Buying a Campervan

What better way to explore and have adventures than in your own campervan. You have the freedom and flexibility to go where you want when you want and it can work out cheaper than paying for a holiday in a hotel.
Maybe you have completed your own campervan conversion and it's now ready for the road.
When you are looking to buy a campervan you need to keep an eye on your budget, set yourself a comfortable spending budget, one that you know you can afford without too much financial difficulty.
It is always advisable to hire a van and spend some time living in one, (preferably the size and style that you are contemplating buying), before you take the plunge and buy one. If you know someone in the motor mechanic trade it makes sence to ask for their opinion on any second hand vehicles you are looking to buy.

Buying a campervan from a Dealer.
Dealers usually have a selection of used and new vehicles and they are great places to visit as a starting point. You can get an idea of makes, styles and prices from dealers forcourts. You may feel happier buying from a dealer as they should make you aware of any work that needs attention on any second hand campervans, they will be able to tell you how much the work may cost, they usually offer some period of warranty on any purchase you make from them. You should also be aware that whilst a purchase from a dealer can give you piece of mind it is usuallly the more expensive route to follow but you may consider it to be worth it.

Buying Privately
You may be able to find bargains by buying from a private seller if you know about campervans:
Check that the campervan is as advertised and check that the adress on the log book is the sellers home, if possible ensure that you arrange to view the camper at the sellers home address.
Take someone with knowledge about car mechanics if you have no knowledge yourself, a witness to the purchase taking place is always a good idea.
Make sure there is no finance still outstanding on the campervan before you purchase it. Use a service that will check for outstanding HP agreements as well as accidents the vehicle may have been involved in.

Buying a campervan from eBay
eBay is a great way to find campervans for sale around your own area and most will show ample photos as well as information on the vehicle for sale.
Having said this you need to be aware you will be bidding to buy a campervan without having had a test drive. If possible try to test drive the vehicle before you buy it.
Make a decision how much you are willing to pay for the vehicle and don't bid over that amount, bidding wars can be adictive and dangerous.

Buying from an Auction
Again bargains can be found at motor auctions if you know what you are doing. A quick sale or vehicles that are in a bad state of repair are things to consider at these auctions.
Check the details of any vehicle you may be interested in, they are usually placed on the vehicles windscreen.
Always look around the vehicle carefully, try to accertain every thing you wish to know whilst the vehicle is stationary.
You will be able to hear the campervan once it is started ready to move into the auction, try to stay close by so you can hear the engine running or witness any smoke from the exhaust.
Do stick to the price you wish to pay for the van and don't be temptered into a bidding war that rises above your own financial comfort zone.
Be aware that most auctions have extra fees due to be paid, these fees are to paid over and above the price the auction ended on.

Wherever you buy your Campervan from always check:
Oil Leaks, smoke or steam from exhausts, cam belts, unusual noises, radiators, exhaust pipes, hoses, blown gaskets and bodywork. If you are not experienced take someone withyou who knows their way around a motor.