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Where to start?

A good van is one that has a layout that you like and is in good condition for its age. Damp is the biggest worry with second hand so wherever you get it make sure this has been checked.

Best option for you is to have a look around a few dealers to get a feel for the different layouts. You will get some warranty from them that you won't from a private sale but that's a chance you might want to take.

Dealers can be a minefield though. There has been one particular dealer not far from you discussed at length where many have found after sale problems. (Think where the A57 starts its route over the pennines)

As Mike says have a look around dealers to get an idea of the layout you would like. L- shaped lounge is a good option as I find it gives you more room. An end bathroom has plenty of room, or a van with side bathroom and seperate shower. Also consider your tow car and the weight that your car can tow, and the weight of caravans.

Personally I would buy private because usually you will get everything you need in the sale,ie: waste water containers, aqua roll, awning, gas bottles etc.

Good luck and happy hunting.

I would agree with most of the above except the L -shaped lounge which I would not consider. 2 adults will sit more comfortably on paralel seats - especially to watch TV. Do establish your cars safe towing weight limit [caravan not more than 85% of car kerb weight]. Some Dealers will not be too helpful on this matter. If you have a friend with Caravan experience take them with you when viewing a potential purchase. Your budget is reasonable and should buy you a 'GOOD' van.

This site may give you an idea of prices.

http://www.caravanpriceguide.com/index.html

good luck

 I think all the above is good solid advice , but its up to your own preferences , just think about WHAT you want a caravan for . ie   just holidays , short breaks , dog shows , only uk use , going abroad , special interests , rambling , races , etc etc . then think actually where you will be going/staying  . ie  CLs , major sites , wet areas , in forrests , hot places , near the sea  etc etc . then just work out what your requirements actually are . ie  need a shower cubicle/ dont need one , need large washroom toilet/ need small one , need extra bunk/ dont need , etc etc . This may well help satisfy your needs for longer . My only really important advice would be , make sure you have a good enough tow vehicle and only get a caravan with 75% of car kerb weight as you are an inexperienced driver ( no put down intended ) , you will be surprised within the first year of caravanning how much weight you will accrue in items required stored in car and van . Steve .

The arguments are -

private = get more for your money (ie awning ,aqua rolls ect ) and usualy cheaper

Trade = 'hopefully' back up if things go wrong

We got the best of both world as we bought trade ,paid a price that would have been good if it were private + we got an awning and loads of freebies from their shop thrown in ! Have yet to see if the 'back up ' is there if things go worng ,hopefullly we wont need to find out ;)

 Then after viewing caravans in general you will come to like/ want a certain type . So bare in mind at a dealers you should get caravan serviced and checked , warranty , and all necessary repairs done . buying private you will not get a warranty but can barter down the price for repairs and maybe get or recently have a service , you will certainly get a much newer van for the price than you would at a dealer . If you know another caravanner ask their help but not what type of van they like as they will probable be bias to you needs . ---- pick your van and let them give thier opinions . --- Steve .

condition and layout are strictly a personal choice.also depends on the car you have and its weight,can it pull a four berth ect.the 85% of kerb weight to be safe is the best advice.even at £5/6000 the main concern is damp/water ingress.a proper dealer would not sell you one in this condition and will give a 12 month warranty.private is a new ball game.you need to buy a damp meter and use it in every corner of the van.

 Buying Secondhand

We were in the same situation as you, and were adamant we wanted a 4 berth with end bathroom. I was also positive that we would buy from a dealer. After much looking we changed our minds and decided on a five berth (there's two of us, plus two boys aged 11 and 8 plus a 9 month old labrador). The five berth means the kids get their own room at the back of the van, with a sliding door, so that we won't disturb them at night. Also they have their own space away from the cooker etc.

We also did an about turn on buying from a dealer - for less than the price of just the van from a dealer we got the van, awning, porch awning and everything else we need (aquaroll, gas bottles, etc). I paid £35 for an inspection/survey - which the engineer spent an hour and 40 minutes doing, very thorough.

Can't say 100% whether we did the right thing - vans being delivered this weekend so only time will tell.

We got a good price from a dealer for our 6 month old van, about £5,000 off! Can't agree that an L shaped lounge limits tv viewing, we find it better, sitting in either corner. Sorry to hear of your caravan problems Edward, never happened to use once we got into newer vans.

Anne

No problems for us either.  We towed our Emerald (1300kg) with a Volvo 940 and it was very stable.  The new Searcher is 1815kg and towed by an XC90.  It is even more stable and we have fitted shock absorbers, which gives an even smoother tow.

The new vans are now coming with shock absorbers,  I think it is something owners should consider retrofitting, especially on a single axle.

Duckers,

We have just done what you are thinking about, loved the tenting, but because of the terrible weather last summer we decided to go for a caravan this year. We spent £6000 on a private sale having had many visits to various dealers in the area. We found most of the dealer caravans are very overpriced and do not include all the extra's you will need, keep looking for, ideally someone who is giving up caravanning, they will then be more likely to include everything they use with the van.

On the towing aspect, I have had no experience at all with towing, but having only been out twice plus trips to and from the storage site, I feel it is much easier than I first expected and very stable, although you can feel a slight bob when towing, but you get use to that very quickly.

Good Luck in your search.