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Best small vans to lease

A compact white panel van on a terraced UK street, one of the best small vans to lease.

A small van is often all a sole trader, courier, tradesperson or small business needs. It is easier to park, simpler to drive in town, and business contract hire lets you use one for a fixed term and fixed mileage without buying it outright.

On contracthire.tv the small van we quote is the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo. This guide sticks to what is in our ratebook today, with the live monthly price for each version, and says when a bigger van is the better fit.

The small vans we can quote

The Caddy Cargo is a car-derived panel van. We list it in a standard body and a longer Maxi body, in diesel and petrol, and in two model-year ranges as named in the ratebook.

Prices are monthly rentals ex VAT on a 24-month agreement, 5,000 miles a year and 9 initial rentals, correct when this page was written. Open a deal page to change the term, mileage or initial rentals and see your own price.

If you need more load space, or an electric van, these are the next steps up in our range. They are larger than a Caddy Cargo, so check the load dimensions against what you carry:

Best small vans to lease: a van on a uk road for the options.

What to check

  • Payload and load space. Compare the maximum payload, load length and load height with what you carry. Check the figures for the exact version, not just the model name.
  • Body length. The Caddy Cargo comes in a standard and a longer Maxi body. The longer one carries more but is harder to park.
  • Access. Look at the number and position of side doors, whether there is a rear tailgate or barn doors, and whether you need a bulkhead or a load-through hatch for long items.
  • Annual mileage. Contract hire is priced against an agreed mileage, and excess mileage charges can apply if you go over. Estimate realistically, and allow for growth.
  • Contract length. Shorter and longer terms suit different businesses. Think about how long your work pattern is likely to stay the same.
  • Fuel or electric. Consider your typical daily distance, where the van is parked overnight and whether you can charge there. Our small-van range is diesel and petrol; the electric vans above are larger.
  • Running costs. Ask what is included. Maintenance packages are optional with some contracts, and tyres, insurance and fuel or charging are normally separate costs.
  • Condition at return. Vans are expected to be returned in fair wear and tear condition. Check what counts as damage, particularly if you load heavy items or work on sites.
  • VAT and tax. How VAT applies to a van lease, and how the van is treated for tax, depends on your circumstances. Check with your accountant if you are unsure.

Small van with its side door open showing an empty load area, a check for the best small vans to lease.

Next step

Open a Caddy Cargo deal above, set your term and mileage, and request a quote. Tell us what you carry and how many miles you cover in a year and we will look at suitable options from our funders. A quote is not an offer of credit, and any agreement is subject to the funder's status and credit checks.

contracthire.tv is a trading name of Swiss Vans Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 668283) as a credit broker, not a lender.

A small grey van on a quiet UK road at sunrise, one of the best small vans to lease.

Questions people ask

Is a small van enough for trade work?

It depends on what you carry. Check the payload and load dimensions for the specific version against your heaviest and longest regular loads. If you are often close to the limit, look at a larger van such as the Transporter.

Can I lease a small electric van?

Our small-van range, the Caddy Cargo, is diesel and petrol. If you want electric, the larger Transporter and ID. Buzz Cargo above are available. Check the real-world range, how you will charge and whether the van suits your usual routes before committing.

What happens if I go over my agreed mileage?

Contract hire agreements normally include an excess mileage charge for each mile over the limit. Choosing a realistic mileage at the start helps avoid this.

Is maintenance included in a contract hire agreement?

It is not always. Maintenance can be offered as an optional extra, so ask what is and is not covered when you request a quote.

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