Private or trade? (1 Viewer)

Foxglove

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Aug 20, 2014
10
7
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32,973
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Don't own one yet
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As a newcomer and no experience is MH's whatsoever am I better off going to a trader or private? There are savings in cost (I assume) if I go private but potential piece of mind if I go trade.

Have read quite a few subjects on here and clearly there is a lot to learn in this field, as well as lots to consider before buying.

I already have good idea of the layout and look I'm after but worry about ones to avoid or what maybe a good buy for someome starting out. Looking to start with around £15-17k and get something around a max of 10 years old, 4 birth, overhead bed with kitchen at the rear.
 

old-mo

Funster
Extra Special
LIFE MEMBER
Oct 16, 2008
16,341
93,473
Weymouth. Dorset...
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4,470
MH
Nearly aint got one.
Exp
Caravan & motorhome 45 + yrs
Look at both,,,, Dealer & Private...

As long as the layout is what you require... take your time looking..

I have bought from both, dealer & private... and must say I have had more luck and less hassle from a private buy than a dealer... but I suppose I was lucky..

Try and take a friend along who is used to motor homes, they are more likely to have an idea as to what to look for in any problems..

Good luck.. (y)

As a PS..... have a look in the classifieds on here...


 
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wellsprungalice

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May 23, 2014
62
50
Lancashire
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31,614
MH
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2 years with a campervan; saw the light, now mortorhome newbie
We were first-time motorhomers, tho we still had our camper when we started looking last year. We looked around loads of dealers and didn't realise what cr*p we were looking at for vastly inflated prices until we took the camper to a motorhome mechanic about something technical and he had two MHs on his lot.

We asked to take a look and immediately realised he knew a lot more about MHs than the big dealers' salespeople did. We could see that the vans were much better quality for the price. The guy was (is) a MH enthusiast himself and spent ages just talking us through the MH types and brands, and we didn't feel under any pressure to buy (although we did, of course).

So, I'd say, once you know the layout you want, find people in your local area who have MHs, and ask them about local specialist mechanics or small yards. Then tap the mechanics for vans they have or might know of, and ask them to check over possible vans on private sale for you. You might find a good deal, and you will also get an idea of who you want to look after the van for you if you're not technically minded.

BTW, pay the membership here, it's well worth it.
 
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PP Bear

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Apr 5, 2013
7,735
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Kent, UK
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25,395
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Auto Trail Dakota SE
Exp
2012
Get to a show, there's one in September (The South Coast Caravan & Motorhome Show at Broadlands, Romsey) :)

Think they do both new and secondhand, but at the very least you can review layouts, get ideas galore and see what's on the market firsthand and chat to other motorhome owners for advice etc :)

There's also the NEC show in October. While it covers new motorhomes and I couldn't stretch to that for the first one, I went 3 times to make sure I knew exactly the layout that I wanted etc, then searched Auto Trader and found the perfect secondhand one :)

Got a real bargain too, with lots more extras, low mileage and £1000's less than the dealers were offering, but they come without any form of dealer support. I haven't needed it, but that's not to say anyone else wouldn't :)

Will also buy my next one secondhand, once I'm ready for it :)

Good luck with your search and keep us updated :)

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tambo

Free Member
Jun 21, 2014
874
639
Dunfermline fife scotland
Funster No
32,052
MH
a class
Exp
MH Since 2008, ex tugger and vw campers since 1992
Would always buy private .....I've never had any from a dealer but my parents and my sister have and problems every time .....The current van my sister has she bought from knowepark caravans and had nothing but trouble with them , they tend to know sod all about second hand vans I had to show the salesman how half the stuff worked , no warranty as they claim second hand vans are sold as seen , they lost the full service history after the sale somehow amongst other problems.

Buy privately and at least the owner should know what he is selling if he doesn't walk away ......
 
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irnbru

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Jun 27, 2013
13,503
31,101
Glasgow
Funster No
26,684
MH
Benimar 264
Exp
11 yrs
I would also say you can get a better deal buying privately. Ask for a fresh habitation check to be carried out then at least you will know if there is any damp and the gas works properly.
Have a good look at the vehicle outside and in and dontget carried away just by how pretty it may look.
If you see a MH maybe you could post and ask a knowledgeable funster in your area to go along to view it with you.
Remember you wont have any comeback or warranty in a private sale though.
Good luck
 
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scotjimland

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 25, 2007
2,086
9,025
Suffolk Coastal District, UK
Funster No
15
MH
Timberland
Remember you wont have any comeback or warranty in a private sale though.

Indeed you don't. I wouldn't feel happy about handing over £17k to a private seller.. you have absolutely no protection under the Sale of Goods Act.. I'm sure many do and get good buys.. but not for me.

When you buy goods from a private individual, you don't have the same rights as when buying from a trader. The legal principle of caveat emptor, or 'buyer beware', operates. You have no right to expect that goods are of satisfactory quality or fit for their purpose but there is a requirement that they should be as described.

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spitfire

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Oct 13, 2010
2,408
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Correze France
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14,089
MH
Bavaria
Exp
Since 2003
We bought our van privately and luckily no problems but can see why people might be nervous . It was much cheaper as the owner was in his 80's and had the van with a dealer who was making no effort to sell so he put it back on the market himself. We had actually seen it at the dealers but was above our price but he sold it cheaper privately and we took him down another £1000 . It had only 12,000 miles and had only been used to travel between UK and Portugal where he had a flat .

Definitely visit a show to see the biggest selection of types and layouts then settle on one which suits your needs . Then set about finding that one both with dealers and privately and I am sure it will become clear when you see the right one !
 
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