So this year we are taking the leap from a tent to a caravan. We have been looking around and settled on a layout we like. We have seen one or two in the south east (essex) but most seem to be at dealers in and around the north west, or at least to say, thats where when we do searches most suitable ones seem to be located.
Living in our Essex surroundings, having a quick pop out to have a look is not viable. So here is the plan. We have a budget of around 8000, so I'm planning to take the cash out of the bank and put it in my pocket. Travel up to the north west for a weekend - look at as many as we can schedule and if we find the right one buy it there and then.
Q1. Working in financial services I would be suspicious of somebody walking into my business with 8K of cash. Am I likely to recieve a similar reaction and a request to pay alternatively?
Q2. Can I simply ride away with it that day or over those few days rather than having to travel up again?
I paid for mine on my debit card - bought from a Chichester Caravans. You might want to phone your bank and ask if you will have any problems with such a large amount, but, if not, it would be much better to put the money in your current account and use a debit card than ride round with £8K in cash!
Theoretically, you should then be able to take it away with you but it is usual for the dealer to service it after it is sold and before you collect it.
Good luck - hope you get what you are looking for.
We had no intention of paying by cash when we bought our van but it may help to know that the dealer gave us a note about different methods of payment which stated that they were not allowed to accept cash more than £9000 because of money laundering regs (and that they really didn't cash payments unless there was no alternative). We paid by debit card, but if you do this be prepared for the payment to be referred to the bank as you wait and if it's like when we did it I had to speak with the bank as we sat there and I was asked all sorts of security questions and passwords etc to make sure it was me. I presume if I hadn't got all the questions right they wouldn't have passed the payment, which if you have travelled a long like we did would be a nuisance to say the least.
The van I bought had outstanding finance on it, so the owner rang up the loan company and I paid the outstanding amount on debit card in front of him - he then knew it was paid and I new the debt was clear.
as evensteven says moneylaundering regulations do not permit use of cash above £9k and I'd be very surprised if ayone took £8k from a walk in customer. I'd use a debit card or online transfer or walk to the seller's bank & transfer over the counter.
Take a damp meter with you.
If you are buying private what checks will you do for proof of ownership?
As stated if you are buying from a dealer, pay by debit card. Phone the dealers that have 'vans you are interested in & tell them you will be wanting to take the van away after payment & confirm that it will be possible.
Phone your bank the day before & tell them you are intending to pay £8k on your debit card to avoid transaction being blocked. Don't forget to take a number plate. Rather than drive home 200miles it might be an idea to take some gear & stop at a nearby campsite after getting 'van if it is getting late.
It waas the money laundering side I was concerned with so thanks for confirming that they wouldn't be happy with it.
Debit card would be my preferencem so I'll check with the dealer a few days before I go to ensure we can get the tunraround.
I'm keen to go through a dealer rather than private if I can just because it is our first van. I know I might get a better deal private but i just want that assurance level in terms of finance/CRIS etc that they can offer this time out.
Finally I ahev already got the number plate printed etc it was just trying to work out teh finer details.
Once again, many thanks everyone. You'll probably see me back on here shortly telling you about teh purchase and asking how it all works now!!
Quote: Originally posted by pamanddoug on 25/1/2011
Just a quick one What about returning the van for warranty work/servicing etc
doug
Agree. Look closer to home, in case there is a problem. There are numerous dealers within 40-80 miles of Essex.
I wouldn't want to be towing a van back up the M1 and M6 to Cheshire, or Lancashire.
Firstly thank you to everybody for local suggestions to Essex - some I have seen and some not so I will check those out. Trying to buy locally is my preference but they just aren't stocking the styles/layout that I'm looking for.
Back to the warranty side. Trekking it all the way back would be a hassle but my thinking (probably naivley) is that:
1. Buying from a reputable dealer offering a warranty and sending teh van out serviced, it is not likely to need much work done in the period (the warranty is for my own peace of mind)
2. If I had to then I woudl travel it back but make a call on it dependant on teh likely nature fo the repair. I have a number of close friends who are keen van owners who would be able to advise.
Both points are a bit in the lap of the gods but my priority is the correct van with teh correct layout for us. If theat means I have to travel to find it so be it! In teh meantime here's hoping Essex suddenley has plethora of vans that I am interested in hitting the market.
Glossop Caravans have 20 something approved service centres in the UK but you would need to check with them if these are also approved for warranty work unless someone here knows.
I have to say even with a 'reputable' dealer a warranty issue could slip by them - we almost bought a new van from Kimberley Caravans but in the end ruled them out soley because of the warranty issue, even though we had no qualms regarding the reputation of the dealer. If there should be a problem it may not just be the one trip back to the dealer either and then you also have the fuel costs which will end up adding to your total cost of van. It might never happen so thats the risk you take but if it should a nightmare could ensue!
I think you will find that the general number of vans available will increase over the next month or so - good luck with your search!
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Topic: How to pay for and pick up my first van..
