How To Buy A Used Catering Van

If you are in the market for a vehicle, finding out how to buy a used catering van may be cheaper than purchasing from a dealership. Once you locate a used catering van for sale, inspect it to make sure the interior has been properly maintained. Ask to see the maintenance records, and give the van a thorough test drive. If the owner has kept the van in good condition, consider making an offer based on the book value of the car.

1. Determine what the used catering van is worth. Go online and search for a website that has used car values. Punch in the specific information you have on the van, including the mileage and overall condition of the vehicle. Once you generate the valuation report, take it with you when you check out the van.
2. Inspect the used catering van. Make sure the van handles well during the test drive. Ask the owner why he is selling the vehicle, to see if you can tell how motivated he is to make the sale. Compare the selling price to the used car value report you pulled, and make an offer based on what you feel the used catering van is worth. For example, if the van is in good condition, offer to buy it for the middle range of the valuation report and negotiate the price from there.
3. Once you settle on a price, arrange to finance the van unless you are paying cash. Contact a lender, and tell him you want to buy a used catering van. Give the loan officer the information on the car and complete a loan application. Ask the seller to be present at the loan closing, and have him bring the title to the van.
4. Close on the loan to finalize the van purchase. Complete the loan paperwork, and have the seller give the loan officer the title to the catering van in exchange for a check from the loan proceeds. Remember to also contact your auto insurance company. Ask the agent what the annual premium is to buy a used catering van, and add the vehicle to your auto policy.