Which double-cab van has the best value for money?

A double-cab commercial van offers the best of both worlds: enough space for your team as well as cargo space for materials or tools. But which model offers you the most value for money? That is a question on the minds of many entrepreneurs, self-employed people and fleet managers. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the double cab company van so you can make an informed choice.

Whether you want to buy a small van for daily use or are considering an electric commercial vehicle lease, the market offers more options than ever. We take you step by step through everything you need to know.

What is a double cab company bus?

A double-cab commercial van is a van or light commercial vehicle with an extended cabin that can accommodate five or six occupants, combined with a cargo area behind the cabin. This makes the vehicle suitable for teams driving together to a location as well as carrying tools or materials.

The double cabin is distinguished from a standard van by its extra seats. Whereas a normal van carries a maximum of two or three people, a double cab offers space for a full crew. The cargo space is smaller than in a standard variant, but for most craft and service-oriented trades, it is more than enough.

Who is a double cab commercial van suitable for?

This type of commercial vehicle is popular with construction companies, installers, landscapers, painters and other professionals who travel with several colleagues. Healthcare transporters and logistics companies with small teams also regularly choose this body style. The combination of passenger transport and load capacity makes it a versatile and practical vehicle for SMEs.

Which brands offer a double cab commercial van?

Most major brands in the light commercial vehicle segment offer a double cab variant. The best-known options are the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Renault Trafic, Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy and the Toyota Proace. Each brand has its own strengths in terms of reliability, driving comfort and total cost of ownership.

Volkswagen is known for its solid finish and high resale value. The Ford Transit Custom scores well on ride comfort and cargo space. Renault and the PSA brands (Peugeot, Citroën and Opel Vivaro) offer similar platforms and are often slightly more competitively priced. The Toyota Proace has a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, which pays off in the long run.

What are the new entrants to the market?

Electrical variants are rapidly gaining ground. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz with the eSprinter, Volkswagen with the ID. Buzz Cargo and Ford with the E-Transit increasingly offer or are in the process of offering a double-cab version. For companies considering electric commercial vehicle leasing, this is a relevant development to keep an eye on.

What should you look out for in terms of value for money?

The value for money of a double-cab commercial van is not just about the purchase price. You also look at fuel consumption, maintenance costs, residual value, reliability and parts availability. A cheaper purchase may be more expensive in the long run if the vehicle is stationary more often or has higher service costs.

Also consider the practical specifications that suit your operations. How much payload do you need? Do you drive a lot in the city or just over long distances? Should the vehicle be able to tow a trailer? All these factors will determine which model offers the best price-to-value ratio for you.

Key points of interest at a glance

• Total cost of ownership: Calculate not only the purchase price, but also insurance, road tax, fuel and maintenance over the entire period of use.
• Residual value: brands like Volkswagen and Mercedes generally retain a higher residual value, which is advantageous when traded in or resold.
• Warranty and service: check which warranty conditions apply and how close the nearest service point is to your working area.
• Cargo space and payload: Compare not only the cubic metres, but also the maximum payload in kilograms.
• Tax benefits: Different tax regulations apply to electric variants, which can greatly affect the overall price.

Which model scores best on price and quality?

Based on driving practice and market experience, the Volkswagen Transporter double cabin consistently scores high on price-quality ratio, followed by the Ford Transit Custom and the Renault Trafic. The Transporter offers a strong overall package of driving comfort, reliability and residual value. The Transit Custom is attractive for those who want a bit more cargo space at a competitive price.

The Renault Trafic and its platform peers from Peugeot and Citroën are generally cheaper to buy and maintain. For high-mileage companies that want to keep costs down, these are interesting alternatives. The Toyota Proace deserves a special mention for its low fault sensitivity, which ensures less downtime and lower service costs.

Electric or traditional?

Electric variants in the double cab segment are still of limited availability, but the supply is growing. For city distribution or fixed driving routes, an electric commercial bus can already fully meet daily needs. The higher purchase price is partly offset by lower fuel and maintenance costs and, in some cases, subsidies or tax breaks. If you are considering an electric commercial vehicle lease, it is wise to calculate the total cost over the lease term and compare it with a conventional variant.

New or used: which is the smartest choice?

Whether you are better off buying a new or used double-cab commercial van depends on your budget, usage and type of financing. A new bus offers manufacturer's warranty, the latest technology and a lower chance of unexpected repairs. A used bus is cheaper to buy and has already gone through most of its depreciation.

For start-ups or small businesses with a limited budget, a well-maintained used double cab van is often the smartest choice. You can choose a better-quality brand or a higher-end version for the same amount of money than with a new entry-level model. However, it is important to check the maintenance history and have a technical inspection before buying a small van.

What do you look out for when buying a used double cab?

• Check the mileage and maintenance history through an authorised service record.
• Watch for rust on the underside and around the cargo area; this is a common problem in heavily used commercial vehicles.
• Ask about the remaining MOT and any warranty offered by the seller.
• Check whether the cargo area has been damaged by heavy use; think about floors, walls and door hinges.
• Get an independent inspection if you are in doubt about the condition of the vehicle.

How do you buy or lease a double cab commercial van?

You buy or lease a double-cab van through a specialised commercial vehicle dealer or leasing company. With purchase, you pay directly and the vehicle becomes your property. With leasing, you pay a fixed monthly amount and drive a vehicle without ownership charges, relieving your company's cash flow.

Operational lease is popular with SMEs and sole traders because maintenance, insurance and road tax are often included in the monthly amount. Financial lease is more like installment and gives you ownership of the vehicle at the end of the term. Which form suits you best depends on how long you want to use the vehicle, how many kilometres you drive and whether you want the van on your balance sheet.

Considerations when leasing a double cab

• Check the maximum mileage per year and the cost for multiple miles.
• Compare the total lease cost over the entire term, not just the monthly amount.
• Ask about the possibility of adapting or exchanging the vehicle in the interim as your business grows.
• See if there are any special conditions for electric company car leasing, such as subsidies or a lower additional tax rate.

How we help you choose the right company bus

At Van den Hurk Bedrijfswagens, we help you concretely find a double cab commercial van that suits your work, budget and plans. With more than 60 years of experience in the Helmond and North Brabant region, we know the market and know which vehicles perform in practice. Here's what we can do for you:

• Personal advice on the right model and best execution for your situation.
• A wide range of both new and used commercial vehicles, including electric variants and double-cab models.
• Flexible financing options, including bespoke buying and leasing for sole traders, SMEs and fleet managers.
• A convenient stock alert service, so you are the first to know when the right vehicle becomes available.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, so you know exactly where you stand.

Want to know which double cab commercial van is best for your business? Contact us or take a look at our current offer online. We are happy to think with you.