Should I Fix My Van’s Problem or Scrap It?

When your van is brand-new and working flawlessly, you don’t have to make any difficult decisions. But when the vehicle is old and has persistent issues, you might wonder, “Should I fix my van’s problem or scrap it instead?”

It might seem like a straightforward question, but that’s not always the case. Perhaps your van has some life left in it and you should invest in repairs.

Here are some factors to consider when trying to resolve this issue.

When Is Fixing the Van the Right Call?

When your van has a flat tyre, you’ll likely replace it and keep using the vehicle as normal. Such a relatively minor problem won’t convince you to scrap the van.

In general, smaller repairs between £50 and £500 are considered reasonable, as maintenance is a regular part of vehicle ownership. But this rule only makes sense if the repairs solve the problem long-term and you don’t need to visit a mechanic every other week.

The age of your van plays an essential role in this process. If the van was manufactured in 2005 or later, it might not be the perfect candidate for scrapping. On the other hand, even an older van with 100,000 – 150,000 miles on the clock might be fine if it has been maintained well over the years.

Finally, some van owners are reluctant to scrap the vehicle for sentimental reasons. Perhaps you used the van when you started your first business, so investing in repairs might be the right step for you.

When Is Scrapping the Right Call?

The “Should I fix my van’s problem or scrap it?” question is indeed challenging to answer. However, there are some tell-tale signs scrapping might be the better option.

Your van may be showing one, two, or all of these signs, indicating that it’s time to reach out to your local van scrapping service.

Your Van Is Too Damaged

The degree of damage to your van can vary drastically. But only a written-off van can be categorised as undeniably “too damaged.”

If your vehicle has been involved in an accident and the insurance company has deemed it beyond repair, this is usually the case. If the structural damage resulted in a write-off, the insurer has likely suggested you contact a reliable scrap van buyer.

You’re Not Driving Long-Distance

Your van might still be operational, but that doesn’t mean you’d use it for a long journey. You might not even be aware of all the van’s problems, but it feels unsafe to drive it.

Long-distance drives can take a toll on older vans. If you’re postponing trips you want to make because you don’t believe your van can withstand them, perhaps it’s time to scrap it.

Too Many Costly Repairs

While some van owners might not even know the extent of the damage to their vehicle, others are familiar with every detail.

You may have spent countless hours and a lot of money trying to get the van in excellent shape. Those efforts may have yielded some results, but if you have to spend more and more on repairs, that’s not a great sign.

Perhaps doing the maths on the cost of repairs could provide some clarity. What do you do if the value of repairs exceeds the van’s value? Unless you’re planning to restore a vintage vehicle, scrapping is the better solution.

The Vital Systems Are Failing

The accumulation of problems and frequent repairs are bothersome and costly, but you still have the option to extend your van’s life. If your van has more serious issues under the bonnet, the situation is quite different.

When the symptoms of engine and transmission damage start to appear, scrapping is the only answer. Changing vital components in the van is never budget-friendly, and recycling makes more sense.

Rust Is Everywhere

Some rust damage is not alarming. After all, rust is almost unavoidable unless you’re driving a brand-new van. If you treat small patches of rust as soon as possible, the rust will stop spreading.

But if you’ve never addressed this issue before, the rust could have completely taken over the van. It’s not a matter of aesthetics alone.

Rust makes the metal brittle and more prone to damage. Even your brake lines and chassis could be covered in rust, rendering the van entirely unsafe to drive. Call your local scrap buyer right away if that’s the case with your vehicle.

The Lack of Fuel Efficiency

For some people, costly repairs and rust are not sufficient reasons to scrap a van. But they might change their minds if they realise their van is incredibly fuel inefficient.

Putting countless gallons of petrol into an old van that can’t achieve the same mileage as a newer model can be disheartening. Innovations in fuel efficiency have come a long way, and purchasing a newer van can be much more cost-effective in the long-term.

Your Van Doesn’t Go Anywhere

What happens if you become tired of paying for your van’s expensive repairs? The odds are, it will sit in your garage or yard for months or even years.

Choosing to scrap your van might not always be an easy decision to make, but it will likely be something you won’t regret. Think of all the space you’ll free up, which you can use for a newer van or for storing other items.

Fix or Scrap – It’s Up to You

No two vans are exactly the same, and what qualifies as an ideal candidate for scrapping for some might be viewed differently by others. Whether you want to spend a fortune on repairs is a personal choice, but it’s often not the most practical.

Engine damage, rust, and fuel inefficiency are all significant issues that prevent you from planning long-distance trips. But when you call a scrap van buyer, the vehicle is out of your way in record time. Plus, you get paid. Reach out to your local and reliable van scrapping service to make a fresh start.