Thousands of companies rely on vans to carry out their daily business, from delivery companies to plumbers, local handymen to mobile caterers and even dog grooming salons!
But vans don’t just serve commercial purposes anymore. In recent years, there has been a growing trend to convert vans (of all sizes) into campers with more and more people opting to live in a van for an inexpensive lifestyle or choosing to hire a (camper) van for breaks and getaways.
So, if you’re looking for a vehicle to repair, resell or convert, there will be no shortage of demand when it comes to vans.
Convenient, 100% online auctions. Access to our industry-leading auctions.
Here at Copart UK, we sell tens of thousands of vans every year through our industry-leading online used and salvage auctions. With demand consistently growing, you’ll often find over 600 items for sale at any given moment meaning that there is plenty for you to choose from.
All our auctions take place conveniently online, which means that you can bid with ease, regardless of where you are. Our vehicles are stored at one of our 15 nationwide locations, which means that you can select your preferred location prior to auction and only bid on the vans that are local to you.
View our locations here.
What types of Vans are available in our Auctions?
Panel Vans
Starting with the most popular type, the ‘panel van’ is your classic van. This is what most people might imagine when they hear the word ‘van’. It will usually consist of a front cabin with two or three seats (depending on the size), and a storage area that you can access by doors at the back or on the side.
This van comes in many shapes and usually around three different sizes; small, medium and large; each with the ability to hold a variety of weight.
Did you know? If you are looking to purchase a van with a max weight of 3,500KG (most small to medium panel vans), you will not need to acquire an additional licence. Find out more about light vehicle licensing at GOV.UK.
Tipper Vans / Dropside Vans
Tipper and Dropside vans are very popular for commercial use. Ideal for carrying large building equipment and garden materials, these styles of vans provide a flat loading area which is open on top.
On tipper vans, the loading area will raise at the front providing a convenient angle to load and unload tricky equipment. Dropside vans on the other hand, have a loading area in which the side and back panels fold down, allowing you to easily put equipment on before fastening the side panels back into position.
Car-Derived Vans
The car-derived van style is ideal for those wanting the practicality of a van during work hours, but also a small vehicle that they can use outside of work. Designed to weigh no more than 2 tonnes when loaded, the car-derived van is great for those looking to transport items of light to medium weight. From the outside, this style of van looks similar to that of a standard car, but it’s on the inside that the changes are really noticeable, often featuring no rear seats, no side windows and a loading area with a suitable base.
Pick-Up Trucks (a popular van alternative)
Years ago, the American pick-up truck was mostly used in the UK as a farming vehicle due to its storage and off-road capabilities. But more recently, the surge towards larger family vehicles has seen the pick-up gain popularity. These vehicles are a great choice for those looking to transport equipment, either on road or off-road, without compromising on any of the comfort, space and functionality of a family-sized SUV.
Another benefit of the pick-up truck is the tax benefits for company car users. If the truck’s cargo is above the 1,000kg limit (which most pick-up trucks are) it will be classed as a light commercial vehicle and taxed accordingly which could save you money. Find out more about Pick Up tax benefits at CarBuyer.
You’ll also find the following (and more) at Copart auction:
- - Box vans
- - Insulated vans/refrigerated vans
- - MPV’s
- - And many more!
Take a look at the types of Commercial Vans available:
Salvage Damage Categories of Vans
Category A – These vehicles have been deemed unsuitable beyond the point of repair and must be crushed in their entirety. CAT A vans are NOT sold at Copart.
Category B – A CAT B van cannot return to the road in its entirety. However, parts can be salvaged and used to repair other vehicles that can return to the road. Category B’s are known to be great-value!
To buy Category B vans, you must hold the appropriate licences. More information can be found on our buying CAT B page.
No licences? Our BreakerBid4U service is a great solution, allowing you to bid and break CAT B vans for the used van parts that you need.
Category N - Repairable Non-Structural – A van that has not sustained damage to the structural frame or chassis and the insurer/self-insured owner has decided not to repair the vehicle.
Category S - Repairable Structural – A van that has sustained damage to any part of the structural frame or chassis, and the insurer/self-insured owner has decided not to repair the vehicle.
