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Topic: Buying A Caravn - HELP???

JOJOCLAN

17/8/2009 at 3:31pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: GELERT QUEBEC

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I'm thinking of moving from a tent to a caravan and would be grateful of some practical advice. What caravan is a good starter van? On a tight budget £1500. Have looked at some on Ebay and there seems so many to choose from? We are a family of 5 (girls 7,5 and 2).

Also, would need somewhere to store it. We are on the Wirral any suggestions please?

What are the maintenance costs? Do you need special car insurance? My god the list just goes on. Any help would be so gratefully appreciated. Thanks in advance. JOJOCLAN

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THE JOHANSENS

jennifernn

17/8/2009 at 3:51pm
Location: NW of Glasgow
Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90

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Car insurance should not cost more, but you do need to tell them you are towing.

You will need caravan insurance, that will depend on the value of the van.

Servicing on the van will be £100-150.

Storage varies, maybe £300.

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Jennifer

michael

17/8/2009 at 3:58pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

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hi see http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/ look at 50 per page and start at page 7,this will give you some idea's on the market and values.then your caravan weight needs to be at 80% of the cars kerb weight on tow to be safe.

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

JOJOCLAN

23/8/2009 at 6:20pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: GELERT QUEBEC

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Hi, thank you for your advice. I think we might wait until the end of the season and try and bag a bargain. Thanks again Linda

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sam+Jim

24/8/2009 at 2:29pm
Location: None Entered
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Hi, just wanted to give you some friendly advice from a caravaner of 25years+! I would steer clear from ebay if I was you, especially if you are unsure about what you are doing, I would advise buying from an approved dealer, preferably through recommendation, I have spoken to friends that have bought on ebay which have then cost them a fortune. Whereas if you buy from a good dealer, although you are paying a little bit more, you have the piece of mind that the caravan is safe and a sound investment, secured by the fact that you have warranties.

Best of Luck when you decide to go for it!

theclarkes

24/8/2009 at 2:44pm
Location: Swindon Wiltshire
Outfit: Toyota Landcruiser Avondale Dart 556 6

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I know lots of people who have purchased from Ebay, and they have bought some great vans at a good price, not everyone who sells on Ebay is after ripping people off. Just as buying from a dealer, check the van over and over again, and use a damp meter.

I havent noticed much of a drop in prices at the end of the season, people use caravans 12 months of the year, so I wouldnt expect a huge change in the price of them at any time of the year.

andy1kenobe

24/8/2009 at 3:52pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Master Lunar Tent

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There are plenty of genuine, honest people selling on ebay. There are some not so good sellers that are economical with the truth too!

Have a look at ebay and if you see anything you fancy, ask plenty of questions, go and have a look at it (before you bid) and thoroughly inspect it and any paperwork they have.

Honest sellers should have no problem with you viewing and testing for damp, the electrics, etc. Those that do, leave well alone as there will be others to look at.

takisawa

01/9/2009 at 11:41am
Location: Staffs
Outfit: Swift Challenger 490 SEL & VW Tiguan

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I've just sold ours on Ebay, could have sold it 10 times over so you'll have plenty of competition.

icce

01/9/2009 at 1:59pm
Location: St Helens
Outfit: X Trail & Avondale Rialto

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I bought an excellent caravan (my first) last year from ebay classified.
I sold it and bought a bag of sh*te off there this year....
Be careful and take someone that knows what thier doing with you. If you dont know anyone do some research on what your looking for and dont be embarrassed to poke, prod, feel, open and wiggle.
I find the ebay classifed a little better as theres no pressure to buy.
Theres a place on the wirral that does secure storage for a fiver a week, if i can find the link i'll post it later.
Good luck

JOJOCLAN

01/9/2009 at 8:24pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: GELERT QUEBEC

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Thanks icce I've sort of made up my mind to not go for the Ebay auction and will definitely have a look at the classified that you suggest. Thanks for the reply, really appreciate it.

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