Used Cargo Vans: An Inspection Checklist

A cargo van is an indispensable vehicle for many Ft Lauderdale businesses. Though used cargo vans can benefit your business and bottom line, they also come with potential risks. Here, William Lehman Van, Truck, and Bus Sales lays out what you need to be on the lookout for when inspecting a used cargo van so you can separate the good deals from future headaches.

What To Inspect On A Used Cargo Van

Your used cargo van inspection checklist consists of four broad areas: cargo and structural integrity, mechanicals and drivetrain, suspension and tires, and the vehicle history. Learn more about them below, and let us know if you have any questions. 

Cargo & Structural Integrity

The cargo area is arguably just as important as the engine in terms of the utility it provides for your business. When inspecting the cargo area, consider the following: 

• Are there roof leaks or dents? Cargo vans are taller than ordinary consumer vehicles, even full-size SUVs, and are therefore prone to impacts from low-hanging tree branches and even parking structures. Inspect the roof, and note any dents on the exterior and water stains on the interior. 
• If heavy equipment were dropped onto the cargo area floor, it could have caused dents or warping. Look underneath any protective floor mats or liners for this kind of structural damage.
• Check the rear- and side-door hinges to ensure they work smoothly, and make sure the weather stripping is intact. 
• Is there a mildew or lingering chemical odor? If so, this may indicate water damage or that the van was used to transport hazardous materials. If a strong masking fragrance is present, it may be in use to cover up such odors. 

Mechanicals & Drivetrain

A cargo van is of no use to your business if you cannot get it to the appropriate destination in Orlando. Consider the following when conducting a mechanical inspection of a used cargo van: 

• Perform a fluid check. If the engine oil is gritty and pitch-black, it hasn’t been changed in a long time and may have caused engine damage. Transmission fluid should be red, not dark brown or black; similarly, coolant should be bright and vibrant, not opaque, muddy, or oily. 
• Turn on the engine and listen for any ticking or knocking after cold starting. You should also check the exhaust to make sure it isn’t emitting blue smoke (the engine is burning oil), black smoke (incomplete combustion), or thick white smoke (coolant is burning). 
• Run a diagnostic check using an OBD2 scanner. 
• Perform a test drive to check the transmission and brakes and identify any loose components that cause clunking noises when you drive over bumps. 

Suspension & Tires

Cargo van tires need to support the van and everything it carries. If the tires on a used cargo van are unevenly worn, this may indicate poor alignment, a bent axle, or a compromised suspension. You can test the suspension by pushing down heavily on each corner of the van. If the suspension system is in good working condition, the van should rebound and settle smoothly and quickly. If it bounces excessively, this may indicate damaged or worn struts/leaf springs.

Vehicle History & Paperwork

Ask the seller for the documented service history of any used cargo van you’re considering. By law, commercial cargo vans need to adhere to strict maintenance requirements. You should also request a VIN report to verify past ownership, confirm there was no flood damage or notable accident in its history, and confirm that the vehicle’s title is clean. 

Trust William Lehman Van, Truck, and Bus Sales If You Need A Used Cargo Van

For the most reliable used cargo vans for sale in the Hollywood area, look no further than our dealership near Palm Beach. Our factory-trained technicians perform rigorous inspections, and parts are replaced with OEM-standard components where possible. Visit us today to explore our inventory of commercial cargo vans and test-drive a few if you are interested in adding to your fleet.