Salvage C & D Categories
On 1st October 2017, the Code of Practice for the Categorisation of Motor Vehicle Salvage changed and salvage categories C and D we’re replaced by S and N. This change was made to give you a better indication as to why the vehicle has been written off; i.e. whether it was cosmetic, light damage or structural damage. Whilst vehicles are no longer classed as C and D salvage, you will still see these in circulation.
Category C - Repairable Salvage – The estimated full cost of necessary repair for known damage at current prevailing rates and prices exceeds the market valuation as defined by the insurer/owner at the incident date.
Category D - Repairable Salvage – The estimated full cost of necessary repair for known damage at current prevailing rates and prices is less than the market valuation as defined by the insurer/owner at the incident date.
Find out more on ABI salvage vehicle categories.
Used Categories of Vans
Category U – A Category U van has not been categorised as a write-off. This can mean that the vehicle has little to no damage, usually needing minimal work to return to the road.
Category X – Stolen/Recovered Minimal Damage – A CAT X van has been stolen from its previous owner. After the theft, there will be a waiting period to see if the car will be recovered. If the car is not recovered during this time, the past owner will already receive insurance compensation and the insurance company will sell the vehicle to a specialist vehicle re-marketer (such as Copart). These vehicles have often sustained little to no damage.
Useful Information
Who should buy a van from Copart auction?
Providing that you agree to the Trade Terms and Conditions on our website, anyone can bid on a Used or Salvage vehicle at auction.
If you have previous accident damage repair experience, a salvage category S, N, C or D might be more suited towards your particular skillset. You will often find these categories are cheaper than Used categories.
Alternatively, if you have only had light or no repair experience, a CAT U or X vehicle might be a beneficial option for you. Please ensure that you read the full description provided on the Copart website, and conduct your own research before buying a van at auction.
Why buy vans at auction?
Cost saving - Online used and salvage auctions give you the chance to win a van at auction, for just a fraction of the cost that you might pay for it elsewhere. Just remember that auction fees will be applied to the bid price of the vehicle.
A multitude of choice - With hundreds of commercial vans heading to auction at any given moment, you’ll be spoilt for choice! From minimum damage pre-owned vans to accident damage – salvage vans, there’s plenty available to suit every kind of buyer.
Convenience – Bidding in online auctions gives you the convenience to fit buying a van around your busy schedule. You can complete your research online, bid from wherever you are and you have the option to buy multiple vans in one go. Simple!
How to buy a van at online auction?
Register as a Copart Member to bid on commercial vans at online auction. Once you have completed the online form, you will need to pay your Membership fee and provide your supporting documents.
Register Now
Read more information on documents required to activate your Membership.
Once your Membership is activated, you can place preliminary bids for an early chance or securing your chosen vehicles, and you can join our exciting live auctions at 12 PM every weekday for a chance to walk away with a win.
What extra checks can be completed?
Our buyer checklist will provide you with a helpful online tick sheet for you to complete. View the checklist now.
In addition, we’ve partnered exclusively with vehicle data company Autogenetix to provide you with a 62-point check of your desired vehicle for just £5.95 per vehicle. Find out more about vehicle data checks.
Where can I get van parts?
If you’ve bought a damage repairable van and require parts to complete the repair. Look no further than Copart.co.uk!
We sell thousands of Category B breaker vehicles which are perfect if you are sourcing a number of parts from one vehicle, to repair a similar vehicle. Find out more about CAT B buying.
Alternatively, our BreakerBid4U service gives you the opportunity to submit your bid on CAT B vans without the licences you would usually need. If you win, we’ll arrange for you to attend a breaking session at one of 6 locations, to dismantle the vehicle of all bolted parts that you need, including the engine, gearbox and rear-axle.
Do Copart sell vans with no VAT?
Yes, some of our vans will have VAT applied to the sale, whereas others will not.
To see whether VAT will be added to the final sale price, you will need to look at individual Lot pages (image below).
How to get started?
To start bidding on used and damaged vans at auction, register as a Copart Member now.
Already a Member? Search our Commercial Van stock and submit you next bid!
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References - Chris Haining. (2018). Double-cab pickup tax benefits explained. Available: https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/tips-and-advice/165065/double-cab-pickup-tax-benefits-explained. Last accessed 12/02/2019.