We are thinking of finally making the transition from a tent to a caravan (we have been regular campers for arount 7 years now in a variety of tents).
We are looking to buy a secondhand caravan from a dealer and spend around £5K to £6K. There are a couple of things that we need to sort out first, so this isn't something that is particulary urgent (we could even wait until after the summer)
Any advice on when the best time to buy a secondhand van ?
October-November-December would be the best time--the asking prices may not be much lower but dealers will be more inclined to haggle----people in no hurry to sell will often wait until springtime to sell(ie about now)so private sellers selling before Christmas may need the money so you could get a bargain--also buying when its cold & damp is more likely to show if the 'van is letting in water--
Hi, I'd like to replace our tent with a van too and have been looking at caravan finder on the internet for over a year. I'd have thought that the best time to buy a second hand van was at the end of a season as the seller won't want to store the van over winter. But from what I've seen, there appears to be more used vans available now at slightly lower prices than there were in the Autumn, which I find surprising. Perhaps it's because people are trading up to a new van in time for the start of the camping season? Or dealers need to make way for new stock ?
After the summer holidays have finished and the days are drawing in again, lots of folk who have bought a caravan for the summer, start to wonder what to do with it in the winter. And many of them stick them on good old e-bay. If there was ever a time to grab a bargain its then. If you know what to look for, in terms of general condition you be laughing all the way to your first caravan holiday. Good luck, and welcome to the gang.
I'm inclined to agree with scarymamma. This time of year there's a lot more choice out there as folk trade up to their new vans. Many keep their vans at home like I do so there's no extra expense in hanging on to it over winter till the new van is ready, and they think they may get more for it at the start of the season. This often isn't the case though as supply outstrips demand more in spring, and the longer they don't sell the more chance they'll still be stuck with it when the dealer rings to tell them the new one has arrived. So you could get a bargain if buying secondhand privately.
The dealers too could have a bit of an overstocking problem if they've taken a lot in part exchange for the new 2009 models.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 05/3/2009
I'm inclined to agree with scarymamma. This time of year there's a lot more choice out there as folk trade up to their new vans. Many keep their vans at home like I do so there's no extra expense in hanging on to it over winter till the new van is ready, and they think they may get more for it at the start of the season. This often isn't the case though as supply outstrips demand more in spring, and the longer they don't sell the more chance they'll still be stuck with it when the dealer rings to tell them the new one has arrived. So you could get a bargain if buying secondhand privately.
The dealers too could have a bit of an overstocking problem if they've taken a lot in part exchange for the new 2009 models.
Havnt you heard theres a credit crunch on. Thousands of caravanning kinfolk are losing there jobs and even worse, are losing there homes so I dont think caravan dealers are going to be flooded out with caravans because people are upgrading to newer models. although they might have some, because people are trying to raise some capitol to live on.
Skellei...we are toying with selling our van as our circs have changed. We're not desperate too and dont mind keeping it but if somebody wanted to buy it I'd probably sell. It would be in your price range and would come with everything you need to just up and go, incl awning and ground sheet and I'd throw in satellite dish if you wanted it. Recently serviced and damp work carried out so its in good nick. We're not that far away so if you want any details email me at graemesimpson189 at btinternet.com
ishow. if you email me using graemesimpson189 at btinternet.com, but obvioulsy changing the at to at i can email you some pictures and give you more details
We were at our local dealers at the weekend and he told us that they had sold 30 caravans in January, they normally sell 5.
From listening to the news lots of people are trying caravanning and camping this year.
Which makes me wonder how many of those 'vans and tents are going to be up for sale at the end of our usual damp summer.
Caravans are all year, any weather vehicles so i don't think that there ever is a really cheap time to buy them but if at the end of the summer there is an influx of 'vans for sale then that could be the best time to buy.
I looked into the layouts that i wanted and narrowed my choice down to a few caravans and when one became available at the price i wanted i bought it. If you see the caravan that you want at the price you want to pay sooner rather than later then you may decide that its not worth waiting to see if the prices will come down. We may have a brilliant summer and the price of vans may go sky high because everyone is buying one lol
Havnt you heard theres a credit crunch on. Thousands of caravanning kinfolk are losing there jobs and even worse, are losing there homes so I dont think caravan dealers are going to be flooded out with caravans because people are upgrading to newer models. although they might have some, because people are trying to raise some capitol to live on.
Firstly, I was generalising, not talking specifically about this year.
Secondly, this year prices seem to have dropped a bit more than usual over the last few months, because of the credit crunch - less vans being sold = dealers drop prices. More pepole can't afford to keep caravan = more vans on the market.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Not sure if this is allowed, but I am selling my personal caravan. And as I'm a NCC Approved Mobile Workshop, I think that whoever buys it will be getting a good deal.
It's a 2002 Sterling Elite Europa 21'(twinny), fixed bed, seperate shower and seperate toilet.
New 3/4 length awning
New Sun Canopy
4 new tyres
2 wheels locks
New charger
And obviously Fully Serviced -
as soon as I get some photo's taken it'll be on the 'Free Adds' page.
Mods, please remove if this post breaks any forum rules
------------- We have Approved Mobile Workshop Status
I would have said normally, the end of the"season" would be the best time. But with the crunch and dealers trying to get their overdaraft down,maybe now. I think we all set an amount to spend, then find the best deal on the day.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Best Time to buy secondhand
