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Hi all

Can anyone advise me on the best time to buy a used caravan.  I will have the money for it in November, but would it be best to wait until January / February?

Many thanks

if you have the money and somewhere to keep it the best time is now as prices go up when the season starts.

Buying Secondhand

I agree with Tentz, I've just been looking, and found that even in December, the big sellers were still not willing to reduce any more than a nominal amount, though there did seem to be some good deals on some new vans which I also looked at.  Probably trying to clear old model new vans before the new models are on the market. 

I think it's worth looking to purchase a second hand van privately where you still stand a good chance of snappin up a bargain, The big sellers, know that come spring they will be struggling to find enough second hand vans to sell, so are generally less likely to reduce prior to that time.

 I also agree with Tentz,

Steve

Thnaks everyone - I think this forum is a great way to help each other out.  I've had a look at a couple of others and am appalled at how nasty and patronising some people are to others.  I haven't come across any of that in this forum - hope it stays that way!

Joan

Quote: Originally posted by sargej on 15/1/2011

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Hi all

Can anyone advise me on the best time to buy a used caravan.  I will have the money for it in November, but would it be best to wait until January / February?

Many thanks

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all ways buy towards the end of the season esp if buying secondhand from private seller. take your time as there are more sellers than buyers, dont rush into it as you may wish to change style soon and be in the selling trap.

study Gumtree. Vivastreet. preloved. etc etc and google their address. many sellers live in a house they cant keep a unit at and then its costing them each and every day. also use many search styles as many units are spelt wrong and placed into wrong groups esp ebay (although I find Ebay a waste of time in the main as too many chancers use it to clear rubbish.) dont just type in caravan and also try all bed amounts as many class their unit wrong.

fail to plan is planning to fail.

a few hours/days searching the web can save you hundreds and dont be shy in travelling a distance to it. a long day out and tank of fuel can save you hundreds again, just ask what you earn a day if you save at least double your wage then its worth it.

I often spend a day viewing many. then call back or ring to set a collection time that evening. if they are genuine in selling they dont mind the short wait, just be honest from the start. once you choose leave a £50 deposit asap as good faith untill collected and if something happens and you wish to withdraw from the deal its no great loss.

my last two purchases for myself was a unit for under £500 with a whole host of extra items and equiptment that was worth well over £1,800. and two matching Bradcott awnings large 925cm and a porch type plus bedroom annex and spare poles for under £150 all almost new. and many more items like that viewed and purchased for others at a fee.

you dont need to haggle and try to bid etc (something I never do, dont agree with it) just be honest and straight with them. in many cases if they wish to haggle then they are either trying to catch you with the first price and/or also selling something thats not worth it and has other hidden faults. if the price is wrong when I view it I tend to just say no its not for me and walk. always look at several pictures first and if the picture is poor or not available ask why.

sellers find it a refreshing change to get what they ask.

I know of a couple of dealers who pick up units for almost nothing spend a couple of hundred cleaning valet and repairs then sell units on at 150% mark up.

and high profile car sales who buy their stock blind. on colour and mileage. wash and valet, then place the car out front with the usual sales spleel. extolling the items a great little gem, and from a known prev owner. making a min of £500 clear profit on every sale, and at times more.

Quote: Originally posted by sargej on 29/1/2011

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Thnaks everyone - I think this forum is a great way to help each other out.  I've had a look at a couple of others and am appalled at how nasty and patronising some people are to others.  I haven't come across any of that in this forum - hope it stays that way!

Joan

I must agree with u Joan this place is great, this is our first time at buying our caravan and the help i have had on here is fantastic, and yes u are right some other caravan forum can be a bit stuck up coz you haven't got a brand new caravan but it dont bother me coz i know i can come on here and get the help i need, keep the good work up ppl xx Gill