If you want to buy a van rather than a car then there is probably a specific reason for doing this. For example, you may need a van for work purposes to carry tools and materials, and the amount you carry, or the weight will help you decide what sized van you need.

You need to consider the size of the items you will be carrying and the overall weight that will be in the vehicle at one time and many are restricted and if you ignore this then you may risk breaking the law and / or damaging the van.

If you need a van for your hobby, so to transport model aeroplanes or drones or if you are a courier where you will be needing to use your own vehicle to deliver small parcels then you may look to car derived van such as an Astra van. If you need the more height in the back or a side loading door then you may need to go for something like a Ford Transit Connect or even a Ford Transit Van.

If you are going to be driving long distances, then you should consider how old the van is and what the mileage is also what the fuel economical is like. Diesel vans often give you more miles to the gallon on a good run but do usually cost more to buy to start with. It is worth asking a mechanic to look over a vehicle you are considering buying or getting a used van check which is offered by companies such as the AA.