First Purchase

[Fatboy1960]

We know the Motorhome we want, have found one at what seems a fair price 6 months old and 500 miles on the clock. Was going to buy it on line from a dealer with a good reputation but all advice says view first

i am going to view but unless there is something glaringly obvious I’m not sure what I’m looking for given the newness of the Van and the warranty

any tips re viewing also any thiughts he haggling over the price (seems fair TBH)

 

[Simon Select]

Hello,
Never, never, never and never say when buying anything that the price seems fair!
We were purchasing a used car years ago and the bloke said make me an offer and Rachel naively said no that’s fine we are happy with it. I felt nauseous, light headed and didn’t speak to her for days, how could someone I love so much be so stupid!
Make sure it’s had all his history together, get the salesman to show you everything, take as much time as you need and don’t feel like you should leave quickly.
You can take a damp meter with you but most good dealers will check and sort before hand.
It’s an expensive purchase so take your time, unless of course your coming to Howard’s then you should just buy the van ?

 

[Two on Tour]

Always go and view any motorhome you are interested in.

Try everything to make sure it works and if you don't know how it works the ask the dealer to show you and don't be embarrassed to ask anything of the dealer as they should know the about what they are selling.
Lay on the bed to make sure it is comfortable and you fit it, same again with the shower. Open all the lockers and cupboards to check that they have suitable space and layout for your gear. Look for any discolouration on the wall of the motorhome in the lockers and cupboards which might be a sign of damp and run you hand across the wall as well to feel any damp.
Does the kitchen area work for you and if it has a tec tower fridge/freezer (combined grill and microwave above the fridge as part of the fridge/freezer unit) are you happy with getting hot things out of it at that height.
Your going to spend a lot of time in the drivers seat, so is it comfortable, does it change gear okay, does it drive okay. Ideally it wants to have at least two sets of keys and check they work and check all the external lockers and their locks work.

Remember that a dealer WILL always have wriggle room on price and if there are any extras like solar panels, awning or bike rack not on the motorhome and you would like them, then use the dealer fitting them for free as a bargaining lever to bring the price down.

It usually takes being on your third motorhome before you get the one that's a keeper, but if you feel this motorhome is not what you want, then walk away, there are plenty of others out there.

Good luck and leave the dealer in tears wishing he had got more money for it.

 

[Fatboy1960]

Thanks folks for the advice really helpful much appreciated

 

[Two on Tour]

One big factor that I overlooked and was reminded of by reading though another thread on the forum is payload.

Check what payload the motorhome you are going to view has.
Here is a useful list of items and their associated weights from the other thread, bare that in mind and ask the question of the dealer. Remember if you do have and extras like solar or an awning fitted then add these into the equation.

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[AG 2602]

When buying Car/Motorhome I always say to the dealer/ seller that I have 3 vehicles in contention and this is just one of them. That way they know it’s not a done deal when you go to view! Handy to have some details for alternative vans on you from other dealers or from eBay/Auto trader. Also if you are viewing with a partner try not to get too excited/emotionally attached (not easy if you really like it). Remember the ball is in your court there are loads of used vans ex demos out there!
When we bought our van last year I haggled for a week in the knowledge that if I didn’t get it then there would be others available! We also bought at the end of the tax year when most companies are desperate to get cash in the bank!
There are so many nearly new vans out there its ridiculous to consider paying the screen price!
Let the negotiations commence and try and enjoy the banter.

 

[Vipar]

Decide what you want to pay then offer £3000 below that then haggle to the bitter end. Better a £1 in your pocket than the dealers.?

 

[mikebeaches]

If you have decided to buy and believe you've negotiated the absolute best possible price with any extras you want included, it's worth saying "throw in the next two habitation services, and we've got a deal!"

In most cases it's hard for them to resist at that critical point - annual hab services do not cost them too much, but a couple might save you £400+ down the line.

It also demonstrates goodwill on your part, because you are suggesting a long term commitment to the dealer.

If you ask for 2 - given it's an almost new van - they might try and knock you back to 1 complimentary service - but hey-ho anything is worth having.

 

[Blue Knight]

We know the Motorhome we want, have found one at what seems a fair price 6 months old and 500 miles on the clock. Was going to buy it on line from a dealer with a good reputation but all advice says view first

i am going to view but unless there is something glaringly obvious I’m not sure what I’m looking for given the newness of the Van and the warranty

any tips re viewing also any thiughts he haggling over the price (seems fair TBH)

Take your time to inspect it and make certain that it hasn't been a 'rejected' vehicle in the past; i.e. where the first owners rejected it due to faults etc.

Good luck

Andrew

 

[GMLS]

If you have decided to buy and believe you've negotiated the absolute best possible price with any extras you want included, it's worth saying "throw in the next two habitation services, and we've got a deal!"

In most cases it's hard for them to resist at that critical point - annual hab services do not cost them too much, but a couple might save you £400+ down the line.

It also demonstrates goodwill on your part, because you are suggesting a long term commitment to the dealer.

If you ask for 2 - given it's an almost new van - they might try and knock you back to 1 complimentary service - but hey-ho anything is worth having.

I always try and get something tangible thrown in rather than a service related thing as I'd worry they were doing it begrudgingly and will do half the job. Just me

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[scotzsue]

John loves a good haggle, i sometimes get embarrassed and walk away.

 

[mikebeaches]

I always try and get something tangible thrown in rather than a service related thing as I'd worry they were doing it begrudgingly and will do half the job. Just me

Interesting, can't say I've ever felt like that. And don't believe I've experienced it either.

But in any case, my tip was intended to be used AFTER all the 'tangibles' have been negotiated - in order to finally seal the deal.

 

[Fatboy1960]

Thanks for all the suggestions, at one level I failed miserably on negotiations, but none the less very pleased with our van (and a full tank of petrol!

So let the fun begin!

 

[lorger]

Thanks for all the suggestions, at one level I failed miserably on negotiations, but none the less very pleased with our van (and a full tank of petrol!

So let the fun begin!

Don't keep us in suspense what have you bought then.

 

[Fatboy1960]

Swiftly 685 looks and smells brand new it’s six months old busy discovering what melamine?

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[ambulancekidd]