkswagen Transporter, but more affordable vans like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Vito and Renault Traffic all perform well, says Autoexpress.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline over the next few weeks!
Former Prem star Jordan Henderson rips up Ajax contract and is released from his deal early.
Tottenham have ‘agreed’ a deal worth up to £55MILLION with West Ham for Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.
Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has been eyed by Spanish giants Villarreal, according to reports.
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Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below…
A YOUNG woman has claimed that she made £30,000 in just one month without leaving her house.
But that’s not all, as while Elizabeth, 23, had hoped to make an extra £1,000 more a month from her phone before starting her side hustle, she has since cashed in over £145,000 in just seven months – and no, it’s not OnlyFans.
Not only this, but the savvy content creator revealed that thanks to her side hustle, you’ll no longer have a boss and don’t need any qualifications.
Elizabeth, who previously left school with “barely any GCSEs” after being traumatised by bullies, took to social media to share more about how she generates an income, leaving many totally stunned.
The red-haired beauty, who didn’t go to university or college, acknowledged that seven months ago, she was “broke” and living “paycheck to paycheck.”
Not only did she “hate the 9 to 5”, but she was fed up with “constanting checking” her bank balance and Googling “how to make money online” on her lunch break.
As a result, Elizabeth decided to take matters into her own hands and change her life.
Desperate to earn cash, Elizabeth discovered digital products – any product that is created, distributed, and consumed in an electronic format.
Digital products refer to digital files that buyers can purchase and download instantly, such as printable art, digital planners, e-books, stock photos and more.
Elizabeth “took a chance” and “decided to go all in”, despite not having any “business experience” or “special skills.”
She acknowledged that she had “no idea” what she was doing, just a “deep feeling that there had to be another way” she could earn a living.
And now, Elizabeth is reaping the rewards, as it takes her just 30 minutes to create a digital product on Canva, which she can then sell on countless times for £67.
She said: “When I started, I had no idea what a digital product was, but a digital product is essentially anything that can be downloaded to a device, so an e-book, a guide, a planner, a template, an invitation, anything like that that gets downloaded to a device and sent to your email.
“I made over £30,000 last month from my phone with no experience, as someone as a total beginner.”
I built a simple digital product, created a system that sells it for me, and now my business runs – even when I take the day off
Elizabeth
She also claimed: “In total, over the past seven months, I’ve made over £145,000 – and I still work from home, on my own time, doing something I genuinely love.”
The determined woman then revealed: “I built a simple digital product, created a system that sells it for me, and now my business runs – even when I take the day off.”
She claimed that it “isn’t a fluke” and she isn’t “just lucky,” but now, selling digital products has “changed everything” for her.
Not only is she able to “live better” and able to have “slow mornings” with her family, but she’s also been able to pay for a flight for her twin sister to go to Thailand too.
And that’s not all, as well as not having a boss, Elizabeth now has the flexibility to do her side hustle from “anywhere in the world.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @digitalmarketinglib, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 96,100 views in just 24 hours.
I’m interested. Please can you send me information
TikTok user
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 1,792 likes, 1,667 comments and 1,060 saves.
Social media users were stunned by Elizabeth’s earnings and raced to the comments, desperate for more information.
MANY people feeling strapped for cash are boosting their bank balance with a side hustle.
The good news is, there are plenty of simple ways to earn some additional income – but you need to know the rules.
When you’re employed the company you work for takes the tax from your earnings and pays HMRC so you don’t have to.
But anyone earning extra cash, for example from selling things online or dog walking, may have to do it themselves.
Stephen Moor, head of employment at law firm Ashfords, said: “Caution should be taken if you’re earning an additional income, as this is likely to be taxable.
“The side hustle could be treated as taxable trading income, which can include providing services or selling products.”
You can make a gross income of up to £1,000 a year tax-free via the trading allowance, but over this and you’ll usually need to pay tax.
Stephen added: “You need to register for a self-assessment at HMRC to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax.
“The applicable tax bands and the amount of tax you need to pay will depend on your income.”
If you fail to file a tax return you could end up with a surprise bill from HMRC later on asking you to pay the tax you owe – plus extra fees on top.
One person said: “Tell me please.”
Another added: “Yes please I need more info.”
A third commented: “I’m interested. Please can you send me information.”
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JORDAN HENDERSON has had his Ajax contract terminated, the club has confirmed.
