Which van is the best value for your lease based on your revenue and mileage: a practical guide

Choosing a van through leasing isn't a matter of personal preference. It's about making honest financial decisions. Your monthly expenses determine the actual maximum amount you can afford, and your annual mileage dictates whether a standard diesel, a zero-emission electric van, or an unlimited-mileage contract is the right choice. Beyond that, everything else—the brand, cargo volume, color—is secondary.

The right question: How much can I pay and how much am I going to spend?

Before looking at catalogs, consider two numbers. First: your average monthly billing. Second: the kilometers you drove last year (not the kilometers you'd like to drive). With these two pieces of information, you can filter out 80% of the market.

The 8-12% turnover rule

In practice, your monthly van leasing payment shouldn't exceed 8-12% of your average monthly revenue. Below 8%, you're comfortable; above 12%, you start eating into your margin for other fixed expenses (insurance, accounting fees, fuel, self-employment taxes). A self-employed person with a monthly revenue of €3.500 has a reasonable ceiling of around €350-€420 for their monthly payment. It sounds low, but that's precisely where profitability comes into play.

Annual mileage: the variable that most increases the cost of the fee

The contracted mileage is the second major factor that increases the cost. Going from 20.000 to 40.000 km/year can raise the monthly payment by between 15% and 30%, depending on the brand and contract term. And beware of running short: excess mileage is usually charged at between €0,05 and €0,12/km at the end of the contract. It hurts.

Profile 1 — Urban self-employed (billing €2.500-€4.000/month, up to 20.000 km/year)

Here, the small, agile van with a favorable emissions rating reigns supreme. It's ideal for last-mile delivery, installations, and on-site technical service. The Citroën Berlingo (starting at around €260/month on a 48-month lease with 20.000 km/year) is the manual option: a comfortable cab, 3,3 m³ of cargo space, and low fuel consumption.

The Renault Kangoo (from around €275/month) plays in the same league with a chassis that's a bit more stable on the highway and an electric E-Tech version that makes sense in the city if you drive less than 150 km a day.

When to switch to electric in this profile

If 80% of your driving is in the city and you have a charging point at home or a charging station, then an electric car is worth it. If you drive on the highway three times a week, then no.

Profile 2 — Mixed SME and self-employed (turnover €4.000-€8.000/month, 20.000-40.000 km/year)

The mid-size van segment. Here, the reasonable monthly fee ranges between €400 and €800, and the segment is dominated by three models: Transit Custom, Trafic, and Transporter.

The Ford Transit Custom (from around €420/month on a lease with 30.000 km/year) is the benchmark. Comfortable, well-designed, with a cost-reliability ratio that explains why it leads the segment. The 136 hp diesel version offers the best balance for those who mix city and highway driving.

The Renault Trafic (from around €405/month) remains the reliable French option with ample cargo space. Its interior feels a step below the Ford, but mechanically it will last for years. It's frequently used in comparisons, such as the one of three medium-sized combustion engine vans for professional use.

The Volkswagen T7 Transporter (starting at around €495/month) raises the bar in terms of finish and comfort, but the monthly payment also increases. In my opinion, if you drive a lot of kilometers and value the cab as an office, the extra cost is worth it.

The "unlimited kilometers" option in this section

Some finance companies offer unlimited mileage van leasing contracts , especially for Transit Custom and Trafic models. The monthly payment increases by 20% to 35%, but if you work in the transport or intercity delivery sector and drive over 45.000 km/year, it's worthwhile. The math is simple: pay a fixed amount, forget about exceeding your mileage limit.

Profile 3 — Large vehicle and fleet (turnover €8.000+/month, 40.000-80.000 km/year)

Large van, proven diesel engine, long-term contract. The Fiat Ducato (from approximately €520/month) remains the king of the segment in terms of volume/price ratio: up to 17 m³ and a MultiJet engine that many workshops could dismantle with their eyes closed.

The Renault Master (from €540/month) — recently renewed, with new equipment and faster batteries — competes head-to-head, with better aerodynamics and more efficient fuel consumption in the latest generation.

And the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (from €620/month) is the top of the segment: expensive, yes, but with solid residual value and a cabin in another league.

Summary table and scoring

Electric or diesel: the decision many avoid

If more than 70% of your driving is in urban areas and you have your own charging point, electric wins. If you drive more than 150 km/day with short stops or sustained highway driving, diesel is still the honest answer. It's that simple.

FAQ

What percentage of my revenue should I spend on the leasing fee?
Between 8% and 12% of average monthly revenue. Above 12%, you compromise margin and liquidity.

Is it worth getting unlimited mileage?
Only if you consistently exceed 45.000 km/year. Below that, a mileage-based contract with a 10% margin is usually cheaper.

What is the best van for leasing for self-employed people starting out?
Berlingo, Partner or Kangoo in 100-110 hp diesel version. Affordable monthly payment, inexpensive maintenance and stable residual value.

Does the rental include maintenance and insurance?
In most contracts, yes: maintenance, comprehensive insurance, taxes, and roadside assistance are included. It's advisable to review the fine print regarding tires, deductible, and penalties for exceeding the mileage limit.