We have been looking into purchasing a caravan for most of this year - we have seen the make & model we like checked out towing weights etc planning towing course etc etc & were planning on purchasing either Sept 09 or at NEC Feb 10 whichever deal appeals to us at the time. However, I have spotted a 2007 model, same brand, same model but twin axle available by private sale on Ebay. It all sounds great benefits from awning & porch awning, motor mover, hitch lock, wastemaster.
However seller has never sold on Ebay before and not buying from a dealer makes me extremely nervous, saving £x appeals to me & not having to shop for all that kit does too. It has extended warranty until 2013 but are there any measures I can take to safeguard a potential private caravan sale like you can when purchasing a car?? Apologies for the naivety in this question but we are new but very keen!
Also of course the seller should show you the original purchase reciept & even on a 2007 caravan you should do a damp check. If anything dont feel right, walk away.
If you are buying your first caravan I remember the advice we were given by a caravan salesman and that was not to buy new, but start off with something older to see if we liked it and what layout you find works for you, we did and have not looked back since. He was so right as the depreciation can be quite high in the first few years.
The other thing helped us was the Haynes caravan manual! it explains with lots of pictures what to look for and how to tow etc.
Rather than e-bay have you looked at second hand caravan at dealers?
Hi thanks for the advice I've definitely learnt something. Upon enquiry it turns out its been rubbed against a tree which didn't put them off purchasing as apparently its minimal but enough to scare me off!! The reason we are particularly going for new is that we want the rear triple bunk arrangement which can be closed off at night and as we are graduating from tent camping we feel we will have no problems adjusting to caravan life, but are nevertheless taking lots of advice & research in advance to ensure all runs smoothly & safely.
Just make sure that it has been serviced regularly otherwise the warrenty is invalidated. Go and look at it and check all the paperwork i.e cris registration, this will have their address on it and the servicing receipts so that you can see what has been done to it. Is there anyone you can take with you who can look it over and do a damp test for you? It is worrying that they don't have any feedback but doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy this 'van just be very cautious when viewing it. Is it stored at their house or in storage? If for any reason you are not happy with any part of it then trust your instincts and leave it.
I wish i hadnt bought knew, depreciation, and the VAT. i wish i had gone for 6 months old ish van now.There are pleanty vans out there, Its just looking.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
we started off looking at new vans also loved the triple bunk layout, with 4 kids thought it wold be perrect. but hen we thought about it and brought a old 2nd hand van for under £1500 we relax and enjoy our times in the van not worrying if the kids spil things or bump things. we have also worked out from using the van the triple bunk wouldnt work for us as it leaves very little room for us all to sit if it is rainning, we have now set on the layout with 2 bunks along the back that can be used as sofas during the day. moving from tent to caravan was easy learning that the carvans we loved wouldnt be right wasnt I am so glad we didnt buy new when we do it will be the right van becasue we learn the cheap way!
We are going to consider a nearly new option now after seeing this one which was pretty much perfect if a little over priced in our opinion for a 2007 but they are open to offers. Our perfect new caravan would be the Lunar Quasar 546 - we are only a family of 4 so the smaller living area works for us and the rear we would use the two top bunks and the bottom for storage - Lunar also has a separate shower which we want.
On holiday at Whit our daughter made friends with a little girl in the Quasar 615 which is identical to the 546 but on a twin axle - so we are considering this model 2nd hand aswell its just weighing up the pros & cons of the twin axle for no other difference really. We did consider the Lunar Lexon SB which has the two single beds to the rear but we really feel the bunks will work for us better.
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: 1st time purchase enquiry
