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How to Buy a Light Commercial Vehicle for Your Business?

How to Buy a Light Commercial Vehicle for Your Business?

Looking for the right light commercial vehicle for your business? Learn how to choose the best van, compare costs, and avoid hidden expenses.

Whether you do most of your work on-site or rely on deliveries, chances are that your business would become much more efficient by having a reliable light commercial van (LCV) at your disposal.

But is it the right investment for you?

You’ll now learn all about budgeting for an LCV, the types of businesses that benefit from owning one, and key features to consider. That way, you’ll make an informed decision and move your business in the best direction.

Assess your business needs

Before you start browsing LCVs for businesses, you need to ask what your business really requires. The answer depends on your daily operations and the cargo you’re transporting.

In case you’re leaning towards getting a van, then you need to consider several factors because not all LCVs are built for the same purpose and there are several types of LCVs that you should be familiar with. Here’s what to think about:

What will you transport? The type of cargo determines the size and loading options of the van.
How much space do you need? Both the volume and the weight of the cargo are important.
Where will you be driving? If you’re handling city deliveries, you might need an electric LCV to enter Low Emission Zones.
How many passengers will there be? For transporting teams, a crew van would be better than a standard cargo van.

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options. However, there’s another crucial step to take before buying a specific model, and that’s examining your budget.

Budget

Buying the right LCV as a business isn’t just about the vehicle price—it’s also about the long-term costs that come with it.

Still, buying an LCV is often one of the most cost-effective investments a business can make. Let’s see what you need to know to make the best financial decision for your business.

► Upfront costs vs total cost of ownership

When budgeting for an LCV, remember that the purchasing price is just the beginning. A van that seems affordable upfront might end up costing more in the long run, while a slightly pricier option could save your business money over time.

That’s why it’s important to look at the total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO includes all expenses related to running the LCV while you own it, including:

Fuel costs: Some LCVs are more fuel-efficient than others.
Repairs: Older vehicles may need frequent repairs, while newer models often come with warranties.
Depreciation: New vans lose value faster, while well-maintained used vans can hold their resale price better.
Insurance and taxes: Emission standards, van size, and age can affect insurance and road taxes.
Compliance costs: If you operate in Low Emission Zones, you may need to pay extra fees to enter them.

A cheaper van may seem like a great deal, but high fuel use, frequent repairs, or low resale value can make it costly over time. On the other hand, a well-maintained used LCV with good fuel efficiency and a strong service history often saves more in the long run.

So, don’t forget to account for TCO, and you’ll make a smarter investment that benefits your business in the long run.

► Leasing or buying?

Your next choice is between leasing and buying an LCV.

Both options have pros and cons, but for most businesses, owning a used van is a smarter choice. Here’s how they compare:

Factor	Leasing	Buying
Upfront cost	Lower (monthly payments)	Higher one-time payment
Long-term cost	Higher (never own the van)	Lower (especially for used LCVs)
Flexibility	Limited by lease terms	Full control over the vehicle
Resale value	No resale value because you don’t own the LCV	Can sell later and recover costs

Essentially, if your business is highly visual and depends on maintaining a polished image, leasing new models every couple of months might be a good strategy. But for businesses looking for value, buying a used LCV is usually the better deal.

► New or used?

If you’ve decided to buy an LCV, you’ll have to choose between new and used. Again, there are pros and cons to both sides.

New LCVs come with warranties, the latest tech, and lower emissions, but they lose value quickly and cost more upfront.
Used LCVs offer lower purchase prices, slower depreciation, and more variety, but you should always check service history and mileage before buying.

For most businesses, a quality used van is the best balance of cost and reliability.

Best LCVs by business type in 2025

Need ideas for a specific LCV model for your business? Take a look at these popular options, see what makes them a good fit for different industries, and find one that meets your needs. We’ve also compiled this list of best used commercial vans in 2025, so you can find more choices there.

