Vehicle finance for HGVs & LCVs — Typical age & mileage limits

Summary: Lenders’ maximum age and mileage limits for used HGVs and LCVs vary a lot by vehicle type, finance product and lender risk appetite. As a rule of thumb: mainstream lenders typically fund vans up to 7–8 years (some to 10) or around 100,000–150,000 miles; HGV underwriting is more complex — mainstream funders tend to be conservative (3–7 years for longer-term deals) while specialist fleet and asset finance providers can accept older or high‑mileage trucks when maintenance, valuation and remarketability are strong. Read on for detailed ranges, examples, what underwriters look for and practical steps to improve eligibility.

Get Quote Now — complete our short enquiry (it’s not an application; it simply helps us match you to the right lenders and brokers). Typical deals we arrange start from around £10,000 and up.

What lenders look for (beyond age & mileage)

Lenders rarely use age or mileage in isolation. Underwriters assess the whole package — how the vehicle is used, its likely remaining life and how easy it will be to sell if the borrower defaults. Key criteria include:

• Vehicle type and model – some makes and configurations retain value better (common Transits, Mercedes Sprinters, popular tractor units, well-specified rigids).
• Purpose and usage pattern – high-mileage urban courier vans are different risk profiles to low-mileage plant-haul vehicles.
• Service history & MOT record – full, regular servicing and a clean MOT history materially improves acceptance.
• Condition & inspection – physical inspections or independent valuations are common, especially for older or high-mileage vehicles.
• Residual value / remarketability – lenders want confidence the vehicle can be re-sold at term end.
• Finance product & term – shorter terms and larger deposits reduce risk and allow lenders to accept older vehicles.

Typical age limits by vehicle type & product

Age ceilings vary by product and lender. These ranges are commonly seen across the UK market (note: each lender varies):

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs / vans)

• Mainstream hire purchase and finance lease: typically up to 7–8 years at the start of the finance term; some lenders will fund vans up to 10 years if condition and mileage are favourable.
• Operating leases / contract hire: usually require newer vehicles (often under 5 years) because lessors carry residual risk.
• Specialist funders: can be flexible and may accept older vans, especially for sector-specific uses with clear resale channels.

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs / trucks)

• Mainstream commercial lenders: conservative for long-term deals — generally accept tractors and rigids up to 3–7 years depending on vehicle type and term.
• Fleet & specialist HGV funders: more flexible — many will consider older trucks (8–15 years+) where maintenance records, component rebuilds and remarketability (e.g., to specific buyers) are strong.
• Short-term or seasonal finance: can often be arranged for older trucks when the term matches expected working life and resale timing.

Typical mileage caps and how they vary

Mileage is interpreted differently for vans and heavy trucks:

LCVs (vans)

• Common tolerance: 100,000–150,000 miles for many mainstream lenders if the vehicle is well maintained.
• Above ~150,000 miles: options narrow to specialist funders or require stronger evidence (service history, recent major works, warranty).

HGVs

• Mileage is less of a simple cap — underwriting looks at axle-hours, engine rebuild history, when key components were serviced and whether major items (gearbox, engine) have been overhauled.
• Conservative lenders may benchmark at 300,000–600,000 miles for longer-term finance, but specialist funders will accept higher mileages where maintenance and resale routes exist.

Bottom line: a high mileage van or truck can still be financed if the condition, service history and expected residual value support the lender’s risk model.

Practical examples

• 5‑year‑old van, 80,000 miles: commonly accepted by mainstream HP and lease funders — likely multiple quote options.
• 9‑year‑old rigid tipper, 220,000 miles: likely to require a specialist asset finance route or broker who knows funders for plant/HAULAGE vehicles.
• 6‑year‑old tractor unit, 650,000 miles with full service log: possible with specialist HGV funder; terms and deposit will reflect condition and rebuild history.

When lenders will make exceptions

Lenders may accept older or high‑mileage vehicles if one or more of these apply:

• Vehicle has a clear resale channel (e.g., municipal fleets, emergency services, fleet lessees).
• Strong recent investment (major overhauls, new engine or gearbox, new MOT history).
• Large deposit or short-term finance reduces exposure.
• Manufacturer-backed warranty or service contract is in place.
• Deal placed by a broker who specialises in that asset class and has relationships with niche funders.

How to improve your chances of approval

Steps that materially increase lender interest:

• Gather a full, chronological service history and MOT certificates.
• Obtain an independent valuation or professional inspection report.
• Consider a larger deposit or select a shorter finance term.
• Be transparent about outstanding finance and previous repairs.
• Use a specialist broker or introducer — they can place older/high‑mileage vehicles with funders that accept them.

