British Car Auctions (BCA) is offering the small enterprises that use vans, helpful advice on what to consider when buying their next vehicle.

Duncan Ward, general manager for commercial vehicle sales at BCA believes that informed decisions at the start of the process could be crucial in maximising resale values when the time comes to sell.

Mr Ward said: “A van is a working tool, so getting the right specification for the job is a given. But, equally, getting the right added extras will make any van more attractive to used buyers a few years down the line when it is time to sell.

“The auction buyer will seek out the best vehicle they can buy with the budget they’ve got – and if a van with two side-loading doors, a bulkhead and aircon is on offer that will be the one they bid for, if all the other vans available are basic models.

"Generally a better specification will make a van more desirable and saleable with higher-spec vehicles often sellingmore quickly, improving cash-flow for the seller. The key is, knowing which features are worth paying for when it comes to resale value.”

According to BCA, the best value extras for van buyers are interior ply-lining, airconditioning combined with a bulkhead and side-loading doors, which could increase potential value by £250 for two side-loading doors.

For more information visit www.bca.co.uk