Top tips for buying a motorhome

PURCHASING a new motorhome can be a daunting process but to help you along the way we have compiled the following series of tips.

* Make a list of things that you want from your motorhome. It’s easy to be seduced when you step onto the dealer’s forecourt, and it’s important that you make sure you really are getting exactly what you want. Be flexible, though. You’re unlikely to get every single item you want from one ’van.

* Consider hiring before you buy. This is a great way to try out various layouts before you commit to purchasing a ’van, and you will often get your hire fee refunded if you buy from the hire company.

* Before you sign anything, spend a couple of hours in the ’van. Make up the beds, swivel the cab chairs, set up the table, then sit back and imagine that you are on site. Is there enough space, or are you knocking elbows? Minor problems that you think you can live with tend to get on your nerves when you spend any length of time in your ’van.

* Haggle! The on-screen price won’t include any extras such as gas, hook-up lead or filling hose. You’ll need to buy these, so it makes sense to see if you can get them included in the price.

* Buy locally if possible. There’s no point in buying from a dealer on the other side of the country if you have to trek back there whenever something goes wrong with your motorcaravan.

* Take your time. Don’t be swayed by special offers or feel pressurised into making a decision because the ’van is on special offer for ‘one weekend only’.

* Test drive the ’van before you buy, and take it onto country roads as well as main roads. Make sure you are comfortable with the size of the vehicle, and that you feel confident behind the wheel.

* Check for leaks and signs of mould or damp. If in doubt, take along a damp meter and double check the source of any suspect smells or patches.

* Visit motorhome shows before you buy to help you narrow down your choice. These provide excellent opportunities to check out several similar vehicles in fairly close proximity. You’ll find it a lot easier to rule out certain motorcaravans if you can nip back and give them another once-over, rather than relying on your memory.

* Talk to other motorcaravanners. You’ll find that people are only too happy to help out first-time owners, and it can be really valuable to get first-hand feedback on the pros and cons of certain features.

* Check out the finance arrangements offered by your dealer, then compare them with other providers. They may not be the cheapest.

* Consider where your motorhome will be stored when not in use. That 6.6m A-class may look the business, but will it fit on your drive?

* Ask about the part-exchange deals. Most dealers will accept cars, motorbikes and even boats.

* Remember that you are buying the motorhome for you – not your family and friends. Don’t be tempted to buy something that is bigger than you wanted, just so that you can take the grandchildren away with you occasionally.

* Make sure you ask about the service history of the vehicle that you intend to buy. Many dealers will HPI check their secondhand vehicles, but this is not always the case, so make sure you check.

* Before you leave the forecourt, ask the dealer to demonstrate everything for you. Make sure all of the free-standing equipment, awning poles, accessories etc are present and in good working order.

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More useful Motorhome pages:

Motorhomes for Sale  |  Motorhome Reviews  |  Sell Your Motorhome  |  Motorhome Advice  |  Motorhome Buyers' Guide

Motorhome News  |  Motorhome Features  |  Motorhome Forums

MMM (Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly) Magazine  |  Which Motorhome Magazine  |  Motorhome Shows

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