If you are looking for a used van that can take a beating, carry real weight and keep running costs in check, the Vauxhall Vivaro is once again proving why it is one of the most trusted choices on the used market. The Vivaro has just been crowned Used Commercial Vehicle of the Year at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2025, a ceremony that highlights the strongest performers in the used market.

Why the Vivaro won

Industry judges, including Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer, praised the Vivaro for the qualities buyers actually care about.

  • Dependable day to day
  • Practical for trade work and small businesses
  • Low running costs
  • Good resale value
  • Plenty of choice on the used market

Mike Brewer said the Vivaro is a familiar sight on UK roads for a reason. It supports tradespeople, small businesses and fleet operators without making life complicated. Car Dealer’s editor-in-chief, James Baggott, said it delivers what buyers want without relying on hype. Solid praise for a van that often ends up on shopping lists for anyone hunting for used vans for sale in the UK.

Strong in the new and used markets

The Vivaro has been a key player in the medium van segment for years. It was the second best-selling van in the UK in 2023, and the fully electric Vivaro Electric led the UK electric van market for three years in a row. That strong record in the new market filters directly into used stock.

This means buyers have plenty of choice, from low-mileage nearly new diesels to older high-spec models at keen prices, plus a growing supply of used electric variants.

Powertrain options that suit every job

One of the reasons the Vivaro performs so well in the used market is the range of engines and body styles available.

Diesel options

Used examples are often found with 1.5 or 2.0 litre turbo diesel engines, producing 100PS, 120PS, 145PS or 180PS. These engines have a good reputation for efficiency and durability, which is essential for anyone relying on their van for business.

Electric Vivaro

If you are searching for a used electric van, the Vivaro Electric (previously called Vivaro-e) is one of the strongest options in the UK.

  • Battery choices: 50kWh or 75kWh
  • WLTP range: up to 143 or 205 miles
  • Rapid charging: 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes (50kWh) or 45 minutes (75kWh)
  • Ideal for ULEZ and low emission zones

The electric version is smooth, quiet and can slash running costs for businesses that cover predictable routes each day.

Body styles

Shoppers will commonly find three formats when browsing used Vivaro listings.
• Panel Van
• Double Cab
• Platform Cab

Two body lengths were offered, giving buyers flexibility depending on payload, people and equipment.

What Vauxhall says

Vauxhall’s Managing Director, Steve Catlin, said the award reflects the van’s long-standing role as a hard-working partner for UK businesses. Its mix of capability, efficiency and modern tech continues to keep it in demand across both new and used markets.

Why used van buyers should care

If you are comparing used vans for sale in the UK, the Vivaro’s award win acts as useful confirmation of what many buyers already know. It offers:
• Strong reliability
• Good payload capability
• A wide choice of trims and engines
• Low operating costs
• A strong electric option
• Better availability than some rivals

It is also a van that dealers trust to sell, which is often a good sign for long-term ownership.

Should you consider a Vivaro as your next used van

Yes. If you need a medium van for trade work, deliveries, tools or multi-stop routes, the Vivaro ticks the important boxes. It is well suited to:
• Builders, electricians and plumbers
• Local delivery businesses
• Growing start-ups
• Fleets that need dependable workhorses
• Drivers looking to switch to a used electric van

The mix of value, durability and choice makes it one of the safest buys in the used commercial vehicle market.