Guide
Advertising van for sale: a UK buyer's guide
What used and new digital advertising vans cost in the UK, what to check before you buy one, and when it makes more sense to hire.
What advertising vans cost to buy
Prices vary hugely with the age of the vehicle and, more importantly, the age and quality of the screens. These are typical asking prices seen in the UK in 2026.
| Type | Typical asking price |
|---|---|
| Older used digital van, around 10 years or more | About £15,000 to £20,000 |
| Printed banner advertising van | About £12,000 plus VAT |
| Used three or four screen digital van, 2021 to 2022 | About £76,000 to £85,000 |
| New three screen digital van | From about £135,000 |
What to check before you buy
- The screens. Look at the panels running full white and full colour to spot dead pixels or faded modules. Ask how old the LED panels are, as replacing them can cost more than the van is worth.
- Pixel pitch. A smaller number, such as P3.9 or P4.8, means a sharper picture at close range.
- Brightness. Outdoor screens need to be bright enough for direct sunlight. Ask for the rated brightness.
- Power. Find out whether the screens run from a generator, batteries or LPG, how long they last on a full day and how noisy the generator is.
- The processor and software. Check which controller drives the screens and how content is uploaded, and whether remote updates need a separate subscription.
- Weight and licence. Many box body advertising vehicles weigh more than 3.5 tonnes, which needs a C1 entitlement on the driving licence.
- Emissions. A van that does not meet Euro 6 for diesel can face charges in London's ULEZ and some city clean air zones.
- Paperwork. Service history, MOT and evidence of who serviced the screens.
The running costs people forget
On top of the purchase price you will need commercial insurance that covers hire and reward if you plan to rent the van out, a driver for each booking, fuel, generator servicing, screen repairs and software. The van also needs work to pay for itself, so think about how many days a month you can realistically book.
Buy or hire?
If you only need an advertising van for a few campaigns a year, hiring is almost always cheaper and you avoid the risk of screen repairs and insurance. Buying makes sense if you will use the van most weeks or plan to run a mobile billboard business.
Questions
How much is a used advertising van?
Older digital advertising vans start at around £15,000 to £20,000, while newer used vans with three or four modern screens typically sell for £76,000 to £85,000.
Do I need a special licence to drive an advertising van?
Vans up to 3.5 tonnes can be driven on a standard car licence. Many larger box body advertising vehicles are over 3.5 tonnes and need a C1 entitlement.
Is it cheaper to hire or buy an advertising van?
For occasional campaigns, hiring is cheaper. Buying only pays off if the van is in use most weeks.
Planning a campaign?
Digital advertising van hire with a driver from £595 a day, based in Liverpool and covering the UK.
Get a fixed quote