Buying A Motorhome Secondhand

The following MMM article by Graham Hambly gives good advice on buying a motorhome from a dealer or privately.

BUYING FROM A DEALER

In general, buying from a dealer offers more inbuilt protection for the buyer than buying from a private individual, although it may cost more (a dealer has a business to run, premises to maintain, and needs to be in a position to offer back-up to his customers). Remember, a dealer has certain legal obligations to his customers, which would be much harder to enforce on a private individual.

Wherever feasible, consider purchasing from a local and reputable dealer. If things go wrong, then you are on the doorstep.

If buying at a show, before finalising the deal consider visiting the dealer's premises to check on back-up services.

Don't buy a motorhome that's too big to park in your intended space.

It is absolutely vital to ensure that you are licensed to drive a vehicle before even considering it as a possible purchase. This mainly applies to motorhomes with a GVW of more than 3500kg.

Don't buy without a test drive. Make sure the base vehicle and driving position suit you. If you have a co-driver, make sure they take a turn

Ensure that any passengers can travel comfortably and safely (in properly belted seats).

Find out where you can get base vehicle servicing done. Not all garages can accommodate motorhomes.

Check on insurance cost, and the availability of breakdown cover (this can be especially important if considering an older vehicle). Carefully check the general condition of the vehicle, paying special attention to signs of corrosion, badly done repairs, dodgy DIY, or any sign of dampness.

Ensure that all systems are in working order (base vehicle and caravan component). Get the dealer to demonstrate everything.

Spend at least an hour inside the van, checking that the layout is right for you. Don't forget to make up the beds and see if they are of suitable size, comfort level, and that access is possible for you. Try the washroom for size, and make sure the kitchen, dining and lounging facilities suit you. Ask to see the vehicle's registration document, service history and MOT certificates (where applicable). Check that the mileometer reading tallies with the vehicle's history.

Most good dealers will sell the vehicle with a new MOT, having had mechanical and habitation services and a damp check. Ask about any warranty, and check the terms and conditions.

Reputable dealers will have checked that the van is not stolen, subject to outstanding finance, or an accident victim. Ask if this has been done, and require to see the documentation. If there is any doubt that the vehicle has suitable payload for your intended use, consider asking for a weighbridge certificate to establish the figures.

Those who have no part-exchange should be in a strong position to bargain and negotiate a sensible discount.

Finance: check all available sources and look for the deal that is best for you. Remember, motor vehicles (even motorhomes) depreciate, so stick to a suitable budget for you, and don't be tempted to overstretch yourself. Also, do ask yourself what is a sensible timescale over which to be paying for a depreciating asset. Don't sign anything, or leave a deposit, until you are absolutely certain you want to go ahead with the purchase. It's usually best to go away and think about it first. Don't be bulldozed. Unrepeatable offers are usually perfectly repeatable. And there are literally thousands of motorcaravans out there ...

If you have a special request, get it written into the contract in black and white. That way there can be no misunderstandings.

BUYING PRIVATELY

All the above advice applies. But you will need to arrange your own inspections of the mechanical and caravan components (including the vital damp check). It would also be wise to check the vehicle's status (not stolen, subject of a finance agreement, or an accident victim) with one of the companies offering these checks for a small fee. Make a list, and ask a lot of questions before even thinking about viewing a vehicle. Genuine sellers won't mind. Always meet the vendor at their home address and do all you can to make sure it is the vendor's own home! Take along a knowledgeable friend: two pairs of eyes are better than one. Check all documentation carefully, including the vendor's identity. Never pay cash. If you have even the smallest doubt of the authenticity of the deal, then walk away - quickly.

AND FINALLY

Buying a secondhand motorhome isn't really the minefield it may seem here. In fact, it's rather an exciting process. But don't get caught up in the excitement. Do your homework and stick to your guns.