Heavy vehicles
Trucks and tractor units
Include make, model, registration, age, mileage, price and how the vehicle will be used.
Vehicle finance
HGV and commercial vehicle finance
Direct answer: commercial vehicle finance can help a UK business purchase a new or used truck, trailer, van or specialist vehicle. The provider assesses the business, vehicle, seller, deposit and intended use before deciding whether to make an offer.
NBS Finance is a commercial finance broker and introducer, not a lender. A provider sets any rate, fees, security requirements and terms.
Compare the structure as well as the vehicle
| Structure | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Hire purchase | Provider ownership during the agreement, contribution, VAT timing, instalments and conditions for eventual ownership. |
| Finance lease | Initial/ongoing rentals, VAT, agreed use and primary/secondary period or other end arrangements; automatic ownership is not assumed. |
| Business loan for a purchase | How the business buys and owns the vehicle, repayment/security terms and whether the provider accepts the purpose. Availability is case-dependent. |
Hypothetical cost components: a £50,000 vehicle price excluding applicable VAT, less an assumed £10,000 contribution, leaves £40,000 of price before charges. Confirm whether VAT, fees and any conversion must be paid separately. Compare the upfront amount, all instalments, final payment and mandatory charges on a consistent basis; no payment or rate is quoted here.
Use truck, van, fleet and used-vehicle guidance for the asset details. Refinance concerns an existing asset; sourcing a vehicle is separate from securing finance.
Choose the vehicle finance route
For an identified van, use our business van finance page. For heavy vehicles, see truck finance or trailer finance. A fleet funding enquiry, used vehicle proposal or newer business enquiry needs its own evidence. If the vehicle still needs finding, our van-sourcing introduction is a separate route.
What are you looking to finance?
Fleet equipment
Trailers and rigids
Explain whether the purchase replaces a unit, adds capacity or supports identified work.
Business transport
Vans and specialist vehicles
Share the specification, conversion details where relevant, seller and quotation.
Already own the vehicle? If the aim is to review value held in an existing vehicle, see asset refinance.
Dealer and private purchases compared
| Point | Dealer purchase | Private purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Starting document | Formal dealer quotation with vehicle and VAT details | Written sale details and clear payment instructions |
| Seller checks | Provider checks the supplying dealer | Additional identity and ownership evidence may be needed |
| Vehicle evidence | Registration, specification, age and mileage | The same details, with valuation or inspection where requested |
| Before committing | Confirm that a workable finance route exists before paying a non-refundable deposit or promising completion. | |
Providers can also consider trading history, existing vehicle commitments, deposit, affordability, insurance and any relevant operator-licensing context. Requirements vary with the vehicle and proposal. For an older vehicle, read about financing a used commercial vehicle, including the evidence needed on age, mileage and condition.
How the vehicle enquiry progresses
Share the vehicle
Provide the quotation or sale details, price, deposit, intended use and basic business information.
Discuss the purchase
NBS Finance reviews the requirement and clarifies the seller, vehicle and business context.
Provider assessment
Where an appropriate route is identified, the provider completes its checks and supplies any available offer directly.
Commercial vehicle finance questions
Can an older or high-mileage vehicle be considered?
Yes, some providers finance older or high-mileage commercial vehicles. They assess age and mileage alongside condition, market value, intended use, maintenance history and remaining useful life at the end of the agreement.
Can a start-up apply?
Yes, some providers consider newer businesses. Relevant industry experience, confirmed work or contracts, an available deposit, forecasts and recent bank information can carry more weight where filed accounts do not yet exist.
Can several vehicles be financed together?
Some providers may consider a fleet or grouped vehicle purchase in one proposal, subject to assessment. Provide the price and specification for every vehicle plus the fleet plan, existing commitments, operational need and repayment case.
Should I buy the vehicle before applying?
Avoid making an irreversible commitment until the proposed vehicle, seller and finance route have been checked.
Vehicle checklist
Understand the detail before you commit
The guide covers quotations, deposits, seller types, vehicle checks and questions to ask about an agreement.
Tell us about the vehicle
Start with the vehicle, seller, price, deposit and how it will support the business.
Already own or finance the vehicle?
If you want to release capital or replace borrowing against an existing vehicle, review commercial vehicle refinance. Purchase finance and refinance assess different transactions.