Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Motorhomes and Campervans

Topic: helping friend buy motorhome

hankakampa

15/5/2024 at 1:40am
Location: uk
Outfit: Karsten - sun storm - doesnt matter!

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/9/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1930
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

hello everyone,

a friend of mine has decided she would like to buy a motorhome after many years of saving and she now has the funds.
She has found a motorhome that she likes thats being advertised by a private seller. She has asked me what checks she should make before parting with any money.
Its 4 years old, the service and habitation checks are up to date and the owners have shown her the V5 which is in her husbands name and the address on the V5 matched the address of the house she went to view it at. she checked for outstanding hpi and it shows as being clear and the mot is valid for 10 months.
Its a lot of money and she is nervous about buying privately in case theres something wrong which shows up 2 miles down the road and then she has a battle to get her money back - is her main worry!.

Would someone who is experienced with buying / selling privately kindly offer some guidance as to what additional checks my friend needs to do before parting with her hard saved up for cash please - many thanks in advance!

Dave and Cyn

via mobile 15/5/2024 at 8:35am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/7/2018

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 220

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

In this situation I would strongly suggest she gets a mobile engineer to give it a thorough check over.
Even that is no guarantee it won't go pop 10 miles down the road.

Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members

Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

David Klyne

16/5/2024 at 8:38pm
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/2/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9595

Site Reviews Total:	257

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	6
Site Reviews 2022:	15
Site Reviews 2021:	7
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	16
Site Reviews 2018:	15

Site Nights 2024:	3
Site Nights 2023:	22
Site Nights 2022:	62
Site Nights 2021:	33
Site Nights 2020:	4
Site Nights 2019:	56
Site Nights 2018:	15

One thing she might want to do is to check the internet for prices of the same model and year to make sure she is not being over charged. I have seen a lot of motorhomes for private sale where people are trying to get more than they paid originally.

David

Ancient Uncle

via mobile 17/5/2024 at 6:04pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Coachman Festival

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 22/5/2017

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 479

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	34
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I know it is nice to try and help a friend with a large purchase like this, but I would err on the cautious side and simply advise to get it checked by a mobile service engineer. Just supposing you said it would be ok but it proved a costly mistake.
Just give the best advice, get it checked out by a professional caravan engineer.

saxo1

17/5/2024 at 7:55pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4482

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I think it would be better to get a mechanic to check it rather than a caravan engineer, there is more to go wrong with the vehicle than the habitation area.
The AA provide a vehicle pre purchase inspection, a basic inspection is £145 a detailed inspection is £191.
saxo1

Post last edited on 17/05/2024 20:00:27

allisd

via mobile 17/5/2024 at 8:48pm
Location: Scotland
Outfit: motorhome

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/5/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

As the op has said the basic checks of ownership (v5) at the address be sold, mechanical service and Habitation service are up to date but do they provide historical documentation of previous checks. MOT for 10 months is good,however the MOT is really only valid for the day it was tested and more important it passed because it met the MINIMUM requirements required in the UK and does mean trouble free use for 12 months. Companies like Hab Check (UK wide) provide Pre purchase inspection about £299 +vat which is not a lot of money if you consider the purchase price of 10,s of thousands.
At the end of the day things can go wrong no matter how much pre checks you do so my advice would be to do everything you can to safeguard your purchase but keep a few pennies in reserve just in case.

allisd

via mobile 17/5/2024 at 8:57pm
Location: Scotland
Outfit: motorhome

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/5/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Sorry should read 'does not mean '

Monty15

17/5/2024 at 10:26pm
Location: London
Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2320

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	6
Site Nights 2018:	0

As competent and knowledgeable as I am, I'd defer from taking the responsibility for such a significant purchase on behalf of anyone else! You have two distinct minefields there!

Fully advise that you suggest a qualified caravan/MH engineer does the evaluation of the MH aspect, AND a vehicle engineer, assesses the base vehicle! Unfortunately they tend to be very separate areas of expertise, so two evaluations needed!

hankakampa

22/5/2024 at 12:05am
Location: uk
Outfit: Karsten - sun storm - doesnt matter!

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/9/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1930
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thankyou everyone who answered this for me - all absolutely valid points - Iv made a list and will suggest she gets independant expert advice on this as its a lot of money involved.

Many thanks to everyone - youve all been really helpful and mentioned many things that I hadnt considered mentioning to her, so thankyou!.

beazy

29/7/2024 at 2:06pm
Location:
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/5/2024

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 5

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Water damage is the biggest issue on motorhomes. A small leak can trash a trailer in a few weeks. Look for discoloration on the ceiling and walls. Look for anything inside or outside that is bent or buckled. Feel the floor for soft spots as you walk around. Smell when you first enter for mustiness and mold.

Fiona W

via mobile 29/7/2024 at 6:23pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5113
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	234

Site Reviews 2024:	18
Site Reviews 2023:	8
Site Reviews 2022:	12
Site Reviews 2021:	10
Site Reviews 2020:	4
Site Reviews 2019:	9
Site Reviews 2018:	18

Site Nights 2024:	37
Site Nights 2023:	25
Site Nights 2022:	32
Site Nights 2021:	25
Site Nights 2020:	20
Site Nights 2019:	28
Site Nights 2018:	30

Quote: Originally posted by beazy on 29/7/2024
Water damage is the biggest issue on motorhomes. A small leak can trash a trailer in a few weeks. Look for discoloration on the ceiling and walls. Look for anything inside or outside that is bent or buckled. Feel the floor for soft spots as you walk around. Smell when you first enter for mustiness and mold.

Valid point, though we don’t know what the MH is that’s being considered. Might be helpful to know??
If it’s got a monocoque body, i.e. no seams at the edges like a caravan, it’s very unlikely to have a leak, unless an owner has fixed something like a bicycle rack in the wrong place. Our Auto-sleeper Clubman was rock solid above the water line at 30 years old. Rusty bodywork under the cab, however: something else to check before buying.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

iank01

30/7/2024 at 8:22am
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4051

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	5
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	10
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I suspect that the motorhome has either been bought or shelved. Considering it is a very expensive outlay I would not buy privately as no warranty, no protection etc if something goes wrong.

saxo1

30/7/2024 at 8:45am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4482

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I bought mine privately with a full dealer service history and habitation services and saved £20.000 from buying new, when I sold it 5 years later I got nearly as much as I paid never had any problems.
saxo1

birdman101

via mobile 30/7/2024 at 8:56am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2663

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 30/7/2024
I suspect that the motorhome has either been bought or shelved. Considering it is a very expensive outlay I would not buy privately as no warranty, no protection etc if something goes wrong.

I will second this 100%. There will be no warranty private. I would look at a reputable dealer as they are heavily reducing prices at the moment due to lack of sales At that age it will be a lot of money to risk
Also beware there is, not any finance still owing on it.

Post last edited on 30/07/2024 09:00:31

-------------
2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

3313 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024