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With any used purchase, you need to inspect thoroughly-- I would certainly not purchase a van unseen, but I imagine most sellers would be happy to have you inspect before you bid!

Brian

Hi CatieB, i bought a 15 year old swift off Ebay last year and we are thrilled with it. No damp, no other problems (touch wood!!) We looked at private sellers but found the one we wanted, with all the equipment at the right price on Ebay.

I looked at hundreds on Ebay and still do and you can normally tell what kind of van you will get by the write up and photos. I have seen loads of  ads "4 berth van for sale, good condition" and thats all the description you get with poor photos,perhaps trying to hide things?

Most sellers will invite you to look before you bid and i asked loads of questions via email and got very good replies. Im sure there are some horror stories but just do your homework, and don't be afraid to ask questions and take a damp meter if you go and look at one and be prepared to travel to find the perfect one.

Good luck!

Ebay have information on buying a second hand caravan:

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Buying-a-Used-Second-Hand-Caravan_W0QQugidZ10000000001243902

You can ring cris to check the status of the van, stolen etc.

Our current 1995 van is an ebay purchase and it was £1500 cheaper than equivalents at dealers and has spent a happy 4yrs with us so far. 

A genuine seller should allow you to view before bidding, I would not bid/buy before viewing.

Basically look at the seller, if he looks dodgy, or the van is obviously not cared for etc etc walk away.

A 90's van may show some water ingress on a meter, poke all the inside walls under the bunks in the corners etc if any are soft like a sponge its damp, look under the van, the corner steadies should be greased to show its been looked after and the wood floor should be dry with no dark damp patches. Check the tyre dates, there should be a number on there like 2209, which shows the tyre was made in wk22 of 2009, anything older than 5yrs and new tyres will be needed.

Good luck!!

We bought our Bailey from eBay, and are very happy with it, we were lucky to be dealing with a really nice family.

Ask as many questions as you can, and if you can try to get a number for them so you can call them to chat.

Remember: if you feel nervous about phoning them or seeing the caravan, they will be equally nervous abotu you seeing it/ talking to you about - just relax!