How much does a double-cab commercial van cost?

A double-cab commercial van is a popular choice for business owners who want to transport both people and materials. Whether you work in construction, run a landscaping business or are involved in logistics, this type of vehicle offers a clever combination of load space and seating. But how much does a double-cab commercial van actually cost, and what should you look out for?

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about buying, leasing and the costs of a double-cab commercial van. From second-hand models to new ones, and from financing to electric options: by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where you stand.

What is a double cab company bus?

A double-cab commercial van is a van or light goods vehicle with two rows of seats and an open or enclosed load area behind the cab. This type of vehicle can accommodate five or six people and offers sufficient load capacity for tools, materials or goods.

The difference compared to a standard commercial van lies in the extra row of seats. Whilst a standard van usually has a maximum of three seats, the double cab offers space for an entire team. This makes the vehicle particularly suitable for teams travelling together to a work site, without the need for a separate passenger car.

What versions are available?

Double-cab commercial vans are available in various models. The most common variants are:

• Double-cab pick-up: open-bed lorry, popular in the construction and agricultural sectors
• Closed van with double cab: fully enclosed load compartment, suitable for valuable cargo
• Double-cab tipper: tilting tipper body, ideal for earthworks and demolition work
• Refrigerated lorry with a double cab: refrigerated cargo hold for temperature-sensitive goods

The choice of a specific model depends very much on your sector and day-to-day use. Think carefully about what you transport most often and how many colleagues will be travelling in it, as this will determine which type is best suited to your needs.

What determines the price of a double-cab commercial van?

The price of a double-cab commercial van is determined by a combination of factors: the make and model, the age and mileage, the specification, the engine and fuel type, and any additional options or fittings. All these factors together determine the final purchase price.

Below, we explain the key factors that determine prices:

• Brand and model: Brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota have a higher residual value and often a higher purchase price than lesser-known brands.
• Age and mileage: A five-year-old vehicle with high mileage is, of course, cheaper than a recent model with low mileage.
• Drive system: Diesel is still the most common option, but electric commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. An electric model has a higher purchase price, but lower running costs.
• Payload capacity and weight class: Heavier vehicles with a higher load capacity cost more than their lighter counterparts.
• Additional options and fittings: Consider options such as a load bed liner, a tow bar, side panels, a sat-nav or specific commercial fittings. These can significantly increase the price.

As well as the purchase price, running costs also play a part. These include fuel or energy, maintenance, insurance and road tax. For business drivers in particular, it is wise to calculate the total cost of ownership over several years, rather than just looking at the purchase price.

How much does a second-hand double-cab commercial van cost?

A second-hand double-cab commercial van costs on average between 10,000 and 35,000 euros, depending on its age, mileage, make and condition. Newer models with low mileage are at the upper end of this range; older vehicles or those with high mileage are considerably cheaper.

For business owners who make a conscious decision to buy a second-hand double-cab commercial van, this is an attractive option. You save on the purchase price and avoid the rapid depreciation that new vehicles experience in their first few years.

What are realistic price ranges for each segment?

To give you a better idea, here is a general overview of what you can expect on the second-hand market:

• Budget (up to 15,000 euros): Vehicles over eight years old with a high mileage. Suitable as a temporary solution or for light use.
• Mid-range (15,000 to 25,000 euros): Vehicles between three and seven years old, with a reasonable mileage. A good balance between price and quality.
• High-end second-hand (25,000 to 35,000 euros): Young used cars, one or two years old, with low mileage. Almost-new quality at a lower price than a new car.

When buying a second-hand commercial van, always make sure you request the service history and have the vehicle inspected by a specialist. A low purchase price can quickly be offset by high repair costs if the vehicle has been poorly maintained.

How much does a new double-cab commercial van cost?

A new double-cab commercial van typically costs between 30,000 and 70,000 euros, excluding VAT. The price varies considerably depending on the make, engine type and specification. Electric models are at the higher end of this range, but are eligible for grants and tax incentives.

When you purchase a new vehicle, you benefit from a manufacturer’s warranty, the latest safety technology and a low risk of unexpected repair costs in the first few years. This makes a new double-cab commercial van an attractive option for businesses that prioritise certainty and reliability.

