I’m starting a small yard-care business in Los Angeles and would appreciate your advice on choosing a reliable used work vehicle.

I currently drive a 2021 Honda Accord and am considering selling it for around $10,000 to $13,000 to put toward the purchase. Since I’m just starting out, I want to keep costs sensible and avoid expensive repairs.

I’ll be working alone and carrying equipment such as a mower, trimmers, a blower, and hand tools, plus occasionally plants, mulch, and yard debris. I want the tools locked away and protected from the weather. I’d rather avoid a trailer because I’m not comfortable towing one.

Would you recommend a regular-cab F-150 with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed and a locking hard cover, or would a cargo van or utility truck be a better choice? Ideally, it would also serve as my everyday vehicle, so ease of driving and parking matters.

I’d eventually like to vinyl-wrap it with the company branding, but I want to choose the right vehicle before investing in its appearance.

What would you buy in my position, and are there particular model years or engines you’d recommend or avoid?

Thank you for your time.