Is my current van due for replacement?
You’ve been driving it for a few years now. It still gets the job done. But somewhere you know it can’t go on like this forever. The question is: when does “it still drives” stop being a good argument?
Is my current van due for replacement?
You’ve been driving it for a few years now. It still gets the job done. But somewhere you know it can’t go on like this forever. The question is: when does “it still drives” stop being a good argument?
Checklist - When is replacement the smartest move?
My maintenance costs increase year after year.
I’ve had multiple breakdowns in the past year.
My van is more than 7 years old and has over 200,000 km.
My van no longer meets the emission standard for the cities where I work.
The real cost of an old van
Maintenance and repairs
The older the vehicle, the higher the chance of unexpected defects. Brakes, timing belt, gearbox… every part that wears out counts.
Downtime
For a self‑employed professional, downtime means loss. If your van sits in the garage for three days, you earn nothing for three days.
Fuel consumption
Older engines generally consume more than newer models. That difference adds up over the course of a year.
The 15% rule of thumb
An older vehicle may have a lower purchase price. It also comes with higher structural costs. If your annual maintenance and repair costs exceed 15% of the current value of your vehicle, replacing it is almost always the financially smarter choice.
Is your van still allowed in low‑emission zones?
Brussels
From 1 January 2026, EURO 5 diesel vehicles and EURO 2 petrol vehicles are banned. Fine: €350 per trip, after a warning phase.
Flanders
The planned tightening was withdrawn in November 2025, but local deviations remain possible.
Multi-regional operations
If you drive in both Brussels and Flanders, the emission standard of your vehicle becomes a key factor.
Sound familiar?
Is your van due for replacement?
The more you recognise yourself in this, the clearer the signal becomes. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market, suitable for every situation.
See also:
Do I need my first van?
The smart tachograph requirement for vans
