Buying a used motorhome
Discussion
We are in the progress of trying to buy our first motorhome. But its heavy going. We have worked out which layout works for us, we have two small children and have decided on a 6 birth with rear diner and front dinner with luton. However actually buying one is proving difficult.
We've spent all Jan looking and visiting the local dealers - none are prepared to shift on the sticker price by more than a couple of percent. Much of the stock we've seen doesn't seem to be particularly nice.
Been to buy two vans (everything agreed before we went), the first went 5 mins before we got to view it - which we felt was harsh since we'd travelled for an hour and half to view it. The second seemed perfect (again an hour and half drive), but we noticed the awning looked bent. Sure enough it was, but what was worse is that it had pulled the support through the inner wall of the van causing a fair bit of damage - it was not clear of the outer skin was also damaged. The owner thought it was fine !! We said we'd have it if it was repaired properly, through the insurance / main dealer but he said no - he'd fix it himself. So we walked. This van will probably be up on trader in a few weeks as a perfect van.
Being new to the motorhome market, it seems odd to me that all the private ones seem to be asking dealer prices (or be dodgy) and the dealers are not prepared to negotiate at all. Where do you go for a straight, reasonably priced van? At this rate I'll end up buying new.
We've spent all Jan looking and visiting the local dealers - none are prepared to shift on the sticker price by more than a couple of percent. Much of the stock we've seen doesn't seem to be particularly nice.
Been to buy two vans (everything agreed before we went), the first went 5 mins before we got to view it - which we felt was harsh since we'd travelled for an hour and half to view it. The second seemed perfect (again an hour and half drive), but we noticed the awning looked bent. Sure enough it was, but what was worse is that it had pulled the support through the inner wall of the van causing a fair bit of damage - it was not clear of the outer skin was also damaged. The owner thought it was fine !! We said we'd have it if it was repaired properly, through the insurance / main dealer but he said no - he'd fix it himself. So we walked. This van will probably be up on trader in a few weeks as a perfect van.
Being new to the motorhome market, it seems odd to me that all the private ones seem to be asking dealer prices (or be dodgy) and the dealers are not prepared to negotiate at all. Where do you go for a straight, reasonably priced van? At this rate I'll end up buying new.
The problem you have is that Motorhomes hold their value extremely well. Demand is very high and supply is short, and dealers know that if you don't but, someone else will be along shortly. Motorhomes at the cheaper end of the market tend to suffer from leaks, damp, and general wear and tear -as you discovered. If you can afford to buy new then it's probably the best plan. We were lucky and got our current van at 1 year and 1,000 miles old at a reasonable saving over the new price, but there was absolutely no point trying to haggle with the dealer, he already had a list of 10 people looking for similar vans.
That seems to be exactly the problem. I did find it amusing though that when we were outbid for one van being sold privately, they paid more than the price at the dealer for a perfectly reasonable van. Difficult to compete with that.
I suspect we'll end up buying new. For just a few k more than 2nd hand.
I suspect we'll end up buying new. For just a few k more than 2nd hand.
I presume its the larger rear lounge you prefer like the Swift Sundance 630l and its badge engineered clones?
These are great used stock but certainly up north where we are competition means lower prices and decent discounts.
Ive only got an older Elddis 180 with that layout in at the mo and i wouldnt sell it to a p.her as its neither lovely or cheap.
Drop me a p.m and I'll be happy to keep aneye out or give you a steer on anything you spot,i know a fare few people in the trade down south so might be able to wangle you a deal.
Thanks for that, I'll pop a U2U over.
We started looking at exactly that sort of layout. Besscarr swift etc, quite like the Bailey version too. TBH, we had just about settled on the Elddis but at least a 2013 model as they seemed to have really improved the build quality at 2013 (massively so). Size is important as the slightly shorter Elddis should fit much better on our drive. & I hear lots of scare stories about Swift group vans.
Thinking we'd wait until the motorhome show at the end of the month to have another go.
We are based nr Reading, but come from up north, so frequently back up.
We started looking at exactly that sort of layout. Besscarr swift etc, quite like the Bailey version too. TBH, we had just about settled on the Elddis but at least a 2013 model as they seemed to have really improved the build quality at 2013 (massively so). Size is important as the slightly shorter Elddis should fit much better on our drive. & I hear lots of scare stories about Swift group vans.
Thinking we'd wait until the motorhome show at the end of the month to have another go.
We are based nr Reading, but come from up north, so frequently back up.
Dave,
I work for a small car dealership which has just started to do motorhomes, we are Roller team and tribute franchised dealers, currently we have a Auto roller 746 in stock un registered, which sound what your looking for list price £46,847 we could let it go for just over £42,000 if intrested drop me a line 01905 828820
www.rollerteammotorhomes.co.uk
cheers Rob
I work for a small car dealership which has just started to do motorhomes, we are Roller team and tribute franchised dealers, currently we have a Auto roller 746 in stock un registered, which sound what your looking for list price £46,847 we could let it go for just over £42,000 if intrested drop me a line 01905 828820
www.rollerteammotorhomes.co.uk
cheers Rob
Ok folks, heres an update:
Mr Nagsheadwarrior - thanks for the email and explanations. We were nearby at the weekend but was unable to find the time to pop over.
Mr Flying banana - thanks for the offer, we are looking for things quite a bit cheaper.
Turns out the dealers will negotiate and discount their vans, seems to depend on the van (no surprise really) and they need to know your serious. What was amazing is that we could get a NEW van for less than a 2nd hand one at some places. Having said that, we just put a deposit down on a 2013 model which is priced 1k over the cheapest van I could find on ebay as a private sale but from a dealer. Its at the right price, right age and right spec and nearly 20% under the asking price. Probably not the best deal on the table, but we do prefer this van to the others we were offered.
Mr Nagsheadwarrior - thanks for the email and explanations. We were nearby at the weekend but was unable to find the time to pop over.
Mr Flying banana - thanks for the offer, we are looking for things quite a bit cheaper.
Turns out the dealers will negotiate and discount their vans, seems to depend on the van (no surprise really) and they need to know your serious. What was amazing is that we could get a NEW van for less than a 2nd hand one at some places. Having said that, we just put a deposit down on a 2013 model which is priced 1k over the cheapest van I could find on ebay as a private sale but from a dealer. Its at the right price, right age and right spec and nearly 20% under the asking price. Probably not the best deal on the table, but we do prefer this van to the others we were offered.
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