Depreciation is the biggest contributor to the total cost of owning a small van during the first three years – more than the fuel, insurance and servicing costs combined. It’ll cost you £12,000 on average.
If you’re looking at a new small van, this article is a must-read.
How we worked it out
To get a better understanding of the market, we compiled a list of all mainstream small panel vans. The residual values were carried out by the Parkers Valuations team, and we used a representative period of three years and 60,000 miles on the clock.
For each of the models stated, we used two derivatives: a base version with a low power rating and the top-of-the-range spec with the highest engine output. We then used the average of these two derivatives to give an indicative list price, an estimated future value and a depreciation amount (both percentage and actual value) for each model.
9 – Fiat Doblo Cargo
Average list price: £16,698
Average depreciation: 20.5 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £3,488
Amount lost in depreciation: £13,210
The worst small van for depreciation during the first three years, according to our report, is the Fiat Doblo Cargo. On average, more than £13,000 is written off the value of a Doblo (£16,698 list price versus £3,488 estimated future value) which can only be attributed to the poor perceived build quality of the previous generation.
Read the Fiat Doblo Cargo review.
8 – Vauxhall Combo
Average list price: £16,308
Average depreciation: 20.5 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £3.350
Amount lost in depreciation: £12,958
Retaining the same 20.5 percent of its original value is the Doblo’s sister van, the Combo, with which it shares the same driveline and chassis. However, because the list price is lower (£16,308), the difference in value from new is around £250 less on the Vauxhall Combo.
Read the Vauxhall Combo review.
7 – Renault Kangoo
Average list price: £15,046
Average depreciation: 20.5 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £3,138
Amount lost in depreciation: £11,908
The Renault Kangoo is the third vehicle to retain just 20.5 percent of its original list price after three years and 60,000 miles. The average value of £3,138 is £11,908 less than the list price of £15,046 which, again, can be blamed on the historical technical issues associated with the Kangoo.
Read the Renault Kangoo review.
6 – Mercedes-Benz Citan
Average list price: £16,858
Average depreciation: 24.5 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £4,200
Amount lost in depreciation: £12,658
Despite sharing the same chassis and driveline, the Mercedes-Benz Citan performs far better than its Renault-badged sibling, retaining 24.5 percent of its original list price. However, the customer will end up losing more money as the Mercedes-Benz Citan list price is £1,800 higher.
Read the Mercedes-Benz Citan review.
5 – Peugeot Partner
Average list price: £15,006
Average depreciation: 25 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £3,775
Amount lost in depreciation: £11,231
Achieving respectable mid-table status is the Peugeot Partner. After three years, around 25 percent of the list price should be maintained, which isn’t bad considering that Peugeot dealerships often offer big discounts on Partner vans.
Read the Peugeot Partner review.
4 – Citroen Berlingo (26 percent; £10,801 depreciation)
Average list price: £14,601
Average depreciation: 26 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £3,800
Amount lost in depreciation: £10,801
The badge is all that physically separates the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, but Citroen’s superior aftersales service (provided by the 80 Citroen Business Centres nationwide) could explain why used buyers are prepared to pay that bit extra.
Read the Citroen Berlingo review.
3 – Nissan NV200
Average list price: £14,913
Average depreciation: 28 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £4,213
Amount lost in depreciation: £10,700
A surprise contender in the top three is the Nissan NV200. The NV200 is the only mainstream Asian-style van left in the UK after the Toyota Hiace was replaced in 2013, and with 28 percent residual values after three years, it shows that these high, nimble and load-efficient vans are in demand.
Read the Nissan NV200 review.
2 – Volkswagen Caddy
Average list price: £17,355
Average depreciation: 30 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £5,213
Amount lost in depreciation: £12,142
After leading the residual values for many years, the Volkswagen Caddy has fallen into second place. This could be down to the fact that the model suffered as a result of the 2015 VW emission scandal and, for many years, from high running costs (see Cheapest Small Vans for Parts) – which may have dented the van’s image.
Read the Volkswagen Caddy review.
1 – Ford Transit Connect (31.5 percent; £11,209 depreciation)
Average list price: £16,347
Average depreciation: 31.5 percent
Value after three years/60,000 miles: £5,138
Amount lost in depreciation: £11,209
Achieving an impressive 31.5 percent of its original value and taking the title of ‘least depreciating van’ is the Ford Transit Connect. This generation is the most fuel-efficient in its class and one of the cheapest for parts and, in addition to offering high levels of comfort and refinement, means it’s the most desirable small van on sale.
Read the Ford Transit Connect review.
