Purchasing a camper van, whether it’s brand new or previously owned, is a significant investment. It can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience, but I’m here to ensure that you cover all the bases before making the leap. This way, you’ll be fully prepared to embark on your adventure and call your tiny home on wheels your own.
This article is a continuation of a series I wrote about camper vans. In the first installment, I discussed the different types and sizes of camper vans to help you determine the perfect model that suits your preferences and needs. In my latest article, I delved into the ten factors you should consider before making a camper van purchase.
Now, let’s address the question of whether you are certain about buying a used camper van. But before we proceed, let me briefly outline the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a used vehicle.
Advantages:
– Lower initial cost
– Less depreciation compared to new models
– Cheaper insurance
Disadvantages:
– Possible lack of warranty
– Potential hidden issues
– Higher maintenance expenses
If you have a clear idea of the type of van you desire and have already answered most of the questions from the previous article, you’ve already completed half of the task. However, it’s equally important to ensure that the unit you intend to purchase is in good condition.
Step 1: Find the appropriate seller or dealer
Regardless of your personal inclination, thorough research is crucial when it comes to buying camper vans. As a general rule, the more research you conduct, the higher the likelihood of obtaining the best deal. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should excessively dwell on research without taking action.
Before engaging with any seller, it’s essential to establish a budget. If you don’t have the funds to pay upfront, you need to familiarize yourself with the available financing options and determine a comfortable payment amount. Dealerships often provide various financing plans, which depend on factors such as your credit score, down payment, loan term, and other variables.
If you choose to buy from a private seller, there’s a possibility that they may accept payment over time. Don’t assume that a private seller won’t consider this option – although the chances may be lower, it’s always best to inquire rather than assume.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both dealerships and private sellers. Let’s explore some of them.
You’ll come across numerous camper van dealers, many of whom offer quality vehicles at reasonable prices. However, as in any industry, some prioritize profit over customer satisfaction.
Firstly, I recommend visiting the dealer’s website to get an idea of their inventory and see if it aligns with what you’re looking for. Ideally, the company should be accredited by national trade associations. Additionally, besides relying on the internet, seeking recommendations from family, friends, and colleagues is an excellent way to find a reputable dealer.
Suppose you come across a camper van that catches your interest. Before physically inspecting it, conduct a vehicle history check by searching for the VIN. While dealers typically do this themselves, it doesn’t hurt to do your own investigation as well.
Prior to visiting, you can also examine the van’s mechanical history. For example, in the UK, you can review the MoT (Ministry of Transport) history to gain insight into the work that has been done and if the mileage aligns with the advertised information. However, some countries, such as the United States, lack a scheduled vehicle testing system.
Is the camper van accurately described by the dealer? A reputable dealership should willingly provide you with a comprehensive rundown of the van’s condition, including its age, mileage, servicing, and more.
Ensure that the dealership presents all the necessary van documentation before you commit to anything. Don’t base your decisions on promises, such as the dealership claiming they will eventually provide you with the service history or any other information. Make sure you thoroughly investigate everything before finalizing a deal.
Many of the aforementioned considerations also apply when purchasing from a private seller. However, buying from a private seller carries more risk, although it may present the opportunity for a better deal. It requires some luck, but there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of securing a fantastic deal.
Feeling excited when preparing to buy a camper van is completely normal. However, don’t let this excitement cloud your judgment and lead you into a bad deal. If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Beware of unbelievable deals that require deposits, as they may be scams designed to take your money and vanish.
When purchasing a camper van from a third-party marketplace, you often lack buyer’s protection. Although these platforms strive to eliminate scams and dishonest individuals, they cannot guarantee the quality of your purchase.
As previously mentioned, thorough research is crucial. When dealing with an online advertisement from a private seller, ensure that the van’s price aligns with its make, model, condition, and age.
Similar to dealing with dealerships, verify the vehicle identification number and, if applicable, the service history. Avoid buying stolen or written-off vehicles.
A promising sign is if you can view the van at the seller’s residence, and the address matches the one on the vehicle’s registration document. Honest sellers often prefer to meet at their home rather than a parking lot.
When examining a vehicle, it is advisable to do so during the daytime rather than at night, as this allows for better visibility. Even if you have a good understanding of vans or cars in general, it is always beneficial to have a second set of eyes. Additionally, it is recommended to take the vehicle to a mechanic who can thoroughly inspect it for any potential issues.
