Hi there
Having got our 1st new caravan last year a
sterling Jewel. We were wondering how long you keep your caravans for. We probably won't ever be able to fork out big time for one ever again, so we wondered if it's best to change every year to two years so as to get a better rate for a part exchange and therefore always having a newish van.
Personally, i think people change their caravans to upgrade or for a change, If you are happy with a caravan then why change it no matter how long you have owned it?
A warm UKCS welcome to the Tin Tent brigade, I have over a few years looked at all the variouse things and happenings to various UKCS members and have come to my own opinion that Caravans are like fine wines! they mature better with age and? if look after lovingly will serve you well for many many years, I think you will find that many members have had their own Tin Tents? anything from 10/20/30 years perhaps longer? my advice is enjoy every outing as if it is you first and Happy Camping and Caravaning to you and yours.
Depreciation may be a factor....
Here in the States, as soon as you leave the lot, your caravan value decreases....
If money is not a factor in reselling it, I would keep it for as long as you like it (which may be a short time or a long time!)
The longer you keep it, the more it may be worth (after the initial markdown for the first year or so).
------------- Amy & Jim & Baby Deva in Ohio U.S.A.
Collectors and active campers in the U.S.A. We own 1948 Spartanette & 1940's Kit, 1969 Barth 16', 1978 Silver Streak & 1972 Revcon motorhomes.
We had our first van for 15yrs , second one 13yrs and this one bought last year. Why change just for the sake of it , rather like a house if you are happy in it you stay put.
Thanks Guys
I suppose it makes sense, keep it till you no longer want it!!!
It really does suit us at the moment, plenty of room for kids, dogs and even two largish adults. Maybe when kids are bigger it won't, but I suppose by then they won't want to come with us (please god - a weekend away on our own!)
If you like the layout and the van has been trouble free then hang on to it. Most people add bits and pieces ( lights, sockets etc) to get it how they want it so once you get to that stage it makes sense to keep it. As was said it depreciates most in the first year.
We have had ours since 1998, also a Sterling, and plan to keep it a couple of years still, then go for a new fixed bed one. Meantime we are putting money aside. You could set up a regular saving account, I am doing a Halifax 1 year one that pays 7% , so the cash cannot be touched. At the end of the year I put it in an ISA so there is not the same temptation to spend it on something else!!!
If you save the maximum every year you would have enough for a brand new van after 5 years.
No, no! It's never too late to change! The temptation is why you need to put it where you cannot get at it!! If you contract to save a regular amount for say a year you soon get used to not having it to spend. At the end of the year you get the money out, so it is then you need to be really strong and not fritter it away. But if you really need it then it is there. Once in the ISA, if you take it out you are not allowed to replace it in that year, so you will lose out. Or you could put it in a 90 day notice account, but the interest rate on the ISA is better, and tax free.
Jennifer
It is tempting!
The thought of having money in the bank ready to be spent. Yes spent! My favourite pastime SHOPPING and I'd be able to spend big time too! Even better!
I'll talk to the hubby see if he can be the voice of reason! (Doubt that though - we found out he'd forgot how to add up large figures on paper when we were away at the weekend!)
There's no hope is there!
I hate folk like you, so organised, I bet you've got half your Christmas shopping done already!!!
Only joking of course, but regarding changing the van, we've been changing every 3 years for some time now.
I think it has a lot to do with personal circumstances, and maybe the use, and abuse, the van gets.
If you're planning on always buying a brand new van, then probably changing sooner rather than later is the better option, as it comes down to simple financial mathematics.
New prices steadily increase, whereas a van's value starts to decrease the minute you pick it up from the dealers, so the gap is widening as time passes.
Hi David! Believe me, I am not that organised! But being an Aberdonian I do have a certain reputation to maintain, so I must admit to buying my Christmas cards in January, and my presents in the sales, whatever the time of year!
We always buy new cars, but then we keep them till they die. Our record so far is 14 years, then it was going to cost more to get through the MOT than it was worth.That was in 1988, quality is better now. At present we have a Volvo 940 that is almost 12 and gone 130000miles, so a mere youngster, and a 440 , that is almost 11 and only done 50000 miles , that we have given to our daughter. And then our van is coming up on 8, so still almost new!
I think our oldest posession is probably an Electrolux fridge that we bought in 1976, still going strong! I hate it when things break down and I have to choose something new. It's not that I don't like having new things,I love getting new things, I just hate having to make a decision in a hurry. It's such a responsibility! I like to be able to think about it, research the possibilities, and make an informed decision.
Our next van, and the 4x4 to tow it, will possibly (hopefully if they last well) be our last and a treat for our retirement, but we plan to keep the present ones a couple of years yet, or maybe longer!!! I think the deciding factor will be OH getting fed up making up the bed!
Meantime the savings are accumulating nicely and it is good to have some money in the bank for that rainy day!
Another good reason, as far as we are concerned, for leaving a while between purchases, is that we don't buy anything ( other than houses ) unless we have the money to pay for it, so it does take a while to save up the money for what we want!
Hi Guys - we've just picked up our new van; the old one was 6 years old (we can't belive times flown like it has). Why did we change? Mainly the layout of the old one didn't suit the kids. In hindsight we think we should have changed a year earlier as it would have saved the odd arguement. When choosing the new van the wife and me agreed that the new layout would probably only be right for the next 5 years. Also having sold cars for a short while in my dim and distant past, I thought a 6 year old van retaining 45% of its new price wasn't too bad, and then we got a good discount as well.
Interesting question "When to change" At the moment I love our van and am very very happy with it so I can't see us wanting to change. We bought a 2 berth to begin with and we didn't like the lay out even though it was a great little van so we changed after 6 months! this one we bought new hubby reckons we will keep it until we upgrade to a motorhome probably in about 5 years when we are ready to sell up and do our grand tour! May change our minds about that too!
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: When to change?
![[:)]](https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley1.gif)
, I have over a few years looked at all the variouse things and happenings to various UKCS members and have come to my own opinion that Caravans are like fine wines! they mature better with age and? if look after lovingly will serve you well for many many years![[:o)]](https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley20.gif)
, I think you will find that many members have had their own Tin Tents? anything from 10/20/30 years perhaps longer![[:o)]](https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley32.gif)
? my advice is enjoy every outing as if it is you first and Happy Camping and Caravaning to you and yours.
