A quick guide to buying used campers
Get clear on what you want
The first thing to really get clear in exactly what sort of motorhome or camper you are looking for. You might think you have it clear in which case I would suggest hiring or borrowing a motorhome of similar specifications to the one you intend to purchase. You should take a short trip to road test it just to make aboslutely sure that this is the size and style that best suits you.
Where will you you buy?
There are three main ways of buying a motorhome; through a motorhome dealership, in a private sale or at an auction.
If you buy through a motorhome dealership then you will get a certain amount of security that comes with buying from a reputable business. You will get good service and advice from the sales staff and you might even be able to negotiate a limited guarantee. Most dealers can also offer a selection of financial packages allowing you to spread out the payment over many years. Buying from a motorhome dealer is the most expensive option but possibly the best if this is your first motorhome.
Buying from a private seller is a lot cheaper and you can normally negotiate the price. There are many people who advertise their motorhomes or campers through classified ads in the local press or in the specialized motorhome magazines. When inspecting the vehicle you need to take extreme care, scrutinize every aspect. Make sure you take a mechanic with you and don't be rushed.
For the best deals of all you should consider buying at a police auction or a seized auction. At these auctions you can find many motorhomes that have been confiscated or repossessed and they are auctioned of with really low starting bids. The drawback is that you have a limited time to view the vehicle and you are not allowed to take it for a test drive so you really need to know what you are doing if you are planning to buy from one of these auctions.
If you are going to buy from a private seller or from an auction then it is highly recommended that you take a mechanic along with you to check over the vehicle. Inspect the living area in detail and make a note of everything that needs replacing or repairing.
Take a good look around
Make sure you do a thorough inspection of the vehicle all around both the mechanical side and the living area. Make a note of anything that needs attention, replacing or repairing no matter how small. You can add up the cost of this to help you calculate the total value of the vehicle.
Value the vehicle
You can work out the value of the motorhome by comparing it to other similar models in classified ads and to those that you have already viewed. You should then add to this the total cost of any repairs or modifications that need to be undertaken and you have you approximate value as a guide. You can now use this if bidding at an auction as a marker to be your maximum bid.
If you are looking for used campers at auction then you need to check out this car auction website for a regularly updated database of seized and repossessed auctions close to you.
For a list of Police Auctions and Seized Auctions in your area see the AmericanMotorhome.net website.
The first thing to really get clear in exactly what sort of motorhome or camper you are looking for. You might think you have it clear in which case I would suggest hiring or borrowing a motorhome of similar specifications to the one you intend to purchase. You should take a short trip to road test it just to make aboslutely sure that this is the size and style that best suits you.
Where will you you buy?
There are three main ways of buying a motorhome; through a motorhome dealership, in a private sale or at an auction.
If you buy through a motorhome dealership then you will get a certain amount of security that comes with buying from a reputable business. You will get good service and advice from the sales staff and you might even be able to negotiate a limited guarantee. Most dealers can also offer a selection of financial packages allowing you to spread out the payment over many years. Buying from a motorhome dealer is the most expensive option but possibly the best if this is your first motorhome.
Buying from a private seller is a lot cheaper and you can normally negotiate the price. There are many people who advertise their motorhomes or campers through classified ads in the local press or in the specialized motorhome magazines. When inspecting the vehicle you need to take extreme care, scrutinize every aspect. Make sure you take a mechanic with you and don't be rushed.
For the best deals of all you should consider buying at a police auction or a seized auction. At these auctions you can find many motorhomes that have been confiscated or repossessed and they are auctioned of with really low starting bids. The drawback is that you have a limited time to view the vehicle and you are not allowed to take it for a test drive so you really need to know what you are doing if you are planning to buy from one of these auctions.
If you are going to buy from a private seller or from an auction then it is highly recommended that you take a mechanic along with you to check over the vehicle. Inspect the living area in detail and make a note of everything that needs replacing or repairing.
Take a good look around
Make sure you do a thorough inspection of the vehicle all around both the mechanical side and the living area. Make a note of anything that needs attention, replacing or repairing no matter how small. You can add up the cost of this to help you calculate the total value of the vehicle.
Value the vehicle
You can work out the value of the motorhome by comparing it to other similar models in classified ads and to those that you have already viewed. You should then add to this the total cost of any repairs or modifications that need to be undertaken and you have you approximate value as a guide. You can now use this if bidding at an auction as a marker to be your maximum bid.
If you are looking for used campers at auction then you need to check out this car auction website for a regularly updated database of seized and repossessed auctions close to you.
For a list of Police Auctions and Seized Auctions in your area see the AmericanMotorhome.net website.