Where to buy a second hand motorhome
Your local motorhome dealership simply has to be the best place to start – not just in the hunt for the right vehicle, but also for the specialist knowledge and advice he/she can impart. Many dealers also sell vehicles on behalf of existing customers, on a sale or return basis. Where appropriate they should let you know this is the case.
Yes, there are other places to buy – from private purchase to shows and even auctions – but it’s with a purchase from a specialist dealer that you have more legal rights and can benefit most from after-sales service. It’s also where you’ll get greater choice to start with, especially if your budget is, say, some £15,000 or above.
Occasionally, self-built motorhomes are available for sale. If the vehicle is not from a known converter, it should come with an engineer’s report stating that all gas and electrical installations are to the required safety standards. Here at Shield Total Insurance, our extensive motorhome experience also extends to self-builds – do feel free to ask us for further advice.
The clincher can also be this: do consider where you are going to take your motorhome for future servicing, repair work or even the fitting of accessories. Any dealer will (quite rightly) put its own customers first in such situations.
Shield top tip: It’s always worth checking out the business credentials of any organisation you’re about to deal with.
Don’t haggle, negotiate
Frankly, you won’t win if all you’re focussed on is price. Instead, negotiate your way through a deal by asking about the cost of any options you may want fitting, any cosmetic work (inside and/or out) that may need attending to, as well as considering such aspects as extending any warranty offer. Previously owned motorhomes do tend to fall into two categories – those that have been meticulously maintained from new, and those that have succumbed to “DIY improvements” by their past owners and may not be seen in quite the same light by future purchasers.
Ask about any fitted optional extras – to determine whether they are factory-fitted or retrofit items. If the latter, ensure they’ve been fitted by a specialist and make sure you will get documentation, including any specific warranty.
Shield top tip: Take your time. Any motorhome purchase should not be a rushed one. Do your research and you’ll reap the benefits. Speak to other motorhome users, visit dealers (including any special exhibitions) and shows, read the specialist press – it all helps.
Access saved quotes and service your policies online.
Existing Customer Retrieve a quote
