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Hi all need some advice. we have been camping for the last few years but now want to take the plunge and buy a second hand caravan. i have been looking and looking and looking but my head is in a spin now. i am looking for a 4 berth with bunks for the kids and a double at the front for us. the bunks i would like to be able to section off  and not near the door . not too fussed on a shower etc would like to pay no more then 5grand . please help

thanks in advance for any replys

claire

Try looking at a six berth with fixed bunks at the back. We started off with a 4 berth that had a side dinnette that you could make up into bunks. We found this not a good layout for us. We have just changed to a 6 berth with fixed bunks which you also have the side dinnette that changes into bunks too. It just means that when the 4 beds are up you still have a seat & table to use. We find it much more practical. This is only personal preference but I would recommend having a look.

Hope you find what you are looking for :) 

We started with what weight we could tow,   this narrowed down the search to which make and models were appropriate.  Then went for cost, narrowed the field again.  Finally layout, with the possibility of other options  Then the damp meter, Just telling prospective sellers you are bringing a meter tends to have a amazing effect.

Never did get the perfect van, but am happy with what we have and am still looking for THE ONE 

Hi you all ready have some great advice posted. We brought our first van last year I too would second buying a cheaper van to start we have a 19 year old van and have found that our usage so far doesn't warrent spending more we have only managed to use her 3 times since July last year, although we are hoping that will improve soon.

We looked around lots of dealers to see what was avaliable for the price and what layout we liked, took a damp meter and checked around to get used to using it by the time we found our girl we were happy with inspecting a caravan.

Search the internet for articles on buying a caravan I found a great buying guide from one of the caravan magazine sites. There is an article on here!

Also try taking a look at the repairs forum not to scare you but it does give an idea on the faults to look for.

Decide if you want a private purchase or a dealer purchase, dealers usually cost more and you will need to haggle for accessories but give greater security with the purchase. I brought from a dealer in the end. Take a look at ebay and local papers as well but always view before bidding.

Hiya Thanks all of you for your replys

i have spent the best part of this morning scouring the internet and i have found a 1993 swift corvette with awning from a dealer. i am going to see it this weekend as it looks immaculate on the website. it costs £3795 which i know might be a bit steeper than if i bought it private but i am a bit dubious about buying private for my first van as i know this comes with a full service/ damp test etc and valet. i have also seen one of these advertised locally for i think £3000 but does not come with service or awning

SO what do you think am i being a bit too hasty

thanks again

claire

try http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravans.html and also ebay for the names/makes of the 'vans in your price range with the layouts you want.  Go to as many dealers to see the 'vans in the flesh and work out how you'd use the space inside.  I'd agree with the op that buying a really cheap starter 'van is a good idea as you may like the look of a 'van but then find that actually it doesn't suit you.

Whatever you do make sure you either take a damp meter or pay a mobile engineer to do it for you because damp in a 'van will quickly devalue in price.  I agree that it's a good idea to take a look on the repair forum though don't let it put you off buying a 'van just take from it that you MUST thoroughly check for damp before handing over large sums of money