Many first time buyers choose to buy a used caravan over a brand new one because it works out to be much cheaper and, if you change your mind and decide that this isnt the life for you, you wont be out of pocket too much. If you are in the process of buying a pre-loved caravan, however, the following tips could prove vital in determining whether youre getting a good buy or not:
Size
When it comes to used caravans, size really does matter the bigger the van that you buy, the more luxurious and spacious you are likely to find it. This could also mean that there is more bedding available for additional guests. Dont buy too big, however, otherwise you may not be able to tow it.
Tip #1: If your caravan is more than 2.3 meters wide, you will probably have to rent or buy a commercial vehicle to tow it. This is an added cost that you dont necessarily need.
Tip #2: If you want to increase the amount of living space in your caravan and still be able to tow it, you could consider adding an awning. This is a canvas room that attaches onto the side of the van.
Research
When buying a used caravan, the most important and useful thing that you can do is to research. Look at how much a similar model to the one you are looking at will set you back new, look at how much you will have to pay for insurance, look at problems that are common for that particular model or brand, and so on.
Tip #3: Do your research quite close to going to view a caravan (such as the morning of or the night before) so that the information will be fresh in your mind.
Seller
Regardless of whether you are buying a used caravan through a dealer or a private seller, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate person. Be careful how you word your request and keep an eye and ear out for anything suspicious.
Tip #4: If buying from a private seller, make sure that the viewing is at the sellers home or business and that these details match those on the caravans registration documentation. Be wary if these details do not align.
In part two of this article, we uncover some more tips that every first time buyer of a used caravan should be aware of. Whilst it may seem that these tips are designed to make you wary of everyone you deal with, their purpose is more to make you aware of the scammers and dodgy people out there who would like to take advantage of you.
Size
When it comes to used caravans, size really does matter the bigger the van that you buy, the more luxurious and spacious you are likely to find it. This could also mean that there is more bedding available for additional guests. Dont buy too big, however, otherwise you may not be able to tow it.
Tip #1: If your caravan is more than 2.3 meters wide, you will probably have to rent or buy a commercial vehicle to tow it. This is an added cost that you dont necessarily need.
Tip #2: If you want to increase the amount of living space in your caravan and still be able to tow it, you could consider adding an awning. This is a canvas room that attaches onto the side of the van.
Research
When buying a used caravan, the most important and useful thing that you can do is to research. Look at how much a similar model to the one you are looking at will set you back new, look at how much you will have to pay for insurance, look at problems that are common for that particular model or brand, and so on.
Tip #3: Do your research quite close to going to view a caravan (such as the morning of or the night before) so that the information will be fresh in your mind.
Seller
Regardless of whether you are buying a used caravan through a dealer or a private seller, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate person. Be careful how you word your request and keep an eye and ear out for anything suspicious.
Tip #4: If buying from a private seller, make sure that the viewing is at the sellers home or business and that these details match those on the caravans registration documentation. Be wary if these details do not align.
In part two of this article, we uncover some more tips that every first time buyer of a used caravan should be aware of. Whilst it may seem that these tips are designed to make you wary of everyone you deal with, their purpose is more to make you aware of the scammers and dodgy people out there who would like to take advantage of you.
SHARE
