CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE!

‘Damp will often be clear from the smell, and heavily fragranced interiors may be hiding something’

Panel fit indicates the van’s rigidity and integrity. A 1mm gap between cupboards and walls is OK, but any bigger and it might be wise to have it checked over professionally, or just walk away

Ensure that foam cushions in the lounge upholstery have not sagged or slumped from repeated use.

The upholstery should retain its springiness and bounce, returning quickly to its original shape

Check that all of the interior lights are still in good working order

Consider how fast your children are likely to grow in the next few years. Will the beds be big enough if your young teen is a six-footer by then? Should you go for a twin-lounge layout now?

Check the van floor for any signs of delamination. Take a walk across the floor from the front to the back, and you should be able to feel if the outer veneer of the plywood floor has bubbled up. Take a look inside cupboards and under the beds and settees, too

Set up the dining table in the lounge. Can the whole family sit around it comfortably? Does the console top also extend as it should?

Take a close look at the condition of the carpets. Anyone can spend a day primping their caravan for sale, but dirty and damaged carpets are harder to hide and are a sign that the van might not have been cared for as well as the vendor suggests

Check decorative trims are properly fixed. Modern vans have lots of styling touches for added elegance, but in time, these can come loose

If the settees will become beds ds for children or guests, are they going to be long enough? Always take a tape measure with you. Better still, lie down on those settees or beds yourself to test it out

If one is fitted, check that the radio/mp3 player is functioning

Do all of the blinds pull out and retract?