Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer selects best used van with household name well on top

Mike Brewer has revealed the best second hand van on the market (Image: X / @MikeBrewer)

Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer has revealed the best second-hand van on the market ahead of the New Year with Ford coming out on top. 

The presenter of the popular classic car restoration show admitted the Ford Transit was the best all-rounder and a "jack of all trades” machine. 

Mike has a soft spot for the model, selling Ford Transit vans himself back at his One Automotive base in Leamington Spa.

However, the model scooped the Used Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize at the Car Dealer Magazine Awards earlier this year with Mike on the panel of judges. 

The TV star even dubbed the Transit the “backbone of Britain" with many businesses relying on the models every day. 

The Ford Transit van picked up the Used Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize (Image: Ford)

Mike explained: “They are incredible work horses, very very faithful, very reliable and with a Transit you can have it as a jack of all trades. 

“You can buy it in the standard van form or buy it as a combi. As a combi you can throw people in the back. They even do a Transit Tourneo which means you can have it as a minibus as well. 

“The engine options are absolutely fabulous. They come equipped, especially if you buy a Custom, almost like a 70-series BMW. 

“It’s got a multi-function reach and rake steering column, electric windows, power mirrors, folding mirrors, connectivity for your iPhone or for your Android device, air conditioning, it's got heated seats."

According to analysis from car experts at MOTORS, road users could pick up a one-year-old Ford Tranor Van for around £28,9000. 

However, the model quickly depreciates with a five-year model priced at just £14,000 and a six-year-old machine at around £12,000.

Many older examples are available on AutoTrader, the leading used car marketplace, for just £5,000.

Mike added: “I love driving them because you've got that lofty driving position, the window is very low so you've got great visibility out the front.

"It’s like sitting in a cinema screen with the scenery flying beside you. 

“It’s really easy in terms of parking, manoeuvrability and visibility. And of course, being a Ford, you can still find a Ford dealer in every town and city to keep it serviced well and for reliability.”