These are the best panel vans to buy
Panel vans offer lots of space, versatility and low running costs. But which ones make the best second-hand buy?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 31 October 2025 | 1 min read
A panel van is the most popular type of van as they provide security, toughness, durability and space.
If you’re looking at the second-hand market, you will be spoilt for choice as there are loads of panel vans available through Cazoo - all for an affordable price.
Whether it’s equipped with a petrol or diesel engine, panel vans are designed to make your busy working life easier and more convenient while managing to be affordable to run.
We’ve compiled a list of the best panel vans on the second-hand market, so you can decide which one best suits your lifestyle.
Ford Transit Custom
One of the most popular choices among British buyers is the Ford Transit Custom.
The Custom is the smaller and sportier variant of the standard Transit and comes with a car-like interior design, as well as short and long-wheel-base body lengths.
To drive, the Custom feels a lot more stable than many other vans, thanks to its low centre of gravity and sharp handling.
Under the bonnet, the van comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine which is punchy and efficient, while it has a maximum payload of between 686kg and 1,459kg - depending on which variant you go for.
Second-hand prices start at around £14,995 (inc.VAT) for a two-year-old example that’s covered 30,000 miles.
Search for used Ford Transit Custom on Cazoo
Ford Transit
The standard Ford Transit is a simple, practical and versatile workhorse.
It comes with several different heights, lengths and body styles, while it’s powered by an efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
Just like the Custom, the standard model also has a car-like interior design with logically laid out controls and is easy to use.
In terms of payload, the standard Transit can carry items of up to 2,447kg, but this will vary depending on which body style you go for, while it can also tow up to 3,500kg.
Used prices start at around £15,000 (inc.VAT) for a three-year-old example that’s covered 22,000 miles.
Search for used Ford Transit on Cazoo
Mercedes Vito
The Mercedes Vito has been around for quite some time, although that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
The Vito not only comes with a premium badge, but it also has lots of creature comforts and has a well-screwed together cabin.
There is a choice of diesel engines, which are efficient, frugal and cheap to run, while all models are comfortable to travel in and are dependable workhorses.
All Vitos can carry a maximum of 978kg and can tow items that weigh 2,500kg, which is pretty impressive for a small van.
Second-hand prices come in at £17,995 (inc.VAT) for a 2022 model with 30,000 miles on the clock.
Search for used Mercedes Vito on Cazoo
Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic doesn’t do anything radical, yet it still is a strong contender on this list for many reasons.
It’s available with a choice of short and long-wheel-base versions and all vans come fitted with a frugal 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
Depending on which variant of body style you go for, the Trafic provides a maximum payload of up to 1,280kg and will manage to tow 2,500kg.
If you’re thinking about getting into a used Renault Trafic, prices for a three-year-old van will set you back around £13,200 (inc.VAT) for a clean, unmolested example that’s covered 32,000 miles.
Search for used Renault Trafic on Cazoo
Toyota Proace
The Toyota Proace is built in partnership with the European giant, Stellantis.
It shares the same underpinnings found in the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro.
However, where the Toyota scores over its mechanical twins is if you have the van serviced at a Toyota dealer every year until it’s 10 years old, it comes with a 12 month or 10,000-mile warranty.
Under the bonnet, the Proace is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that is shared with the Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
There are several body styles to choose from, with the ‘Medium Panel Van’ the best blend of practicality, space and desirability.
A Proace can be picked up for around £15,500 (inc.VAT) for a 2023 model in Medium Panel Van form with 40,000 miles on the clock.
Search for used Toyota Proace on Cazoo
Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter is one of the best and most popular commercial vehicles on the market.
Its premium image, strong residual values, decent equipment levels and punchy powertrains have made this the go-to choice for many business buyers.
The Transporter is available with diesel power and comes with a choice of different power outputs.
It’s also good to drive and feels much more like a conventional car out on the road, while you can also get lots of accessories to make your Transporter look rather sporty.
Prices for second-hand examples start from £20,000 (inc.VAT) for a three-year-old model that’s covered 37,000 miles.
Search for used Volkswagen Transporter on Cazoo
Volkswagen Crafter
Another Volkswagen on this list is the Transporter’s bigger brother, the Crafter.
The Crafter is available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, while there is a choice of heights and lengths to suit many buyers.
The Crafter Panel Van also has a maximum payload of up to 2,500kg, and it has a towing capacity of 3,000kg for front-wheel drive models, and rear-wheel drive variants can tow up to 3,500kg.
Second-hand Crafter prices start at £22,000 (inc.VAT) for a 2022 model that’s covered 25,000 miles.
Search for used Volkswagen Crafter on Cazoo
Looking for a used van? We've got some of the best options here at Cazoo
Search used vans on Cazoo