Van DIY

Updated on January 1st, 2025

Once you’ve decided on what type of van you are going to buy you’re going to have to start test driving vans. We know this can super intimidating so we put together a list of things to look for when you are test driving a van.

Before Test Driving a Van

Examine the Body for Damage

Most used vans on the market were previously used as commercial vehicles. Many businesses self-insure their vehicles so a previous accident may not show up on a vehicle history report. The following can be signs that a vehicle was in an accident and repaired:

• Do the panels line up?
• Are all the panels the same color?
• Is there overspray paint in the wheel wells or behind the gas cover?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, you’ll want to ask the owner about any accident history. Hopefully, they will be honest, if they lie, it might be time to walk away.

Look for Rust

This is especially important in places where salt is used on the roads in the winter. If you live in a northern part of the US it is unlikely you will see a rustless vehicle more than 2-3 years old. We aren’t looking for perfect, just nothing structural.

• Check the wheel wells and doors. This is where rust will show first on the body.
• Check the frame for rust. Any significant frame rust should be treated with extreme caution. We aren’t talking surface level stuff, we are talking flaking.

Rust on the body isn’t necessarily pricey to fix if you can do it yourself, but it is a pain.

Check Under the Hood

A quick look under the hood can tell you if someone has been messing around where they shouldn’t. You don’t want to see a lot of modifications or messy wiring.

• Check for “extra” wiring, especially any that looks untidy.
• Check clamps and hoses for signs of fatigue.
• Is there corrosion on the battery terminals?
• Are there any visible fluids?
• Is there an aftermarket remote starter?

Check the Fluids

Check important fluids before you test drive the van. Ideally, the fluids will be at the appropriate level and recently changed. A normal amount of “use” visible in the fluids is fine, what you’re looking for is deferred maintenance. Check the following fluids:

• Engine Oil
• Transmission Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Brake Fluid
• Coolant

Start Your Engines!

Cold Start

You will want to hear the engine as it starts from cold. There are certain noises, specifically belt noises that will not be heard after an engine warms up. If you cannot cold start, just be sure to exam the belts and pulleys a little more closely. You are listening for any:

• Squeals
• Squeeks
• Thumps
• Ticking
• Odd Rhythms

Relative Compression Test

The engine should have consistent compression across all cylinders. This can be tested at a shop but most people are not that thorough. A relative compression test is the next best option. A quick google search will give you how to test in the specific vehicle you’re test driving. If you are test driving a GM van (Chevy or GMC) you can do the following:

1. The engine should be off, parking brake on, and transmission in park.
2. Press gas pedal all the way to the floor.
3. Turn the key like you are starting the engine.
4. The engine will attempt to turn over but not catch.
5. It should be an even rhythm with no part of the noise louder or more intense than any other.

Use a Code Scanner

There are ways to reset a check engine light so that during a test drive it would not appear. An honest seller will let you know there is something wrong, but you should verify for yourself. Let the engine run for a little bit and then connect a code scanner. If you don’t own a code scanner most auto parts stores will do the diagnostics for you. Look for:

• Any Codes
• Any Pending Codes
• Any Incomplete Monitors

Push All the Buttons

Test all the knobs, buttons and levers inside the van:

• Does the fan work on all levels?
• Is the A/C cool? Is the heat warm (once the engine is warmed up)?
• Does the defrost mode direct air correctly?
• Do the windshield wipers work through all speeds?
• Do the windows move appropriately?
• Do the door locks work appropriately?
• Do the headlights work?
• Do the brake lights work?

Take it for a Test Drive

Steering

Make some nice slow turns. You want to see if there are any dead spots in the steering and how responsive it is. Remember this is a van not a race car a little steering slop is expected.

Braking

There should be resistance when you push on the brake. You also are looking for any vibration or pulsing while braking. Listen for any squeals or pulsing as well.

Transmission

A transmission repair is probably the most expensive repair on a vehicle besides replacing an engine. It’s important that you put it through its paces while test driving the van.

• Bring the engine up to highway speed when safe. It should smoothly shift through all gears. You should have a hard time telling it’s shifting.
• Step on it! The engine should downshift.
• If your test driving a 4×4, put it into 4 wheel drive high and low.

Engine

When you step on it the engine should not smoke or blow any sort of black smoke. It’s pretty unlikely that someone has modified a van for “performance” but if they have it will show up here. The original manufacturer would have put that extra 50-100 horsepower in from the factory if it was a good idea and safe.

After Test Driving the Van

Ask to see any maintenance records that the current owner may have. This is a great way to see how well a van has been taken care of. Our van came with a whole fill folder which included evidence of every. single. oil change, all 23 of them!! It also included receipt of a recent transmission rebuild from a local respected shop.

Once you’ve completed your tests you have a decision to make. Is the price fair for the condition of the vehicle? Take into consideration not only part costs but the cost of your time! Use any findings to negotiate price, and be willing to walk away if you can’t come to an agreement with the seller. As the saying goes, there are always more fish in the sea!

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