Ive picked up a few decent jobs the last few weeks which helps replace other jobs that I've lost through normal shedding. Moving is the number 1 reason I lose jobs these days (with no guarantee the new owners will want my services)

Unless your planning on changing the van after 3 years and just keep paying the depreciation all the time. Then its absolute bonkers buying something to keep that looses up to 50% of its value after 3 years.

Theres not anymore risk in buying a fully serviced 3 year.old van with similar miles than the one youd have of you bought it brand new.

I wouldnt advise buying something to old or with very high mileage, but 3 to 4 years old with millege that represented that then aslong as its been serviced you really shouldn't have to much of a problem.

Main dealership services though. Not independant garage services.

Most people will.buy a new van because of reliability.

But thats not really the case. The newer vans euro 6 have a lot of issues with dpfs. Theres the wet belt issues with ford's the chain issues with the Peugeots etc. When a newer van goes wrong its having to deal with warranty and a dealer and if you are just outside that and your engine blows it can be 5 grand or whatever.

Even if an older van costs you more in replaced wear an tear items like suspension, brakes etc and maybe a clutch and a starter and bits here and there it will always work out better than the massive depreciation you pay on a new van.

If the new van depreciates 15k over 5 years (it will be more)  thats 3k a year that has to go wrong with the older van. Ive had about 10 or 15 vans and never had anything like that, you could replace the entire engine and gearbox every year for that and still beat the depreciation.

Depends though, I cant remember last time I went to a garage ive done clutches, injectors, cambelts and all the usual servicing stuff on my driveway. Only time I go to a garage is mot time.