Buying a new van is a big expense and you want to get it right. If you own or run a small business, then wasting money is the last thing you want to do, so it pays to take the time to research the range of vans and deals available.

? Online ? most people begin their searches online. Whether you're looking at dedicated internet sites for commercial van sales, or just visiting dealers' websites to see what's on offer, it's the ideal tool for comparing prices and finding out more about the type of van that might be best for your business. It's the biggest single information resource there is, and you should make the most of it before you decide what to buy.

? Newspapers ? most local newspapers have an automotive section where dealers advertise their latest offers. Whether you're looking for a new van or a used vehicle, you can often find what you're looking for here. In addition, there may be people selling what you need privately, so take a look at the classified ads too.

? Trade magazines ? there are journals and magazines that are dedicated to helping people find commercial vehicles. These publications often include reviews, road tests and news, so there's plenty of opportunity to read about the vans available and to compare performance and capacity between models.

? Visiting ? visit your local garage or dealership and have a look at the vehicles up close. A good dealer will spend some time with you, finding out what you need the van for, how much you have to spend and what features you need. Armed with this information, they can recommend vans for you to look at and can arrange a test drive so that you can see for yourself whether the van is right for you.

You can use one or all of these techniques to research the used van market before you decide to buy. The more you know, the better placed you are to make the right choice.