The Dutch giants released a statement on Thursday morning confirming the English midfielder had been released from his contract a year early.
It read: “Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax.
“The club has cooperated with the player’s request to terminate the current employment contract.
“The Englishman’s contract with Ajax ran until June 30, 2026, but now ends immediately.”
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A WOMAN has been left fuming after spotting her ‘nosy’ neighbour has installed a camera in their window which points into her garden.
She showed how the CCTV device has been placed inside their home, but it completely invades her privacy.
On her @666price account, she pleaded for advice, saying: “Is it illegal for someone to have a camera pointing into your garden invading your privacy?
“Nosey neighbours.”
Many people said the neighbour was in the wrong for putting the camera up.
One said: “This is not legal in most countries. Communicate with neighbor on how this is illegal and if that doesn’t work file formal complaints.”
Another added: “it is invasion of privacy. informed council and the went to the housè and made them move it to just there own gate.”
But some people disagreed, with one writing: “It’s not illegal and that camera is prob looking in their garden.”
Someone also claimed it was ironic for her to be complaining about the issue by filming her own video of the neighbour’s house.
They wrote: “As they zoom in using a camera to a bedroom window and post online. Can’t make it up.”
It’s typically not illegal for a neighbour’s security camera to capture images beyond their property boundary, but it can be intrusive and raise privacy concerns.
If your CCTV footage captures images beyond your property boundary then you are subject to the data protection laws.
Legal experts say you will be regulated under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act.
You may be familiar with this when it comes to websites storing your data or companies sending you emails.
Joanne Ellis, a partner at Warrington-based solicitor Stephensons, said if CCTV being captured falls outside of a homeowner’s property boundaries, the person capturing the CCTV becomes a data controller.
This creates a set of responsibilities for the CCTV owner.
The person captured has a right to be told a CCTV system is being used and what information is being recorded.
Ellis said a subject access request can be made if a neighbour refuses to do this.
She said: “You can ask for the footage captured of you to be deleted – but it can be refused if there is a legitimate reason to keep it such as it captures a burglar.
“Any third parties that the CCTV is disclosed to, such as police and insurers, are also obliged to process the footage in accordance with the rules.”
Ellis said that a neighbour can request they are not captured on CCTV, but this might not be granted if the filming complies with regulations.
The CCTV owner must also process data in a lawful and transparent manner and only for specified and legitimate purposes.
Ellis said: “In a domestic context, this is usually to deter or record burglaries or theft.
“If the CCTV footage for example covers a potential entrance or exit and is not too intrusive for the neighbour the use is likely to be considered legitimate.”
As always with disputes, Ellis said, the best course of action is to speak with the neighbour, voice your concerns and try to reach agreement.
If that fails it may be worth taking legal advice, but this can be pricey.
CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden:
1. Fencing
2. Hedges and Plants
3. Outdoor Curtains
4. Sound Barriers
HOUTHI rebels have sank two giant cargo ships within days and kidnapped crew members – despite Donald Trump’s recent blitz to thwart them.
The group released dramatic footage of the Greek-owned Eternity C sinking, which had been targeted with gunfire and explosive drones – killing at least four crew members.
Houthi rebels also sank bulk carrier Magic Seas in another hellish attack on Sunday.
The attack on the Eternity C, as well as the Magic Seas, represent a new level of violence unleashed by the Houthis after months of holding fire.
Eternity C was hammered by drone boats and cruise and ballistic missiles over a three-day period before dramatically sinking on Wednesday, the group said.
Four sailors were tragically killed, while six were found alive in the water and taken hostage.
A statement from the European Union naval mission in the Red Sea said 25 crew members were onboard Eternity C – including 22 sailors.
Among them were 21 Filipinos and one Russian, as well as a three-member security team.
Rescuers on Wednesday recovered five Filipinos and one Indian person.
One of the crew members lost their leg in the terrifying attack.
In shocking footage released by the group, a rebel can be appear to be heard on a VHF radio transmission offering those on board the ability to flee the sinking vessel.
But it wasn’t clear if any more crew fled – and what happened to them.
Other clips show dramatic explosions on board before the gargantuan vessel sinks within seconds.
In a post late Wednesday on the X, the US Embassy in Yemen said the rebels may have terrifyingly taken some of the crew.
“After killing their shipmates, sinking their ship and hampering rescue efforts, the Houthi terrorists have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C,” the embassy said.
