Every year in September, the UK registration update leads to an influx of ‘nearly new’ vehicles in the commercial vehicle market. With brand new ‘76’ plates coming into force on the 1st September 2026, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the nearly new models entering the market for less than their original price.
If you’re an independent hauler or a growing transport business, the registration update allows commercial haulers to take advantage of new technology and truck features without the hefty initial costs.
Here’s why choosing ‘nearly new’ trucks for sale this winter is the best investment for your business.
1. Peace of mind with included Scania Repair and Maintenance packages
If you’re in the market for a Scania truck, pre-owned doesn’t mean missing out on protection. The influx of 1-year-old Scania trucks arriving in September still have 3 years remaining of the official Scania Repair and Maintenance package.
This means you’re covered in the event of a fault or damage and have access to superior Scania support, maintenance and repair services. This means you’re able to protect your vehicle against unexpected issues, without having to worry about the cost.
2. Huge discounts on original purchase price
Purchasing last year’s models doesn’t mean you’re missing out on quality, and many of the ‘nearly new’ HGVs available still have the latest technology and features, all at a fraction of the original sale price.
By investing in a model that’s 12 to 18 months old, you skip the initial high-cost investment. With most vehicles deprecating in price over time, you’re then able to purchase a truck with minimal mileage for around 20% to 30% less than the original retail price.
Not only does opting for ‘nearly new’ help you to reduce the cost of investing in your fleet, but it also allows you to redirect your capital where you need it, like for fuel costs, maintenance and servicing processes.
3. Road-ready trucks for whenever you need them
When you buy a brand new truck, you typically have to wait before the keys are in your hands. When buying the latest model from a manufacturer, you can wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months, especially if you’ve requested custom parts.
With Black Friday and Christmas right around the corner, heading into peak delivery season whilst waiting for a new truck isn’t a risk worth taking.
Each one of the ‘nearly new’ HGVs landing at Smith Bros in September will already have full inspections and compliance checks conducted before they’re put on the market. This means you can skip the queues and get your truck on the road immediately to ensure no downtime or disruption to your business.
4. Tried, tested and trusted HGV models
When you buy a pre-owned truck, you’re investing in models that have been tried and tested by avid drivers. Any issues or faults from the model’s initial release are documented and have time to be patched or fixed. This means that in buying a year-old HGV model, you’re actually getting a more reliable truck you know fellow trucks love and trust.
5. Retain the same high resale values
Popular and well-respected brands like Scania retain their market value very well. This means that even if you buy a ‘nearly new’ model that’s a year old, when it comes to selling or trading in your vehicle after a few years, you can still receive a great resale price that allows you to put money towards upgrading your fleet.
Secure your fleet in time for peak season with Smith Bros
Whether you’re looking to replace an outdated tractor unit or expand your fleet in time for the busier months, investing in a ‘nearly new’ HGV offers the ideal balance of reliability and premium hardware, all with a reduced price tag.
With year-old Scanias still featuring 3 years of manufacturer coverage, you’ll never be caught short and can rest assured your vehicles stay protected.
To explore our ‘nearly new’ range, get in touch with our Smith Bros team, and we can introduce you to our exciting new additions.
FAQS
How does the Scanie R&M package work for 1-year-old Scanias?
When you invest in a year-old Scania unit, the remaining years of the original R&M package are transferred to you as the new owner. This means you can benefit from the remaining 3 years of routine services, inspections and repairs offered as part of this Scania service.
Why do major brands defleet HGVs in September?
Large commercial truck brands regularly refresh their fleets every 12 to 36 months in line with the DVLA plate changes that occur every September. This means that as new model orders enter the market, year-old or ‘nearly new’ trucks enter the market in amazing condition with low mileage.
