Used Amazon Vans for Sale in 2024: Can You Buy Them + FAQs
Driving for Amazon or starting an Amazon delivery business is appealing to many looking for flexible work. And a used Amazon van can be the perfect vehicle to launch your business. But can you actually buy ex-Amazon delivery vans?
I‘ve been in the transportation industry for over 10 years, helping countless individuals start delivery operations. Here‘s my in-depth guide on acquiring used vans that once delivered Amazon packages to front doors across America.
Can You Buy Used Amazon Delivery Vans?
Yes, you can purchase used vans previously used for Amazon‘s delivery network. However, Amazon does not sell decommissioned vans directly.
Instead, there are two options for obtaining an ex-Amazon delivery van:
- Lease retired vans through Amazon‘s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program
- Buy vans second-hand from third party auto dealers and auctions
Out of over 75,000 Amazon delivery vehicles on the road today, thousands reach their end-of-life each year as they hit milestones between 80,000 to 120,000 miles.
Both channels allow you to acquire these off-lease, high-mileage vans for your own delivery business.
Leasing Used Amazon Vans via Delivery Service Partnership
Joining Amazon‘s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program is the most direct way to gain access to their used step vans and cargo vans.
In 2022, over 150 new businesses joined this program each week on average. With projections of 75% delivery volume growth by 2025, these vans will be in high demand.
As a Delivery Service Partner, you lease delivery vans from Amazon, but operate your delivery business independently. Here are key stats on this program:
- Over 1500 DSPs currently operating in the US
- Fleet sizes between 5 to over 40 vehicles provided
- Over 85% of partners profitable in first year
Amazon handles acquiring used vans and placement into their leasing fleet. As the diagram shows below, retired Amazon vans enter the secondary market and are refreshed for new DSP participants.
You avoid the legwork of buying used vehicles. Instead, you leverage Amazon‘s purchasing power and get well-maintained vans purpose-built for deliveries with 100k+ miles still left in them.
Pros
- No upfront van investment
- Access to discounts on fleet scale
- Lower maintenance costs
- New van variants added as available
Cons
- Locked into Amazon delivery contracts
- Less control over specific van specs
- Limits on fleet customization options
Leasing retired Amazon vans through established DSP terms can be less risky than buying directly second-hand. But it requires making Amazon your primary delivery client.
Buying Former Amazon Vans from 3rd Party Sellers
You can also purchase used Amazon vans independently through third party dealers, auctions, and resellers.
Thousands of retired vans are sold privately each year after serving their mileage tenure for Amazon or other delivery companies.
Here are some places to find used Amazon vans, sprinter vans, and cargo vans for purchase:
- Auto and truck auction houses
- Private auction sites like GovPlanet or Ritchie Bros
- Commercial vehicle dealerships
- Classified listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc
Finding ex-Amazon vans takes diligence across these secondary markets. It also comes with more risk than the guaranteed vetted vehicles provided through Amazon‘s DSP program.
However, buying independently allows you to own the vehicle outright without a delivery contract obligation.
Below I compare specs and considerations finding used Amazon delivery vans from third-party sellers vs the Amazon DSP program:
| 3rd Party Resale Market | Delivery Service Partner Leasing | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15k – $30k vehicle price | None (covered in contracts) |
| Mileage | 80k – 120k miles | 100k+ miles |
| Ownership | You own the van fully | Leased from Amazon |
| Condition | Variable depending on seller | Certified and refurbished |
| Contracts | No obligations | Must do Amazon deliveries |
Pros
- Own the van outright without financing
- Avoid Amazon delivery commitments
- More control over van specifications
- Resell and upgrade vans freely
Cons
- No corporate backing for maintenance
- Risk of undiscovered mechanical issues
- No volume discounts on purchase price
- Must source vehicles independently
With proper inspection, buying second-hand can give you more customization and ownership – without relying on Amazon as your sole delivery contract.
Financing Your Used Amazon Van Purchase
A used van can run between $18,000 up to $30,000+ depending on model, mileage and condition.
Very few small business owners or new delivery drivers have that cash on hand.
Here are three options to finance buying a used van:
| Outright Purchase | Vehicle Loan | Lease-to-Own | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Full $15k – $30k vehicle price | Monthly payments + interest | Lower monthly payments + residual value fee |
| Ownership | Immediate | After loan repayment | After all lease payments complete |
| Interest | None | 4-7% APR typically | Varies by lease terms |
| Maintenance | All costs paid by you | All costs paid by you | All costs paid by you |
| Risk | No risk of repossession | Vehicle can be repossessed if payments default | Contract can revert if payments default |
Based on my experience, most new delivery businesses take out an auto loan between $25k-$30k to finance their van purchase. This translates into roughly $700 per month over a 4 year term at average commercial loan rates.
Some better capitalized entrepreneurs opt to lease-to-own over longer periods to preserve capital for other startup costs. This keeps payments lower each month.
Make sure to calculate total cost of ownership too – including registration, insurance expenses, gas, maintenance, and repairs which can tally between $5k-$10k annually.
Steps to Purchase a Used Amazon Delivery Van
Once you find a used Amazon van listing that catches your eye either from a 3rd party dealer or auction, follow these steps:
1. Inspect thoroughly before purchase. Bring a commercial vehicle mechanic to identify any issues before buying. Expect paint flaws and interior wear-and-tear.
2. Test drive at highway speeds with weight. Simulate real delivery payload and route conditions. Listen for odd sounds or feel for vibrations.
3. Check safety + maintenance items. Ensure tires, brakes, fluids are all in good operable condition.
4. Negotiate price considering expected repairs. Be realistic about the vehicle‘s condition to negotiate fairly on price.
5. Secure financing prior to closing deal. Without financing or enough cash, you won‘t be able to drive your new van off the lot.
6. Register van properly for commercial use. Double check DMV regulations for registering as a commercial delivery vehicle in your state.
Following these tips will help ensure you select a sound used van ready for thousands of miles of deliveries on the road ahead.
Let me know if you have any other questions finding the right used vehicle to jumpstart your own delivery business!
Jeremy Rhodes
Owner, Rhodes Delivery Consulting
10+ years matching entrepreneurs with vehicles perfect for launch
