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Where to Shop for the Best Deal on a Van?

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Whether you're looking for a van to put to work (e.g. to carry your cargo or tools) or you're looking to convert one to live in, there are a number of things you might want to look for. A good amount of space, fuel-efficiency and comfortable seating while you drive may be some of the most important. It's also a good idea to look at the cost of replacement parts; some brands are more expensive to repair than others, and it's important to know what you're getting into if you're getting a van for the long term. You can do all of this research online, of course, but you can also make a purchase online too. Here are some of the most popular websites to shop for the best deal on a van.

eBay Motors

One of the most popular sites to buy vans online is eBay. A couple of words to the wise, though: Keep a list of must-ask questions handy. Not every seller will disclose everything you need to know in the listing. It's also a good idea to look at completed listings of the same make and model before getting too attached. Seeing what price others have gone for, as well as what didn't sell, can be extremely useful. You can do this using the advanced search feature.

Autotrader

Another popular mainstay when it comes to buying vans online is Autotrader. You might find it a little more expensive than other sites, though, because of the fees sellers have to pay to make a listing. But you might find it substantially cheaper. It's a popular site, and sellers are often happy to pay the fee if it means so many people see their listing. Why is it so popular? It might have something to do with its highly accessible interface.

Vroom

Vroom specializes exclusively in selling used cars. But we're not talking worn-out old bangers here. Many have just a few hundred miles on the clock. The real selling point of Vroom, though, is the service. After you've found a van and made a purchase, they handle everything else--from paperwork to delivery (in the lower 48). If you're unhappy with your purchase, or you just want to test drive, you get one week, or up to 250 miles, to change your mind. Vroom also gives buyers a quote on trading in an existing vehicle, and they'll even pick this up when they make delivery of your new one.

Craigslist

Craigslist hasn't got the best reputation when it comes to buying and selling online. But it's still a great place to find good deals on vans. It's especially attractive to sellers because listings are usually free. so you can expect to find a wide range of listings from an equally wide range of sellers--many of whom will be highly motivated to sell. There are no extra fees for adding images, so listings may be more thorough too. If you're turned off by Craigslist no-frills interface, you might like to try AutoTempest, which aggregates vehicle ads from the site.

TrueCar

Maybe you don't feel like hunting down a van yourself. Maybe you want someone to find one for you. TrueCar is, primarily, a price comparison site--or more specifically a tool for getting an idea of what you should pay. Simply search for the make and model of van that you're after and TrueCar will return reams of recent transactions for an average sale price. Often, the price is $2,000 or so under the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). But TrueCar is more than that. Once you've signed up and searched for the van you want, dealers will actually call you to discuss it.