It added: “We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release.”
The Houthis haven’t acknowledged taking any of the fleeing crew – and didn’t mention whether it had hostages.
But the rebels can take days at times before acknowledging attacks.
Trump’s forces had hammered Houthi positions across Yemen in his brutal “Operation Rough Rider” to stamp out attacks on ships in the Red Sea – a vital artery for global trade.
The US also looked to batter Iran’s influence over the last major militant group capable of hitting Israel.
In April, US forces carpet bombed the rebels at a Yemeni oil port, causing huge fireballs to erupt across the Ras Isa Oil Port.
At the time, the US military confirmed it had carried out over 800 airstrikes in just 44 days as part of Trump’s ferocious campaign, killing hundreds of Houthi terrorists and several senior commanders.
THE Houthi rebels have spent months terrorising the Red Sea by launching persistent missile and drone attacks on vessels and warships – but who are they?
The Shia militant group, which now controls large swaths of Yemen, spent over a decade being largely ignored by the world.
However, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, they sprung from relative obscurity to holding roughly £1trillion of world trade hostage – turning one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes into an active warzone.
Their warped battle cry is “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews and victory to Islam”.
Why are they attacking ships?
After the October 7 massacre, Houthis began launching relentless drone and missile attacks on any ships – including warships – they deem to be connected with Israel in solidarity with their ally, Hamas.
In reality, they targeted commercial vessels with little or no link to Israel – forcing global sea traffic to largely halt operations in the region and sending shipping prices around the world soaring.
The sea assaults added to the carnage in the Middle East tinderbox as intense ripples from Israel’s war in Gaza were felt across the region – with Iran accused of stoking the chaos.
The Houthi chiefs pledged their Red Sea attacks would continue until Israel stopped its offensive in Gaza.
The group’s chiefs have previously said their main targets are Israel, and its allies the US and Britain.
And despite repeated threats from the West and joint US and UK strikes blitzing their strongholds in Yemen – Iran’s terror proxy appears undeterred.
The UK and US have hit Houthi bases as recently as this month after the terror group once again targeted boats in the shipping lane.
Israel has also hammered the group with airstrikes, reportedly hitting oil storage tanks at the port in Al Hudaydah.
THE WORLD’S tallest hotel is opening in a popular holiday hotspot this year featuring 1,000 rooms and a rooftop infinity pool.
This architectural phenomenon offers a one-of-a-kind stay with stunning features and measures at 365m tall.
The flashy Ciel Tower in Dubai has a whopping 82 floors and 1,000 rooms, all offering floor to ceiling windows and luxurious interiors.
It will be home to what will be be the “world’s highest infinity pool” on its 76th floor too.
Head up to the 81st floor and you’ll find a 360 degree observation deck where guests can enjoy iconic views of the city.
The new luxury hotel will also have start-of-the-art gym facilities, lounges with incredible views and a dedicated kids pool.
On the 16th floor, the NEST Executive Lounge offers “quiet sophistication with skyline views”.
There’s no lack of options when it comes to dining either with 10 bars and restaurants spread across the hotel.
All rooms have floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows, capturing the vibrant city below and curated modern interiors.
Out of the hotel’s 1000 rooms, just under 150 will be suites offering the height of luxury in Dubai.
The Ciel Tower is located in Dubai Marina which means you can easily access the area’s restaurants and beaches.
It’s also a hub for watersports and a popular location for luxury yachts.
Property developer, The First Group, said: “Reaching a remarkable height of 365 metres, Ciel in Dubai Marina is a stunning development that will set a new benchmark as the world’s tallest hotel upon completion.
“Designed by award-winning London-based architect NORR Group, Ciel features a striking design, contemporary interiors and a remarkable glass observation deck, which will offer incredible 360-degree vistas across Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
“As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Vignette Collection, Ciel joins a family of one-of-a-kind properties in sought-after locations, where guests can indulge in stays that are authentic, experiential, and considerate.
“Designed for the next generation of luxury travellers, the Vignette Collection weaves responsibility, community, and locality into every aspect of the guest experience.”
The Ciel has also garnered international acclaim, receiving a range of hotel and architectural awards.
The record-breaking hotel is due to open to guests later this year.
The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards recently named Dubai as the third most popular holiday destination in the world.
The travel company said of the city: “Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment.
“Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks.
“If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.”