Delivery and logistics

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is perfect for city deliveries and last mile transportation as it offers quick access to cargo and is small enough to navigate tight city streets.

Its electric version, eSprinter, is a great option for businesses operating in Low Emission Zones or those looking to reduce fuel expenses.

Construction, HVAC, and utility services

If you’re looking for an LCV with a high payload capacity, Renault Master might be a good fit. This LCV is great for construction, HVAC, and utility services because it can handle up to 2,000 kg, making it ideal for transporting heavy tools and equipment.

Refrigerated goods

Fiat Doblo Cargo comes in several versions, one of which is especially practical for businesses needing temperature control in a small, maneuverable vehicle.

So, if you work with food, pharmaceuticals, or perishable goods, this van might be a practical choice.

Passenger transport

If you need both cargo space and passenger seating, you should consider the Renault Kangoo crew van. This compact LCV lets you retain cargo space while comfortably transporting up to five passengers, and it also has sliding doors for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. Essentially, if you don’t want to choose between transporting people and carrying cargo, Kangoo is a good option.

Emission standards and CO2 restrictions

You’ve found a van that fits your business needs and budget? That’s great! There’s only one more thing to check before buying—whether it meets emission regulations in your area.

Buying a vehicle that doesn’t comply with local CO₂ limits or Low Emission Zone rules could mean higher taxes, daily charges, or even prevent you from accessing key locations, so let’s go over what you need to check before making a purchase.

CO2 limits in Europe

Many European countries apply CO₂-based vehicle taxes, meaning your van’s emissions could directly impact registration fees, road tax, or fuel costs.

Emission standards have tightened significantly over the years, and Euro 6 has become the standard for new diesel and petrol vans.

European emission standards progression

So, when buying a used van, checking its Euro standard can help you avoid unexpected costs. If you're looking at a Euro 5 or older LCV, research local tax rates because what seems like a good deal upfront might lead to higher expenses in the long run.

Low Emission Zones

Another key factor to consider is whether your van will be allowed in Low Emission Zones (LEZs), which are becoming more common across Europe. These zones restrict or charge older, higher-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution, and they’re generally set in major cities.

You can check LEZs in your area online

For instance, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many other European countries all have established LEZs. Because of that, a Euro 6 diesel or an electric van is the safest choice to avoid restrictions and fees if you’re operating near LEZs.

Euro 5 and older diesel vans may still be useful if you primarily operate outside of cities, but you may face charges if you ever need to enter an LEZ.

Buying used commercial vans with eCarsTrade - Step-by-step process

If you want a wide selection of used LCVs that you can browse and inspect online, eCarsTrade is the right place for you.

You can start your search by turning on the filter to only show vans.

Alternatively, you can look up specific models you’re interested in and check if any are on auction right now.

Once you’ve found a van that fits your needs, you can review detailed inspection reports, service history, and high-quality images to make an informed decision. If everything checks out, you can place a bid or buy instantly, depending on the auction type.

After winning the auction, you’ll receive a final invoice and payment instructions. Soon, your new van will be on the road, ready to support your business efficiently and reliably.

To summarize - Questions you need to ask:

► Should I buy or lease?

Leasing can work if you want lower upfront costs, but buying is usually a better option for businesses looking for long-term value, lower overall costs, and full control over the vehicle.

► New or used commercial vehicle?

A used LCV is often a better deal because of lower purchase prices and slower depreciation. New van prices may not always justify the investment.

► Hybrid, electric, or diesel vans?

The answer depends on your business needs. Generally, diesel vans are best for long distances and heavy loads. Electric vans work well for city driving and Low Emission Zones. Hybrids aren’t as common in LCVs and don’t always offer a big advantage over diesel or electric vans.

► Are there Low Emission Zones in my area?

Online resources like Urban Access Regulations in Europe let you check LEZ rules and precise areas so that you can stay compliant. Many local government websites also provide up-to-date emission requirements for commercial vehicles.