Key Things to Consider when Buying a Second-hand Motorhome
A motorhome can be an amazing asset. It’ll allow you to enjoy spontaneous holidays, while saving considerably on travel and accommodation costs. If you’d like to pick up a motorhome at a bargain price, then you might have considered delving into the second-hand market. But there are risks involved with buying second-hand. Getting the most from a given purchase means doing a little bit of preparation, and weighing a few key factors.
Let’s consider the more important things that might influence your decision.
Which features do you need?
Our first step should be to identify which features are essential, and which are merely desirable. By setting out your requirements clearly, you’ll be able to eliminate the options that aren’t right for your specific needs. For example, you might look for a vehicle with a retractable awning, so that you can spend time outdoors without fear of rainwater.
Budget
Of course, the amount of money you have to spend will also restrict your options. Think about how you’ll pay for the vehicle, and what you’ll need to save each month to meet your ambitions.
When weighing your costs, you’ll need to factor in things like insurance. It’s worth shopping for specialised insurance products, which will cater to the specific challenges faced by motorhome drivers. Motorhome insurance is therefore well worth considering.
Check for mechanical issues
It’s imperative that you check a vehicle in person to determine whether it’s in acceptable condition. Second-hand motorhomes often sit idle for months, or even years, before a purchase – and it’s critical that we establish that it hasn’t been neglected. Look for corrosion and rust around the engine. If possible, bring a mechanic along to check the engine, and make sure that it’s in good working order. If possible, test-drive the home, and see if you detect any problems.
Interior checks
You should check the interior of your motorhome, keeping an eye out for all of the same problems you might be conscious of when considering a new house. If you can smell damp, or see evidence of mould, then you should reconsider the price. This can be an expensive problem to fix. You might even bring along a moisture meter to check the vehicle. If there are timber elements in the interior, this might be even more problematic.
Perhaps most important are the gas and electrical systems. If these aren’t working properly, then your quality of life in the motorhome will be severely limited. Get a professional tradesperson in, if you want to avoid a costly repair later on.
What’s really important to factor in is your overall feeling toward the vehicle. If you can see yourself enjoying life in the space, then it’s a good sign. If you can’t, then it might be time to reconsider the purchase.