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New commercial vehicles are losing popularity, but used ones remain sought after. Discover the three main reasons according to Auto Review.
Sales of new commercial vehicles have declined, but demand for used ones remains stable. According to an analysis by Auto Review, there are three key reasons for this trend.
First, the high purchase prices of new commercial vehicles play a role. Due to rising production costs and delivery times, entrepreneurs are more often choosing a young used van. Second, the supply of recent used vehicles is large, partly due to the return of vehicles from long-term lease contracts. Third, the technical differences between a new and a two-year-old commercial vehicle are small, making the used vehicle an attractive alternative.
The popularity of used commercial vehicles seems set to continue as long as prices of new models remain high and delivery times long. This offers opportunities for used-vehicle specialists and entrepreneurs looking to save costs.
Demand for second-hand commercial vehicles remains high, even as sales of new ones decline. This is not only due to the lower purchase price. Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals are increasingly discovering that a used vehicle is a smarter choice on several fronts. These are the four main advantages driving the market.
A new commercial vehicle loses a significant part of its value as soon as it leaves the showroom. With a used vehicle, that initial sharp depreciation is already behind you. If you want a full-fledged van, a model that is two to three years old often saves you 30 to 40 percent off the original new price. That saves thousands of euros that you can invest in your business.
Delivery times for new commercial vehicles have increased sharply in recent years due to chip shortages and production problems. Sometimes you have to wait six months or longer. A used vehicle is usually ready for you within a day. If a contract unexpectedly expires or you quickly need an extra van, the used market offers an immediate solution.
Modern vans easily last hundreds of thousands of kilometers. The first users have already had any production flaws fixed, and the model has proven itself in practice. Experiences of other drivers, recalls, and reliability statistics are public. This way you know exactly what you are buying, without being the first to deal with a hidden defect.
Depreciation on a commercial vehicle is highest in the first three years. After that, the value decline levels off. If you buy a used vehicle that is four or five years old, the residual value remains relatively stable. This lowers monthly costs and makes the total cost over the period of use more predictable. Especially for high-mileage drivers, this advantage weighs heavily.
Valuation insight
Whether you want to trade in your current van or buy a used one: knowing the right value prevents costly mistakes. The market value of a commercial vehicle depends on a combination of measurable factors and current market demand.
Practical questions
The rules around company vans are changing. Especially the expansion of low-emission zones and the upcoming tax reform of 2026 affect the used vehicle market. Entrepreneurs who still buy a diesel van now must pay close attention to which Euro class they choose. A Euro 5 diesel is already banned in many cities, and Euro 6 may eventually be restricted as well. That makes such vehicles considerably less attractive on the second-hand market, causing prices to fall. At the same time, buyers who previously accepted an older, cheaper diesel are now looking for a younger Euro 6 or an electric variant, which drives up those prices. This shift partly explains the rising demand for neat, young used vehicles that can still serve for years in all zones.
From 2026, only a fully emission-free company van will remain fully tax deductible. For plug-in hybrids and diesels, the deduction percentage quickly drops to zero. Entrepreneurs who want to spread the transition are now trying to get an affordable used vehicle that will serve them for the next four to five years without zone restrictions and with a reasonable deduction. This combination of stricter regulations and rising new prices makes the used vehicle market not only more popular, but also more competitive. Anyone looking for a suitable van would do well not to wait too long.
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