A spare van costs money while it is standing still, but it can be worthwhile where one breakdown would stop important work or force expensive short-notice hire.
Work out the cost of being one vehicle short
If a missing van means cancelled jobs or idle staff, the value of backup capacity is easier to justify.
Compare with short-term hire
For businesses with occasional downtime, renting when needed may cost less than owning another vehicle all year.
A spare still needs managing
A backup vehicle still needs maintenance, tax, MOT where applicable, insurance and regular use to remain dependable.
Consider flexible fleet capacity
Some businesses use a vehicle approaching replacement as temporary backup rather than buying a dedicated spare.
Keep the decision practical. Use your own mileage, vehicle use, costs and business needs. Tax, finance and insurance terms vary, so check current information before committing.