Free Eligibility Check — complete our short enquiry so we can match you to lenders and brokers that specialise in your vehicle type.

Documents & checks lenders typically request

• V5C logbook and purchase invoice / bill of sale
• Full service history and MOT certificates
• Business trading evidence (accounts, bank statements) — for company borrowers
• ID and director details (where relevant)
• Independent valuation or lender inspection report
• Details of any outstanding finance or liens

Risks to consider & quick readiness checklist

Risks:

• Older/high-mileage vehicles typically cost more to maintain — budget for repairs and downtime when assessing monthly payments.
• Residual values can fall rapidly — this affects what lenders will finance and may increase monthly costs.
• Some funders may set conditions such as mileage caps, mandatory inspections or usage restrictions.

Readiness checklist:

• Service & MOT files collected
• Clear ownership and seller paperwork
• Independent valuation where possible
• Decide on deposit level and preferred term
• Have business accounts and bank statements ready

Why use UK Business Loans?

We don’t provide loans ourselves. We introduce businesses to a panel of lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial vehicle, fleet and asset finance — including niche HGV funders that will consider older or high‑mileage vehicles. Completing our short enquiry is free and not an application: it lets us match your business and your vehicle to the right funders quickly so you receive tailored quotes and advice.

For more detail on the types of vehicle finance we can help with, see our service page on vehicle finance.

Ready to get tailored quotes? Get Quote Now — it’s a short enquiry form (not an application). When you complete it we’ll match you to the lenders or brokers best placed to help with your HGV or LCV finance needs. Typical funding we arrange starts from £10,000 upwards.

Short FAQs

Can I finance a 12‑year‑old truck?

Possibly — with specialist lenders and good service history, but expect shorter terms, larger deposit requirements and the need for detailed valuations.

Does mileage alone rule a vehicle out?

No — mileage is one factor. Excellent maintenance, recent major works and strong resale markets can make high-mileage vehicles financeable.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — our short enquiry is not a finance application and does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later in the process if you proceed.

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Important: This page provides general guidance. Lenders’ criteria and products change frequently and eligibility depends on vehicle type, condition, finance product and business circumstances. UK Business Loans is an introducer and connector — we do not lend. Completing the enquiry form simply provides details we use to match you to suitable lenders and brokers; it is not an application. For a tailored assessment, please Get Quote Now.

1. What age and mileage limits apply for vehicle finance on used vans (LCVs)?
Mainstream lenders commonly fund LCVs up to about 7–8 years old and ~100,000–150,000 miles at the start of the term, with some specialist funders extending to ~10 years depending on condition and term.

2. Can I get finance for high‑mileage or older HGVs (trucks)?
Yes — specialist HGV and fleet funders will often finance older or high‑mileage trucks (sometimes 8–15+ years or higher mileages) where maintenance records, component overhauls and resale routes support the risk.

3. How can I improve my chances of getting vehicle finance for a used van or truck?
You can improve approval odds by supplying full service and MOT history, an independent valuation or inspection, a larger deposit or shorter term, and using a broker who knows niche funders.

4. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — our short enquiry is not a finance application and does not affect your credit score; lenders or brokers may carry out checks only if you proceed.

5. What documents do lenders typically request for commercial vehicle finance?
Lenders usually ask for the V5C and purchase invoice, full service history and MOTs, independent valuation or inspection, business accounts/bank statements (for companies) and ID, plus details of any existing finance.

6. Can UK Business Loans help me finance a 10–12 year‑old truck?
Possibly — while mainstream lenders are conservative, UK Business Loans can introduce you to specialist funders and brokers who may consider 10–12 year‑old trucks with strong maintenance and resale prospects.

7. How much vehicle finance can UK Business Loans arrange?
Through our network we typically help arrange vehicle and fleet finance from around £10,000 upwards by matching you to appropriate brokers and lenders.

8. Do lenders treat mileage differently for vans versus HGVs?
Yes — van underwriting often uses mileage thresholds (commonly 100k–150k miles), whereas HGV underwriting focuses more on axle‑hours, overhaul history and component condition rather than a single mileage cap.

9. Is a shorter finance term better for older or high‑mileage vehicles?
Yes — shorter terms reduce lender exposure and increase the likelihood of approval and better terms for older or high‑mileage vehicles.

10. How quickly will I hear back after completing the UK Business Loans enquiry form?
You can usually expect a matched lender or broker to contact you within hours to discuss options, and completing the form is free and carries no obligation.