What is the residual value of a double cab van after the lease period?

The residual value of a van double cab after the lease period is the amount the leasing company expects the vehicle to be worth at the end of the contract. This amount is estimated at the beginning of the lease and directly affects your monthly costs: the higher the expected residual value, the lower your monthly instalment. Factors such as mileage, maintenance condition and market conditions ultimately determine the actual residual value upon return.

What determines the residual value of a double cab van?

The residual value of your van double cab is determined by a combination of factors that together estimate the value of the vehicle after the lease period. Mileage plays a big role: the more miles you drive, the lower the value. The maintenance condition is at least as important. A vehicle with a complete maintenance history and timely servicing retains more value than one whose maintenance has been neglected.

The make and model also make a difference. Popular brands such as Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Peugeot Expert hold their value better because they are more in demand on the second-hand market. Double cabins are particularly sought after in sectors such as construction, technical services and maintenance, which positively affects residual values.

Market conditions also play a role. When demand for commercial vehicles is high, residual values rise. In addition, certain factors increase the value, while others lower it:

• Damage to bodywork or interior significantly lowers residual value
• Modifications can be both positive and negative, depending on their quality and usability
• A documented maintenance history with invoices increases confidence and therefore value
• Original condition with standard equipment such as navigation, parking sensors and air conditioning retains more value
• Additional features such as a towbar, electric sliding doors or seat heating can increase the value

How is the residual value of a leased company car calculated?

Leasing companies calculate the expected residual value at the beginning of the contract based on depreciation methods and market insights. They look at historical data of similar vehicles, expected mileage and the term of the contract. This estimate determines how much the company car is expected to be worth when you turn it in.

For a van double cab, leasing companies often apply a depreciation rate between 15% and 25% per year, depending on the make and expected mileage. A practical example: suppose you lease a double cab worth €30,000 for four years with an expected residual value of 35%. The leasing company then assumes the car will still be worth €10,500 after four years. You effectively pay off the difference of €19,500 over the lease period, plus interest and charges.

With financial leasing, you can often take out a final instalment equal to the expected residual value. This final instalment significantly lowers your monthly costs. At the end of the contract, you then have the choice: pay the final instalment and become an owner, or return the car whereby the residual value is set off against the final instalment.

The calculation also takes into account the popularity of double cabs. Because these vehicles are versatile for team transport as well as material transport, they generally retain a higher residual value than comparable single-cab commercial vehicles. This translates directly into more attractive monthly costs for you as a lessee.

What happens to your double cab at the end of the lease period?

At the end of your lease, you have several options, depending on your situation and the condition of the vehicle. The most common choice is return to the leasing company. They inspect the car for damage and check the mileage. When everything is within the agreed standards, you hand in the keys and you are done.

A second option is to buy off at the residual value. This is interesting if the actual market value is higher than the agreed residual value, or if you are happy with the vehicle and want to keep it. With financial leasing, you are an immediate owner after paying the final instalment.

You can also opt to extend the contract. This is useful when you are not yet ready for a new investment and the current vehicle is still working fine. The monthly charges will then be recalculated based on the current value.

The fourth option is to switch to a new vehicle. You trade in your current double cab and start a new lease. The residual value is then offset against the new lease, which can be attractive when you want to renew your fleet.

On return, pay close attention to the damage bill. Normal signs of use are acceptable, but dents, scratches and damage to the interior are usually charged for. The leasing company often has a damage protocol stating what is and is not acceptable. Having small damages repaired in time often prevents higher costs in the final settlement.

How do you keep the residual value of your lease van as high as possible?

Value retention starts with regular maintenance according to the prescribed schedule. Have all service checks carried out at an authorised garage and keep all invoices carefully. This documentation shows that you have taken good care of the vehicle and increases the confidence of the next owner or leasing company.

Avoid unnecessary kilometres by planning smartly. Every kilometre over the agreed limit lowers the residual value and can lead to additional charges on return. Use the vehicle purposefully and consider alternatives for longer trips when practical.

Careful use makes all the difference. Treat your van double cab as if it were your own vehicle. Avoid aggressive driving, park carefully to avoid parking damage and protect the cargo box from being damaged by sharp objects or heavy materials.

Practical tips you can apply immediately:

• Keep the interior clean and tidy, especially the second row of seats which are often heavily used
• Repair minor damages such as stone chips or small dents immediately before they get bigger
• Maintain original condition where possible and avoid unnecessary modifications
• Check tyre pressure regularly and replace tyres in time
• Have the car cleaned periodically, including underneath, to prevent rusting
• Keep all original parts when you do make modifications

Keeping documentation is often undervalued but important. Create a folder with all maintenance invoices, repair receipts and MOT inspections. This gives a complete picture of the history and noticeably increases the resale value.

How Van Den Hurk helps with lease and residual value of double cabs

We understand that residual value and leasing costs have a big impact on your operations. That is why we offer transparent advice on the expected residual value of various double cab models in our range. With more than 60 years of experience, we know exactly which vehicles hold their value well.

Our support includes:

• Flexible financial lease options where you can decide whether you want to include a final instalment
• Personal advice on the choice between buying and leasing, tailored to your situation
• Transparent calculations of residual value and monthly costs in advance, with no surprises
• Guidance throughout the lease term, including on maintenance and value retention questions
• Trade-in your current vehicle at a fair price, which we will settle with your new lease
• Stock alert service so you are immediately informed when the desired double cabin becomes available

With financial leasing through us, you are the economic owner from the first payment. You can reclaim VAT immediately and the interest is tax deductible. We only ask for the vehicle itself as security, no additional collateral. Want to know what the best option is for your business? Contact us or drop by our showroom in Helmond. We will be happy to look at the options for your double cab van with you.