How to Choose a Small Van: Popular Models for Sale in Indianapolis

If you are looking for a reliable used small van for sale around Indianapolis, you have come to the right place. At Indy Auto Man Indianapolis used car lots you will find plenty of options for any business needs, as well as in-house customization and service. Check our inventory of commercial vehicles right now!

Used small vans for sale

Today we collected hands-on tips to help you determine the main criteria for the right choice since the model and design must correspond to the field of activity and the needs of the carrier or transport company.

Top Five Best Small Vans

If we consider the most popular vans among US drivers, the leaders will be such automakers as Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevy, RAM, and Nissan. But when you shift the focus and consider only light-duty vehicles that do not need a super-strong frame and a large engine, you can pay due attention to Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia, which produce quite good vans. Here are the top 5 models of small vans to buy used in Indianapolis:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Ford Transit
• RAM ProMaster
• Chevy Express
• Nissan NV 200

Classification of Small Vans and Selection Criteria

Small-tonnage vans are considered vehicles with a carrying capacity of up to 3.5 tons, but in practice, they are used to transport no more than 2.5 tons of cargo. The average transportation weight in the city, carried out by a compact van, is 1.75 tons of cargo.

A compact van is a leader among the vehicles for the delivery of groceries within Indianapolis. But it is also a good helper for intercity transportation at a distance of up to 400 miles.

The choice of a small van primarily depends on the financial limitations and the transportation specifics. A no less important criterion is the cost of repairs and maintenance. Based on these parameters, you can evaluate the crucial qualities of vehicles of this class. Here's what you need to pay attention to make the right choice among small vans for sale:

• Body type. Flatbed and tilt trucks are most often in demand for the delivery of agricultural products and the transportation of building materials. In other segments of the freight transportation market, most drivers prefer metal vans. Small isothermal vans are in low demand due to the body volume.
• Consumption and type of fuel. Opinions of drivers on this criterion differ. Some prefer economical diesel options, while others favor gasoline models and cars with gas equipment. One way or another, almost all drivers choose models with minimal fuel consumption.
• Engine power, suspension design features, turning radius. According to some of these criteria, many van models are identical, but, as practice shows, Indiana drivers give preference to all-wheel drive models with automatic transmissions.
• Maintainability and simplicity of design. Almost all van customers prefer models of low-cost and inexpensive spare parts for repairs with a well-developed service network. At the same time, it is easier for trucking companies to allocate repair costs compared to private carriers. With a simple car design, experienced drivers are quite capable of repairing on their own.
• Operational characteristics. A car for cargo transportation should have a strong and reliable suspension, which is well-adapted to all kinds of roads. A reliable motor is responsible for the long service life of the truck.
• Driver comfort. This criterion assumes the presence of an air conditioner, an onboard computer, seat adjustment, and a functional media center. All this equipment significantly affects the cost of new vans, but when you opt for a used model, you can get a reliable commercial vehicle with all the necessary stuffing for a fraction of the price. 

The choice of the best option for a small van largely depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer, the specifics of transportation, and the ability of the car owner to independently eliminate certain malfunctions. 

Visit Indy Auto Man in Indianapolis, and our sales assistants will help you choose the best option at the most beneficial financing conditions.