Before making a purchase, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and mechanical components. However, before conducting the inspection, there are two important questions that need to be addressed: has the camper van been regularly used, and if not, how long has it been inactive?
Camper vans are not designed to remain unused for extended periods of time. Those that do may experience various age-related problems with the chassis, suspension, and mechanical systems.
It is important not to be deceived by the mileage/kilometer count alone. A three-year-old camper van with 100,000 miles can be a better option than a six-year-old one with only 50,000 miles.
When examining the exterior, begin by checking for any visible damage or signs of rust on the van’s body. Additionally, inspect all windows and doors to ensure they open and close properly.
Camper vans often undergo extensive modifications to accommodate features such as pop-top roofs, additional windows, ventilation systems, and more. These modifications can create additional areas where water may leak inside the vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to check for any indications of water leakage around the windows, doors, and the seals of any other modifications.
Ensure that all exterior lights are functioning correctly. It is also recommended to inspect the underside of the vehicle for rust, damage, and any potential leaks from the engine or transmission fluids.
Moving on to the interior, carefully examine all appliances and furniture to ensure they are in working order. While some wear and tear is expected, everything should still function properly. It may sound peculiar, but it is advisable to thoroughly explore all the nooks and crannies inside the camper. This includes removing drawers, checking behind furniture, and inspecting every accessible corner. Additionally, applying pressure to the walls and roof of the vehicle will give you an idea of their flexibility.
A flashlight can be handy during this process, and the seller should have no issue with your thorough inspection unless they are hiding something.
Another important aspect to check is the electrical components, such as lighting fixtures, outlets, and fans. Additionally, open all closets and cabinets and inspect for any signs of mold or mildew, as they can indicate water damage. Mold growth may also occur if the closets and cabinets are warmer than the rest of the vehicle. If there are visible brown spots, it is likely that severe water damage has occurred.
Finally, it is crucial to inspect everything under the hood. There are several components that should be examined, including fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid), timing belt, hoses, brake pads and rotors, engine performance (start-up, idling, and overall performance), and transmission performance.
One piece of advice I recommend is utilizing all of your senses to inspect the vehicle, and this applies to every part of the rig. Don’t solely rely on your vision – for example, let your sense of smell be your guide. If the camper van has a musty odor, you may be dealing with mold. Additionally, when examining the oil, a burnt smell likely indicates an overheated engine, even if the oil appears clean.
Ensure to assess the tire wear, including the spare tire. Be cautious of uneven wear, as it may be due to improper alignment or damage to suspension components from potholes.
Regardless of whether you’re dealing with a dealership or a private seller, asking more relevant questions is beneficial. Don’t hesitate to address any concerns you have, even if it means spending more time inquiring.
Inspection can only provide limited information. It is important to take the prospective camper van for a test drive and evaluate its performance. Similar to any test drive, allocate sufficient time – allow the engine to heat up, turn it off once it has, and then start it again. Additionally, observe the color of the smoke when starting the engine.
Listen for any unusual sounds, such as ringing, rattling, or abnormal noises, not only from the engine but also from the suspension. Furthermore, be attentive to any slipping of the clutch in manual transmissions or jerky shifting in automatics. When moving the vehicle, check for any fluid stains left on the ground.
Utility systems, such as those for gas and water, are crucial in camper vans. It is vital to ensure they are functioning properly. Verify that the pipework is in good condition and that the propane canister is securely housed. If you are uncertain, consider having a specialist inspect them.
Most camper vans have separate water tanks for freshwater and waste. Examine the tanks for leaks and proper pipe fittings. If possible, observe the water system in operation.
Lastly, confirm the functionality of the electrical system. It is advisable to inspect the wiring and the arrangement of components. Again, having a reputable electrician assess the system before purchasing the camper van is worthwhile. Poor wiring can result in the electrical system not working properly or, in the worst case, it can lead to a fire.
Step 3: Negotiate! If everything checks out, it is time to make an offer. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of not hesitating to offer less than the seller’s asking price, as sellers typically anticipate some room for negotiation.
If you have researched similar vans, you should have a good understanding of their market value. Once you agree on a price, you can either pay a small deposit or the full amount, but ensure you obtain a receipt from the seller if they operate commercially.
Overall, the key is to make an informed decision and stick to it. When everything is said and done, you will be grateful that you took the time to ensure you secured the best deal. Afterward, it is time to enjoy your new camper van – go out there and create unforgettable memories.
According to the Source autoevolution.com