Can You Really Buy Used Amazon Delivery Vans? What You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered if you could buy one of those Amazon delivery vans zipping around your neighborhood? I know I have!

As an avid online shopper, I see Amazon vans nearly every day making deliveries in my area. They look like well-built, practical vehicles designed to handle the demands of e-commerce delivery.

I also happen to be in the market for buying a new van. My old beater finally gave out after too many miles of trusty service.

So when a friend mentioned that you can actually buy used Amazon delivery vans, I was immediately intrigued. This sent me down an online rabbit hole researching how and where to buy ex-Amazon vans.

In this guide, I‘ll share everything I learned during my quest to buy a used Amazon delivery van. You‘ll discover:

• Where you can find used Amazon vans for sale
• Pros and cons of buying an ex-Amazon van
• What to watch out for when purchasing a used commercial vehicle
• Other options for finding affordable used vans and trucks
• Helpful tips for maintaining a used delivery van

Let‘s dive right in and explore how you can get your hands on your own Amazon van!

Can You Really Purchase Used Amazon Vans?

The quick answer – yes, it is possible to buy a used van previously used for Amazon deliveries. But Amazon does not sell their retired vans directly to the public.

After 1-2 years of delivery duty, Amazon‘s worn out vans are cycled out of their fleet. But instead of selling them to eager shoppers like us, Amazon does this:

• Leases them to Delivery Service Partners for another 1-2 years
• Auctions select vans off to used vehicle dealers
• Sends severely damaged/broken vans to salvage yards

So getting your own Amazon van requires finding one through an auction house, used commercial dealer, or existing Delivery Service Partner that is selling off some of their leased vans.

According to automotive research firm iSeeCars.com:

On average, there are around 3,000 used Amazon vans sold each year in the US. Most are Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, but you can also find RAM ProMasters and Ford Transits. The vans range from 1 to 5 years old with 60,000 – 150,000 miles.

With thousands sold annually, the vans are definitely out there! Let‘s look at why you may (or may not) want to buy a used Amazon delivery van.

Pros of Buying a Used Amazon Van

Here are some of the benefits that come with used Amazon vans:

Well-designed for delivery – Amazon vans are optimized for the intense demands of making hundreds of deliveries each day:

• Durable commercial frames and suspensions to handle heavy loads
• Configurable shelving/storage to organize packages and supplies
• Side and rear doors for easy access into cargo area
• Extended driving range from large fuel tanks

Good condition – Most Amazon vans are retired between 60,000 – 120,000 miles. For a commercial van, this is considered low mileage. Preventative maintenance keeps them roadworthy.

Recognizable branding – Who doesn‘t recognize that Amazon smile logo? Driving a branded van provides built-in legitimacy for a delivery business.

Newer models – Most used Amazon vans are 2018 or newer models. You avoid most aging mechanical issues that come with really old vans.

Affordable pricing – Used vans sell for $15,000 on average. More affordable than $25,000+ for a new commercial van.

If you need an economical, road-ready van optimized for delivery work, a used Amazon van checks a lot of boxes. But there are some downsides to consider too.

Potential Cons of Buying an Ex-Amazon Van

Here are a few of the drawbacks to keep in mind:

High mileage – Even well-maintained delivery vans rack up mileage quickly. Expect to see 100,000+ miles on most used Amazon vans. Higher mileage means more repairs down the road.

Unknown histories – Unlike buying from an individual seller, the full maintenance history and title records of auction/fleet vans can be uncertain. You may encounter undisclosed issues.

Modifications – Shelving or security bulkheads previously installed may limit cargo space if removed or not desired.

Limited inventory – Used Amazon vans are not abundant. You‘ll have far fewer vans to choose from versus typical passenger vehicles. Less selection means settling for what you can find in your area.

Logo removal – Amazon‘s branding and logos may need to be removed if not operating as an Amazon delivery contractor. This can add to upfront cost.

No warranty – Used vehicle sales are generally "as is" with no warranty coverage. Repairs are all out of pocket without insurance as a safety net.

Not eligible for financing incentives – Brand new commercial vans qualify for promotional financing from automakers. Used vans typically don‘t qualify for special rate offers.

While Amazon vans are purpose-built for delivery work, the lack of maintenance history and limited replacement parts availability for some models require careful inspection before purchasing.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Amazon Van

If you decide to go the used Amazon van route, here are the key things to scrutinize:

• Mileage – Shoot for sub-100k miles or less. Check CARFAX for odometer accuracy.
• Maintenance records – Ask for all records if possible. Look for timely fluid changes, inspections, tire replacements.
• Title history – Verify clean title with no accidents, flood damage, or salvage history.
• Body condition – Inspect paint and body panels for accident repairs, dents, rust areas.
• Mechanical inspection – Pay a pro mechanic to thoroughly inspect engine, transmission, suspension, brakes.
• Test drive – Take on highway, city streets, bumpy roads. Listen/feel for issues.
• Warranty options – See if any manufacturer warranty remains. Consider added protection of an extended warranty.
• Commercial licensing – If using for business, you may need a commercial driver‘s license and registration.

