Tips for Buying the Perfect Used Campervan

Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Ryan

Buying a campervan is expensive and a brand-new one can cost as much as £80,000 in some cases. This is why many people are trying to find ways to make savings. The best way to do so is to buy a used campervan instead.

Depending on the year or model, you can get pretty much the same amenities and comfort for a fraction of the cost. You need to make the right choice, however, as a bad campervan could end up costing you thousands on the back end. Let’s take a look at a few tips you need to follow to buy the perfect used campervan.

Do Your Research

The first thing that you need to do is conduct some research on some of the models that are out there. This is especially important if it’s your first time buying one. You need to look at how reliable particular models are. You want to know how long they last as well as what recurring issues they might have. Some models might have issues with the electrical system for instance, and this could end up costing you a lot of money and headaches.

Another thing you want to do is check how much you can expect to pay on insurance. We also suggest you look at comparison sites such as Quotezone.co.uk to get the best prices on campervan insurance. You’ll be able to compare quotes from their vast network of suppliers and find the one that is the best for you. Finally, you can ultimately choose your policy right away on the phone or through their website.

You should also pay special attention to the price of spare parts for the campervan that you are thinking of buying. Specifically, you want to make sure that the parts are not too expensive and that there are plenty on the after-market.

Look at Financing Options

You also have to figure out how you’re going to finance the purchase. Do you want to buy the campervan upfront or finance the purchase with a loan? Some dealers might want to get you to take out a loan through them, and there’s the rare chance that it might be the best option for you. But, in most cases, it’s better to organize the financing yourself.

Know that you can go for a lease as well. While you will not have possession of the vehicle once you’re done with it (plus there might be distance restrictions), you can still benefit from a lease. You know that major components will be taken care of, and you won’t have to worry about selling the van at the end of the term. Selling a used campervan is not like selling any other vehicle, and it can take time before you find the right person. So don’t assume that you’ll be able to unload it immediately if you happen to buy it.

Check for Leaks and Other Defects

Once you’ve found a vehicle that interests you, you need to start performing a summary inspection. One of the most important things you need to look for is leaks. These vehicles have been heavily modified, and areas like the roof may not have been assembled correctly. Make sure that you open and close it multiple times to see how it sits. You can also pour water over the seams to see how it reacts. If it seeps in, this is a clear red flag and could later lead to corrosion.

You will also need to give the interior a good look. A trustworthy seller will have no trouble with you poking around and looking behind the seats and cupboards for issues.

Some modifications may have been done by the seller, and there are many cases when the job wasn’t done properly. Bad carpeting or insulation could become a problem, and this is something you will need to be on the lookout for. Also, make sure that you look for any signs of rot on the vehicle’s floor if you’re going for a very old model. This can be done by looking under the vehicle with a flashlight or sliding your hands under the side panels.

Ask If a Habitation Test Has Been Performed Recently

Know that habitation tests are not mandatory, but they are recommended for good maintenance. Ask the seller if they have had one performed recently. If they have, this is a very good sign. These will usually check for things such as water and gas systems, pumps and filters, and ventilation – the list will probably even include things like the state of fire blankets and extinguishers.

These are just some of the things you need to consider before buying a used campervan. The most important part is doing your research and taking the time to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making your purchase.