Buying new vs. buying used caravans
Everyone's circumstances are different, especially when it comes to making big purchases like a touring caravan. If you’re on a budget, your only option may be to buy a used caravan. You may think that it will be a compromise, but buying second-hand has some benefits.
Firstly, you'll have the option to try out caravanning for a relatively small outlay. Meaning, if you find it's not for you, you'll not lose as much money in depreciation as you would if you were buying new. Just make sure you do plenty of checks to make sure everything is in full working order and that the caravan has been serviced regularly. Also check the caravan has all the necessary paperwork before agreeing to buy. Perform a CRiS check to make sure the caravan belongs to the seller, doesn't have any outstanding finance and isn't an insurance write-off.
This is more important if you are buying privately, as most dealers will service their used caravans before they are sold so you have some reassurance that everything is in order.
Secondly, your used caravan may come with many optional extras such as appliances and security devices that the original owner has paid for, but will not be reflected in the used buying price. This will mean that you get all the benefits of these security devices - peace of mind and lower insurance premiums - without having to pay for installation. You must, however, make sure that if your caravan comes with a tracking device, its registration is transferred to you and you maintain the contract with the tracking device company to ensure it remains operational.
If you're lucky enough to have the extra budget and are looking to purchase a caravan from new, you'll get all the benefits of being the first to own your caravan. Of course, you'll be paying extra for this privilege, but buying a new caravan comes with the peace of mind of a manufacturers' warranty should anything go wrong in the first few years of owning your caravan. Some caravans now come with guarantees against water ingress (a common caravan problem) for up to 10 years!
You'll also get to choose from the most up to date caravans with all the mod-cons, accessories and security features. You may also have the option of choosing your upholstery and colour scheme, helping to make the caravan your own.
If you're after a new bargain, look out for dealer stock from the previous year's model ranges.
Whichever option you go for, don't forget to do your homework first to find the best option for you.
Questions and Answers
Buying a second hand caravan is vastly different to buying a second hand car, or even a brand new caravan – there are many more areas you need to make sure you check before making a decision.
In part 1 of "The Top 10 Tips For Buying A Second Hand Caravan", we looked at the first half of the tips that often prove useful for purchasing a used van.
When buying a touring caravan you may want to consider taking out touring caravan insurance to protect your investment. Here we look at the types of cover available as well as comparing cover online.
If you are looking for static caravans for sale, there is a lot more resources available to help you make the decision than at any time previously. Now you can utilize the power of the internet from your own home to identity sellers and choose an option that suits your requirements and desires perfectly. Buying a static caravan and locating it on a holiday park can provide you with many years of affordable vacations.
Below you will find our most frequently asked questions and answers on Buying a Caravan holiday home:
As a family we are very active and appreciate our holidays and outdoor sports. Caravanning is a good way to have some day off moments and spend peace and relaxation times in a caravan park.
Rafting, as it is known, is one of the most challenging outdoor activity that employs the usage of a raft to navigate across a river body. In the age of mediocrity, we are drawn towards a more materialistic world.
As an intern people gets opportunity to travel to new places, learn new languages and cultures, interact with the locals and make new friends.
The beautiful stretches of bluegrass and horse farms of Kentucky attract numerous campers all through the year. There are several RV campgrounds and parks in this state offering a host of outdoor opportunities to make your vacations unforgettable.
The County of Kent has often been called the ‘Garden Of England'. This is certainly a tag that is not without justification, considering the many open gardens and well maintained parks that you can find here. But what about those of you who are looking for a more varied holiday experience and do not fancy visiting these gardens or spending your time in them.
Similarly surprised and also fearful due to its damaging power, funnel clouds is definitely the basis. Indisputably, along the route, you will be aware tips on how to stay away from should the radio's issuing warnings where there could well be seem like a freight train increases around the range.
Planning for an accident in your motorhome, is not something any of us wants to do, but it is essential that you are adequately prepared for this worst-case-scenario so, if it does happen, you can keep calm and ensure the situation is dealt with efficiently and effectively for all parties involved.
Your motorhome is a huge investment, so you'll need a specialist insurance policy that will cover all risks, including your windscreen. Depending on the motorhome you own, a replacement windscreen could set you back a hundreds or even thousands of pounds. So, by repairing your windscreen in good time, you save yourself a the hassle and costs involved in getting it replaced.
A 'protected no claims bonus' has become a feature on many motor insurance policies and motorhome insurance is no different in this respect. It usually involves a little extra on your premium to preserve the discount you have earned over several years of claim free motoring. But is it worth adding this onto the cost of insuring your motorhome?
Owning and driving a motorhome can give you the freedom to take a holiday or vacation whenever you choose. However, driving a motorhome is not the same as driving a car. It's important to remember that the size of the vehicle effects how the vehicle handles, as well how much space it takes up on the road.
Whilst most caravanners take their main holiday during the main summer months, the best thing about owning a caravan are the spur of the moment weekends away, that can be throughout the year and whatever the weather forecast. There are a few items that will make your trips away that bit easier or more enjoyable; this guide outlines what should be top of your list.