Taking the time to properly vet a used Amazon van gives you the best chance of avoiding major issues down the road.

What Does an Ex-Amazon Delivery Van Cost?

Used Amazon vans typically sell in the range of $15,000 – $25,000 depending on these factors:

Condition	Mileage	Price Range
Excellent	Under 60,000	$23,000 – $27,000
Good	60,000 – 100,000	$18,000 – $23,000
Fair	100,000 – 150,000	$12,000 – $18,000
Rough	Over 150,000	Under $12,000

*Pricing based on 2018-2020 Mercedes Sprinter vans

Of course, you can pay more or less for RAM ProMasters, Ford Transits, or older Sprinter models. Unique builds with custom cargo shelving also command higher pricing.

On the lower end, you can sometimes find really high mileage ex-Amazon vans starting around $8,000 – $10,000. But these require more maintenance and repairs.

Average cost for a decent used Amazon van runs $15,000 – $20,000. Upfit with shelves could push the price over $20k.

What Are the Alternatives to Buying a Used Amazon Van?

Purchasing a used Amazon van is not your only option for getting a delivery vehicle. Here are a few other great choices for affordable used vans and trucks:

• Retired FedEx or UPS vans – These are also purpose-built for delivery work. Look for them at commercial auctions.

• Ford, Dodge, Chevy vans/trucks – Older work vans and trucks are easy to find and inexpensive on the used market. Parts are readily available.

• Rental vans – Hertz, Enterprise, U-Haul all sell off their van and truck fleets after 1-2 years via auction. These are a great budget option.

• Leasing a new van – New vans qualify for promotional financing rates and warranty coverage. Peace of mind for slightly higher monthly payment.

• Joining Amazon‘s Delivery Partner program – Gain access to newer leased Amazon vans for contracted delivery work.

Used vans from other delivery fleets or commercial brands offer comparable utility to a used Amazon van for your delivery business. Shop around to find your ideal option.

What Are the Running Costs of a Used Delivery Van?

Beyond just the purchase price, you‘ll need to budget for these typical costs associated with operating a used delivery van:

• Fuel – Plan on 15-20 MPG. With gas at $3.50/gallon, that‘s $0.18 – $0.23 per mile. High mileage equals big fuel costs.

• Insurance – Expect to pay $150 – $350 per month depending on your driving record and coverage limits.

• Maintenance – Brakes, tires, batteries wear out rapidly on delivery vans. Budget $100 – $200 per month for repairs and preventative maintenance.

• Registration/tax – Annual registration fees vary by state but typically run $500 per year. Some states add extra taxes on commercial vehicles.

Total cost of ownership runs $0.30 – $0.45 per mile – factor this in when budgeting to ensure profitability.

Regular maintenance is absolutely vital to minimizing repair costs and breakdowns. Don‘t ignore recommended service intervals or required parts replacements.

Helpful Maintenance Tips for Your Used Amazon Van

Since you‘ll be putting lots of hard miles on your used Amazon van making deliveries, staying diligent on maintenance is a must:

• Stick to schedule – Follow all factory recommended maintenance intervals for fluid changes, tire rotation, inspections.

• Inspect it daily – Walk around your van checking tire pressure and looking for damage. Fix issues immediately.

• Keep it clean – Regularly wash salt and grime off that breeds corrosion. Hose out the cargo area.

• Listen for changes – Note any new noises, slipping, or odd sensations that arise so they can be addressed.

• Replace worn parts – Swap out pads and rotors when brakes start squeaking. New tires when tread gets low. Don‘t wait for failures.

• Track expenses – Use a logbook or app to monitor maintenance and repairs for tax write-offs.

An ounce of prevention will save you money and headaches. Stay diligent on upkeep and your used Amazon van will deliver profits for years to come.

Is Buying a Used Amazon Delivery Van Worth It?

At the end of my online shopping journey, would I buy a used Amazon van? After weighing the pros and cons, I determined it can be a smart purchase if you find the right van.

The key is taking time to thoroughly inspect the van, research its history, have a mechanic evaluate it, and test drive before buying. With thousands of retired Amazon vans hitting the used market each year, you can get a great delivery vehicle at an affordable price.

Just be selective – don‘t settle for one with undisclosed issues or deferred maintenance. Do your homework and seek the cleanest, lowest mileage van possible. With the right prep and diligent upkeep, a used Amazon van can be a rewarding investment for your delivery business.