What should you know before purchasing a double cab van?
A double cab van is a commercial vehicle with two rows of seats that can accommodate five to six people, plus a cargo area for materials and tools. This allows you to combine passenger transport with goods transport in a single vehicle. Before purchasing, you should take into account the lower load capacity compared to a single cab, the higher purchase price and the increased fuel consumption. Financing options such as financial lease or cash purchase also play an important role in your decision.
What exactly is a double cab van?
A double cab van is a commercial vehicle with two full rows of seats behind each other. The driver and passenger sit in the front row, while the second row can accommodate three to four additional people. Behind the cab, there is a separate loading area for materials, tools, and other business items.
The difference with a single cabin is mainly in the person capacity. Whereas a single cabin usually has room for two to three people, a double cabin can carry five to six people. However, the load space is smaller because part of the length is used for the extra row of seats.
This type of van is particularly suitable for industries where teams travel together to project locations. Think of construction companies, installers, gardeners and maintenance services. You can transport your staff comfortably while all the necessary tools and materials are safely stored in the back. The separate cabin ensures that the seating area remains clean, even when working with muddy boots or dusty materials.
What are the advantages of a double cab van?
The main advantage of a double cabin is the flexibility in use. You only need one vehicle instead of a separate passenger car and delivery van. This not only saves on purchase costs, but also on insurance, maintenance and road tax for a second vehicle.
For employers, a double cabin means that the entire team can travel to a job together. This improves cooperation and ensures that everyone arrives at the workplace at the same time. You save travel time and communication about the work runs more smoothly when you can already discuss things on the way.
The safety of your belongings is also an important advantage. Tools and materials are stored separately from the cab in a locked cargo area. During breaks or visits to customers, your valuable items remain out of sight and are better protected against theft. This is a practical advantage for industries such as installation companies with expensive tools.
Other advantages include:
- One driver can transport several employees.
- Lower overall transport costs for the company
- Comfortable seats for longer journeys
- Suitable for both work and business appointments
- Professional image with customers
What are the disadvantages of a double cabin compared to a single cabin?
The main disadvantage is the more limited loading space. The second row of seats takes up approximately one metre of the total length. This can be a problem for companies that transport a lot of or large materials. A single cab offers up to 30% more load volume, which makes a significant difference in daily use.
The purchase price of a double cab is on average 3,000 to 5,000 euros higher than a comparable single cab. This is due to the additional construction, seating and safety features. This price difference also remains on the second-hand market, although it is slightly smaller there.
The fuel consumption is higher due to the extra weight of the second cabin and the passengers. On average, you will consume 0.5 to 1 litre more per 100 kilometres. With an annual mileage of 30,000 kilometres, this means several hundred pounds extra in fuel costs per year.
Other practical disadvantages include:
- Larger dimensions make parking more difficult
- Less manoeuvrable in narrow streets or on construction sites
- Higher maintenance costs due to more components
- Longer overall length may cause problems during loading and unloading
- Heavier steering due to the extra weight
How much does a double cab van cost on average?
A new double cab van costs between £25,000 and £45,000, depending on the make, model and specification. Popular brands such as Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes are generally at the higher end of this range, while brands such as Fiat and Peugeot are often slightly more affordable.
For a used double cabin you pay between 15,000 and 35,000 euros. Vehicles between three and five years old with a mileage between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometres usually fall into the mid-range of £17,000 to £32,000. Older models or those with higher mileage can be found from around £10,500.
Several factors significantly influence the price:
- Brand and model: Premium brands retain their value better
- Year of construction: Each additional year of age results in a difference of 10-15% in value.
- Mileage: Above 150,000 km, the price drops more rapidly.
- Engine type: Electric variants are more expensive to purchase.
- Equipment: Air conditioning, cruise control and navigation increase the price.
- Maintenance history: Full maintenance justifies a higher price
- Cargo area layout: Shelving and storage systems add value
For a reliable double cab suitable for daily business use, you can expect to pay at least €18,000 for a used model. If you want a more recent model with modern safety features and lower fuel consumption, a realistic budget would be around €25,000 to €30,000.
What financing options are available for a double cab?
The most commonly used financing options for a double cab van are cash purchase, financial lease and operational lease. Each option has specific advantages and disadvantages that suit different business situations.
Cash purchase means that you pay the full purchase price in one go. You immediately become the owner of the vehicle and have complete freedom in terms of use and modifications. This is an interesting option if you have sufficient liquidity and do not want any monthly commitments. The disadvantage is that your working capital is tied up in the vehicle.
Financial lease is a popular option for entrepreneurs who want to own the van but want to spread the costs. You are the economic owner, which means you can reclaim the VAT directly from the tax authorities. The monthly lease payments are tax-deductible as business expenses. You can also include a final payment equal to the residual value, which reduces the monthly costs. The vehicle itself serves as collateral, so no additional security is required. However, costs such as insurance, maintenance and road tax are at your own expense.
Operational lease offers a total package whereby you pay a fixed monthly amount for use, maintenance, insurance and often tyres too. You are not the owner but the user of the vehicle. This gives maximum predictability in terms of costs and ensures complete peace of mind. At the end of the contract, you return the van and can choose a new model. The disadvantage is that operational leasing is generally more expensive than financial leasing.
Tax considerations play an important role in your choice. With a financial lease, you can depreciate and deduct interest, while with an operational lease, the entire lease term is deductible. In both cases, you must calculate the additional tax liability for private use if you also use the van privately. Discuss with your accountant which structure is most advantageous for your situation.
How Van Den Hurk assists in selecting a double cab van
We understand that choosing the right double cab van is not always easy. With over 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we help entrepreneurs find the perfect match for their business every day.
Our range and service:
- Ample stock of used and new items double cabins from reliable brands
- Personalised advice tailored to your specific work activities
- Transparent prices with no hidden costs
- Flexible financing options through financial leasing
- Stock alert service: receive a notification as soon as your ideal vehicle arrives
- Option to trade in your current company vehicle
- Complete peace of mind with insurance and maintenance options
You can easily view our current range on our website and filter it according to your requirements. Can't find your ideal double cab? Activate the stock alert and we will automatically inform you when a suitable vehicle becomes available. Our purchasing team continuously monitors the market to supplement our range with quality vehicles.
Get in touch with us today for personal advice on which double cab best suits your business. Schedule a visit to our showroom in Helmond or call us for a no-obligation consultation. We are happy to help you find the best solution for your business mobility needs.
