No fixed mileage automatically means you should replace a van. With a new van, the smarter trigger is usually when your costs, downtime or compliance risk start to outweigh the benefits of keeping it — and that can happen at very different mileages depending on what you do and where you drive.
What matters more than the odometer
Reliability and downtime: If missed jobs, recovery call-outs or frequent workshop visits are becoming normal, replacement can be cheaper than “running it on”.
Warranty and service cover: Many new-van warranties have both time and mileage limits. If you’re about to run out of cover, ask whether an extended warranty or service plan makes sense versus changing the van.
Compliance (ULEZ/Clean Air Zones): If you regularly enter London ULEZ or other CAZ areas, a newer Euro 6 diesel (or electric) can avoid daily charges. Rules and zones can change, so check the relevant council/TfL pages for your routes.
Finance and tax position: On a lease, your replacement point is often built into the term and contracted mileage — exceeding it can be expensive. If you buy, consider resale value versus the next big maintenance items (tyres, brakes, clutch/DPF issues on high-mile diesels).
Typical UK patterns (as a guide)
High-mileage couriers often replace sooner in years (to stay within warranty and minimise downtime), while lower-mileage trades may keep a van longer if it’s reliable and compliant. There isn’t a universal “replace at 100k miles” rule.
Two quick checks before you decide
1) Cost-per-mile: Add fuel/energy, servicing, repairs, tyres and downtime over the last 6–12 months and compare with a quote for a new van (purchase or lease).
2) Future fit: Is your next van likely to need to be electric for city work? If so, check payload, charging access and the current Plug-in Van Grant (rates can be reviewed annually by OZEV).
If you tell me your annual mileage, where you drive (city/CAZ), and whether you buy or lease, I can suggest a sensible replacement window.
