We know a thing or two about vans, we must admit. And we are all too familiar with the debate over buying a pre-registered van, or a brand new van.
When navigating the market for vans for personal or commercial use, you will come across the term pre-registered van, or pre-reg for short. Fully understanding what these are will allow you to make an informed choice when committing to that new vehicle purchase. Throughout the rest of this article we will explore exactly what is meant by pre-registered vans, as well as aiming to clarify whether one is for you!
What is a Pre-Registered Van?
Simply put, a pre-registered van for sale, is one that has already been registered directly to a dealership, such as Discount Van Sales. It could also be registered to a broker or a leasing company, it just must be that it hasn’t gone directly to a member of the public.
The term pre-registered vans for sale is commonly used among adverts and new sales packages. Essentially, they are vehicles that have been registered by the dealership before being sold to the final customer. Dealerships might pre-register vans to meet sales targets, taking advantage of manufacturer incentives. These vans are technically “used” as they have been registered to the dealership, but they are usually brand new with very few miles on the odometer. Essentially, when you buy a pre-registered van, you become the second owner on paper, even though the van is new in terms of condition and mileage.
What to Look Out for In Pre-Registered Vans For Sale
When exploring the market for pre-registered vans for sale, it’s crucial to consider several key factors to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.
- Mileage: Verify the van’s actual mileage to gauge how much it was used previously.
- Warranty: Check the remaining duration and coverage of the warranty for future security.
- Vehicle History: Ensure the van hasn’t been involved in any incidents or used in a way that could impact its condition.
- Model and Specifications: Make sure the van’s model, trim, and features align with your specific requirements.
- Price Comparison: Compare the cost with brand-new models to ensure the savings are significant enough to warrant a pre-registered purchase.
Benefits of Buying a Pre-Registered Van
There are many advantages to buying a pre-registered van for sale. In fact, pre-reg vans are actually a very attractive prospect, being essentially brand new, they manage to offer all the benefits of a new vehicle, but also provide the following:
- Cost Saving: pre-registered vans often come at a reduced cost, they tend to be good as new, but sold for less than the listed price. All because they might have been listed months or even just weeks prior.
- Immediate Availability: Unlike ordering a new van, which might require waiting for it to be manufactured and shipped, pre-registered vans are immediately available. This is ideal if you need a vehicle quickly and can’t afford to wait.
- Dealership Warranty: Since pre-registered vans for sale are almost new, the majority of the dealership warranty still applies. This provides peace of mind, knowing that any manufacturing defects will be covered for a significant period after purchase.
- Avoid Initial Depreciation: New vehicles typically depreciate the most during the first year, or even as soon as they drive off the forecourt. By purchasing a pre-registered van, you avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve, which means the van retains more of its value relative to what you paid.
- High Specification Models: Dealers can pre-register vans that are higher in specifications to make them more attractive to potential buyers. This means you could get a van with better features, add-ons, and trim levels at a lower price than a base model that is brand new.
The selection of pre-registered vans for sale is diverse, with many well-appointed options to choose from. It’s important to note, however, that these vans typically consist of the most sought-after models and trims.
Disadvantages of Buying a Pre-Registered Van
Buying a pre-registered van offers several benefits, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Second Owner Status: Even though the van is nearly new, you will be the second registered owner, which may affect its resale value.
- Limited Choice: Your options may be restricted to the models, colors, and specifications that the dealership has pre-registered, limiting personalisation.
- Mileage Concerns: While typically low, the mileage on a pre-registered van might be higher than a brand-new vehicle due to dealership use.
- Warranty Usage: A portion of the manufacturer’s warranty may have already elapsed, reducing the period during which you’re covered.
- Potential for Minor Wear: Pre-registered vans may have minor wear and tear from test drives or moving around the dealership lot.
Weighing these disadvantages against the potential benefits is crucial when deciding whether a pre-registered van is the right choice for your needs.
Top 4 Pre-Registered Vans For Sale
Ford Transit Custom: Best Selling Pre-Registered Van for Sale
The Ford Transit Custom stands out for its amazing features such as ample load space, heated seats and quick to warm up windscreen. All of these factors work together to ensure this pre-reg van performs all year round at a high standard. Among its notable attributes are the ingeniously designed door mirrors equipped with a blind spot eliminator and integrated side indicators, ensuring enhanced safety and visibility during transit.
The van’s exterior is further complemented by daytime running lights and a multi-piece rear bumper, alongside power-foldable door mirrors housed in body colour, adding to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Citroen Dispatch: Affordable Pre-Registered Van
The new Citroen Dispatch Driver Edition stands out, offering not just an impressive array of specifications and features but also an attractive price point that offers great value. This model is the ideal blend of workhorse and weekend vehicle, making it perfect for those who need a van that serves dual purposes.
This particular Dispatch Driver Edition is designed with a focus on practicality and comfort, albeit with a few specific omissions such as front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and the Head-Up Display. For the diesel variants, additional features like the electric parking brake, adaptive cruise control, collision alert, Active Safety Brake, and the Citroen Connect Box with Emergency & Assistance System will not be included. While most models feature a high-quality finish, it’s worth noting that some may come with a plastic steering wheel instead of leather.
Citroen Berlingo – Best Pre-Registered Van for a Tradesman
The Citroen Berlingo Enterprise Edition is an ideal van for any tradesman, perfectly suited for city commutes with its dimensions of 4,403mm in length and 2,107mm in width. It’s packed with features that make it a standout choice for those in need of a reliable van. With an 8″ color touchscreen display, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and standard cruise control, the Berlingo combines comfort with practicality.
Key amenities include air conditioning, remote temperature pre-conditioning, a tire pressure monitor, and the Citroen Connect Box for emergency assistance. Safety and convenience are prioritized with features like a multi-function trip computer, electric front windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, full bulkhead, remote central locking, and Electronic Stability Control with ABS. Additionally, the van offers 180-degree opening rear doors, height-adjustable halogen headlights with DRLs, and a side sliding door for easy access.
The interior boasts hard-wearing Curitiba cloth upholstery, ample storage, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, rounding off its comprehensive package.
Peugeot Boxer: Business Pre-Registered Van for Sale
The Peugeot Boxer is engineered for businesses on the go, featuring a cockpit designed for optimal comfort. Key highlights include a 5″ color touchscreen, Bluetooth, cruise control, and built-in sat nav, all aimed at enhancing the driving experience.
For professionals in need of significant cargo space, the L3 H2 variant of the Boxer is ideal, offering a floor length of 3,705mm and a maximum load height of 1,932mm. Safety is paramount in the new Boxer, underscored by a sturdy steel bulkhead that isolates the cabin from the cargo area, safeguarding passengers from shifting loads.
Ready to Buy a Pre-Reg van?
Essentially, the advantages of buying a pre-registered van for sale far out weigh the negatives associated with them. Don’t hesitate to reach out and enquire about any of our pre-registered vans for sale. Our team at Discount Van Sales is here to provide you with expert advice, competitive deals, and a smooth purchasing experience.