BUYING ADVICE Guiding you through the process of buying a used motorhome

Used motorhomes can be a good way into the motorhome scene for those on a budget, but there are a few checks you need to do…

The current high demand for used motorhomes and campervans may make you feel under pressure to do a deal more rapidly, whether that’s privately or through a dealer, but don’t skip the important steps.

There are several websites listing motorhomes and campervans for sale, such as outandaboutlive.co.uk as well as dealer websites and various auction and classified sites.

You must be cautious when buying privately, which can be hard if you think you’ve found a bargain. But don’t rush in, and check everthing carefully.

There are various free tools to verify a vehicle’s history. The government’s website is a good start (tax rate and expiry, SORN status, MoT expiry date, date of registration, weight, year of manufacture, engine size, emissions and more are all detailed). Just go to gov. uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

But also use other websites to check prices of similar models and the contact details if you find a ’van listed in more than one place. Criminals do clone genuine adverts and information, but change the contact details.

We recommend paying for a finance and vehicle check from providers such as HPI, Experian, the RAC, etc.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has a free VIN check service for up to five numbers within a 24-hour period. When a seller supplies a VIN number, always check this is displayed in several locations on the ’van when you view it.

Check supporting documentation tallies with VIN numbers and that the service and MoT mileages match.

Ask to see the results of the latest habitation service and that there were no issues. Coachbuilts and campervans can suffer from water ingress problems. Pervasive damp that has taken hold is easy to sniff out, literally, and spongy floors are another sign. However, smaller amounts of damp that can’t easily be spotted can still be expensive to fix.

A damp meter can be a good investment, especially for motorhomes that have a lot of accessories fitted (roof-mounted air-con, solar panels, awnings, roof racks, bike racks, satellite dishes, etc. Even degraded door and window seals can let water in).

Payload can be an issue on used motorhomes, especially if a lot of those aforementioned aftermarket items have been fitted.

The original quoted payload will not include items that have been added after the motorhome has left the factory so ask for a current weighbridge certificate and get confirmation on how the vehicle was weighed (water and gas levels, how much fuel, how many passengers, etc).

Make sure you have a category C1 on your licence if you’re looking at any motorhome with a gross vehicle weight over 3,500kg. Also, if you are approaching 70 years of age, but have C1 under ‘grandfather rights’, you will have to reapply for those rights (with a medical) to keep driving vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

Also, when you go shopping for a ’van, have a list of must-have items and nice-to-have so you don’t buy the wrong layout. Check out the buying advice tips in the April 2021 issue.

When it comes to used models, you may not be able to find a matching make and model for your budget so be flexible. If you find a good ’van with the right layout at the right price but with something missing like an awning, consider having it fitted after purchase.

Getting the right layout is key, as is getting a ’van with the ideal sleeping arrangement for you.

Fixed beds offer instant domesticstyle comfort, but take up a lot of space. Models with lounges that make into beds are generally more compact, but you’ll have to think about the storage available for bedding and other items; plus, you may need a mattress topper to smooth out the cushion base.

Check out Buying Your First

Motorhome if you need a breakdown of the pros and cons of the main layouts and features motorhome.ma/byfm21

You can also get a used motorhome checked by specialists to make sure there are no hidden problems.

The RAC and AA both carry out mechanical inspections, while a service called HabCheck offers a pre-purchase inspection report habcheck.co.uk and the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers something similar (with three inspection levels) caravaninspectors.co.uk

If you’re buying a nearly new ’van, consider whether the saving is significant enough compared to a new model as this gap has closed.

Finally, with nearly new models, check if the manufacturer warranty is still valid and if it can be transferred to a new owner. If so, what are the terms for keeping it valid?

Dealers often offer warranties, so check the terms and ask if there are extensions to the cover available. Many of these will be insurance-backed, so always read the small print.