Buying a used motorhome
When buying a used motorhome it could be considered prudent to do as much research into the various motorhomes available before committing time and money to the purchase. Identifying what use you will make of the vehicle is essential; a van conversion maybe suitable for day or weekend trips but for longer tours something offering more comfort and space might be advantageous. Make a list of the features you wish the vehicle to include but do not be too ridged. Remember, the price should reflect the vehicles mileage and condition and you might decide to forgo low mileage in favour of a certain layout or the inclusion of particular accessories.
A realistic budget is also required, to assist with this, look at the price range of the used motorhomes of your choice. Remember to add in factors like insurance, servicing and fuel economy. If you decide to buy privately, vehicles are often cheaper but are sold as seen. Purchasing from a dealer maybe more expensive but they often come with a guarantee and the dealer is legally obliged to disclose full details of the vehicle’s condition. If the vehicle is under three years of age, a manufacturer’s guarantee maybe transferable to the new owner.
It may well be wise to view the vehicle in daylight and in good weather when buying a used motorhome as this can make assessing its general appearance easier. Have the seller fully demonstrate all the equipment and accessories to ensure that all are in good working order and that you are at ease with their use. Check for any signs of damp, damp-meters are inexpensive and could help with this.
If possible, ensure that a full service history is available and verify the engine and chassis numbers against the documentation. If you are buying privately, always view at the seller’s home address so you can confirm the registered address.
Motoring organisations, such as the RAC and AA offer online history checks, full inspections and road test should you require support when buying a used motorhome.
For ease of access and after-sale care, it is often best when buying a used motorhome to shop locally. Take your time when purchasing, do not yield to time-pressured deals. Spend a couple of hours in the motorhome, as you are likely to spend longer continuous periods in it than you would a car. Always take the motorhome for a test drive, travelling along both country lanes and town roads and try parking the vehicle. If possible, before buying a used motorhome, hire the type of motorhome you wish to buy to ensure it meets all your requirements and that you are comfortable with all its aspects. This could prove a deciding factor in your choice when buying a used motorhome and help reduce the risk of making a costly mistake. Finally, always haggle at least over the price and if applicable, the extras you would like included.