Good deals on commercial vans to end the year

The end of the year is slow for van sales, as couriers and tradies get ready for the summer break. But it's turned out to be a good time to buy, with a few hot deals on selected models.

Ford Transit SWB - $38,990 drive-away

The Ford Transit Custom is back to its special launch pricing, a saving of about $2000 off the RRP. It gets better — the deal includes a five-year/200,000km warranty, aimed at giving owner-operators peace of mind.

The Transit is the benchmark for driving comfort and has class-leading five-star safety (to date matched only by Mercedes-Benz) with six airbags and stability control on even the most basic model.

There is only one blot: a factory-fitted rear-view camera (displayed in the rear view mirror) is still optional and it's sold in a pack with fog lights, heated seats, and front and rear parking sensors ($1500). Use the savings to bundle these handy options.

Renault Master low-roof SWB - $39,990 drive-away

There are slightly bigger savings on slightly bigger vans. The Renault Master low-roof short-wheelbase is $39,990 drive-away, a saving of about $3000. In addition, you're entitled to $2000 worth of accessories or factory options.

The $2000 can't be taken off the price but Renault Australia says buyers can use the bonus to go towards extras such as side airbags ($290), factory-fitted rear view camera and sensors ($490) or metallic paint ($1000).

The Master is the next size up in vans compared to the Transit Custom. It can carry a 1500kg load and/or tow a 2500kg trailer. The warranty is three years/200,000km but Renault has bundled 24-hour roadside assistance. The deal runs to December.

VW Crafter Runner - $39,990 drive-away

At about $4000 off the RRP, the Crafter Runner is designed to bolt out of showroom doors.

There are caveats, however. It can "only" carry a 1486kg payload (compared to the Renault's 1500kg) and tow 2000kg (the Renault's 2500kg).

You can't option extra airbags or a factory-fitted rear-view camera.

It comes as is, in white, with manual only. But with 9.3 cubic metres of load space, it is huge.