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Hello again I have been looking for our perfect van for ages. I seem to struggle as we have a low budget (about 5000) and want something with fixed bunks, in a reasonable condition and to pinch someones elses description - not an indian restaurant on wheels.

My instinct tells me that as a complete novice we should buy from a dealer so there is a guarantee on what we buy and that they will have checked the van from a safety point of view. However it seems impossible to find something in budget (I am not known for my patience!!!)

I have now seen a van on ebay that looks perfect for us.. but where do I start so I can ensure its ok - the price is exactly the list price with lots of extras thrown in. I have asked about CRIS registration and the owner tells me it isn't registered as it is a foreign van but that he has enquired and it could be registered -does that sound right?

He bought it new 2003 and has the manuals etc -where do I go from here. Thanks in advance

We're still looking for a caravan, and I was against buying privately at first, until someone suggested getting a qualified engineer to look it over.  We've seen one we like, and we will go and view it, if it is nice enough, we'll put a deposit down subject to an inspection.  £90 or so pounds is well worth sacrificing over a useless caravan.

Like me, buying from a dealer is great for reassurance, but it seriously limits options when it comes to a decent year, at a price you can afford.