Electric double-cab company van: how much does it cost?

Electrical variants New double-cab commercial vans can easily cost between 50,000 and 80,000 euros. That is a significant investment, but the total cost of ownership is often lower over the vehicle’s lifetime thanks to lower energy and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, there are tax benefits for business drivers associated with leasing or buying an electric company car. These include a lower additional tax liability, exemption from motor vehicle tax and potential subsidies through schemes such as the MIA and Vamil. It is wise to factor these benefits into your calculations before making a decision.

What are the costs of leasing a double-cab commercial van?

The monthly lease costs for a double-cab commercial van average between 500 and 1,200 euros per month for a finance lease, and between 700 and 1,500 euros per month for an operating lease. The exact amount depends on the lease term, the annual mileage, the vehicle and the services selected.

For many business owners, leasing is an attractive alternative to buying outright. It allows you to retain your working capital, keeps your monthly costs predictable, and, with an operating lease, you can include maintenance and insurance in the monthly payment.

Finance lease or operating lease: what’s the difference?

At financial lease You finance the purchase of the vehicle through monthly instalments. At the end of the term, you become the owner. This is similar to a loan and gives you full control over the vehicle.

At operating lease You hire the vehicle for a fixed period and return it at the end of the term. Servicing, insurance and, in some cases, tyres are often included in the monthly payment. This offers maximum peace of mind and clarity regarding the monthly costs.

For self-employed people and SMEs looking for flexibility and transparent costs, an operational lease is often the most practical choice. If you eventually want to own the vehicle and have a stable cash flow, a finance lease or outright purchase may prove more cost-effective in the long term.

Leasing an electric commercial vehicle: additional benefits

There are additional tax benefits when leasing an electric company car. The tax-related benefit in kind for electric vehicles is lower than for fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, which is particularly relevant if the vehicle is also used for private purposes. This makes leasing an electric company car a financially attractive option for many business drivers.

What should you look out for when buying a double cab commercial van?

When buying a double-cab commercial van, you should check the condition of the bodywork and the maintenance history, the load capacity in relation to your needs, the driving experience and comfort for multiple passengers, and the availability of spare parts and servicing. Thorough preparation helps to avoid costly surprises later on.

The key points to bear in mind are listed below:

• Maintenance history: Always ask to see the service history and check that the vehicle has been serviced regularly by an authorised workshop.
• Bodywork and rust formation: Commercial vehicles are put under a lot of strain. Check the underside, wheel arches and load floor for rust or wear and tear.
• Payload and towing capacity: Make sure the vehicle can handle the weight you carry on a daily basis. Overloading is not only dangerous, but can also prove costly if you’re stopped for a check.
• Fuel type and emission standards: Environmental zones are being introduced in more and more cities. Check that the vehicle complies with the applicable standards in your area of operation.
• Seating comfort and ergonomics: If your staff travel in the vehicle on a daily basis, the comfort of the second row of seats is an important consideration. Test this during a test drive.
• Warranty and after-sales service: When buying from a specialist dealer, you often have greater certainty regarding the warranty and after-sales service than when buying from a private seller.

Take the time to compare several vehicles and seek advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about. Making the right choice now will save you a lot of money and hassle later on.

How we can help you find the right double-cab commercial van

With over 60 years’ experience in the sale and leasing of commercial vehicles, we help business owners make the right choice every day. Whether you’re looking for an affordable used vehicle, a new double-cab commercial van or a flexible leasing solution, we’ll work with you to find the best solution and provide honest advice, with no hidden costs.

Here's what we can do for you:

• A large and varied fleet of double-cab commercial vans, including electric models
• Personalised advice on purchase, finance lease or operating lease, tailored to your situation
• Transparent pricing and clear contracts with no small print
• A stock alert service, so you’re the first to know about new arrivals that match your preferences
• Regional expertise in the Helmond area and North Brabant

Would you like to find out which double-cab commercial van is best suited to your business? Please get in touch with us for a no-obligation chat, or take a look at our current offer of commercial vehicles online. We’re here to help you.