Guide to Selling a Motorhome
Guides to Buying & Selling a Motorhome in All local towns and villages.
We our vast experience of buying and selling caravans, we have put together some guides to help you answer any questions you may have. If you need further information, please contact us on 07860947959
A Guide To Selling A Motorhome in All local towns and villages.
When it comes to selling your motorhome, you have several options to consider. Let’s explore each approach along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method:
Selling to A Trade Buyer
If you are considering selling your motorhome to Sell My Caravan Fast, a reputable trade buyer specialising in motorhomes, you can benefit from our extensive experience and valuation expertise. With access to a comprehensive touring motorhome database from 1987, our experts can accurately determine the value of your motorhome. This database includes details on factory-fitted options, dealer special features and much more. By utilising these valuable resources, Sell My Caravan Fast can provide you with the best possible trade price for your motorhome.
Opting to sell to Sell My Caravan Fast offers a straightforward and secure process, eliminating concerns about time-wasting inquiries missed appointments or unreliable potential buyers. Instead, you can trust that Sell My Caravan Fast will handle the transaction professionally. Payments are made through instant transfers directly into your account, allowing you to verify receipt of funds promptly.
It’s important to note that as a trade buyer, Sell My Caravan Fast will offer slightly less than the potential retail price of your motorhome. This pricing strategy considers current market conditions and other relevant factors. However, the trade-off is the assurance of a secure transaction and the knowledge that you have a committed buyer.
By choosing to sell your motorhome to Sell My Caravan Fast, you can enjoy a hassle-free selling experience with the confidence of dealing with a reputable trade buyer that specialises in motorhomes.
A Private Sale
When opting for a private sale, there are various websites available to advertise your motorhome, ranging from dedicated motorhome platforms to popular online marketplaces and even online auction sites. However, based on our experience, finding a private buyer can be challenging, especially if your motorhome is priced higher unless it is listed significantly below its market value, which might even be lower than what a trade buyer would offer. It’s important to consider the time and effort involved in a private sale. To increase the chances of a successful transaction, we recommend following these guidelines:
Advertising and Appointments
Advertise on relevant platforms and provide accurate details about your caravan.Accompany potential buyers during viewings to ensure security.
Transparency and Documentation
Describe your caravan honestly, including any faults or issues.Have all the necessary paperwork readily available for potential buyers.
Secure Payment
Ensure that the payment method is secure before releasing the caravan.Verify payment confirmation before handing over ownership.
Buyer Communication
Genuine buyers should be willing to provide contact details and a home telephone number.Negotiations may occur during the viewing, similar to when you purchased the caravan.
Realistic Pricing
Set a realistic price, considering that private sales often achieve lower prices compared to dealerships.Understand that additional services like servicing, warranty and financing are not available in a private sale.
It’s worth noting that prices advertised online may not necessarily reflect the actual selling price. Remember that a caravan is not sold until a mutually agreed price is reached and payment is made. During market analysis, it’s common to come across unrealistic asking prices or prices significantly exceeding the potential insurance value of the caravan.
By being realistic, transparent and cautious throughout the private selling process, you can increase the likelihood of a successful transaction while managing buyer expectations.
Sale On Behalf (Known in the industry as ‘SOB’)
Another option in the industry is known as a “Sale on Behalf” (SOB), where some businesses offer to sell your motorhome on your behalf in an attempt to secure a slightly higher price compared to a direct purchase by a motorhome buyer like us. In this scenario, the business would present your motorhome to potential customers. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
Uncertainty of Sale
There is no guarantee of a sale through this approach.Your caravan may remain on the market for an extended period before finding a buyer.
Increased Foot Traffic and Wear
With multiple potential buyers visiting, there is a higher chance of increased foot traffic, which can result in more wear and tear.Buyers may open cupboards, test functionalities and potentially walk on your carpets with shoes on.
It’s essential to be aware that unless the caravan is well-maintained and cared for, it may be returned to you with more wear and tear than you would prefer.
A Guide to Buying a Motorhome in All local towns and villages.
When looking for a motorhome, there are several options to explore. Start by browsing online platforms such as Autotrader, Preloved, Gumtree, and dealers’ websites for a range of choices.
Consider the best layout for your needs. Fixed bed layouts suit both couples and families, while a four-berth side dinette offers a dining space. Families may prefer fixed bunk bed layouts, which are always a hit with children.
Since the introduction of Bailey’s Alu-Tech system in 2010, other leading manufacturers have followed suit by implementing similar construction methods, which eliminate the use of traditional timber-framed walls. This construction technique, now considered classic construction, involves the construction of the motorhome with an internal hardwood board, insulated timber frame and an external aluminium skin. Front and back panels are added and the joints are sealed with mastic while awning rails are screwed over the joints. Regular maintenance is required and an annual service is recommended to detect any potential water ingress issues. For more detailed information, please refer to our maintenance guide.
Buying from a Dealer
When you choose to buy a motorhome from a dealer, you can enjoy the added security that comes with it. Dealers typically conduct a thorough pre-delivery inspection of the motorhome and provide a warranty for your peace of mind. Additionally, dealers often offer convenient services such as part exchange options for your existing tourer, financing solutions, an onsite shop and servicing facilities. This way, purchasing from a dealer ensures a secure transaction and provides you with a dedicated location to visit if any issues arise.
To ensure a smooth buying process, it’s important to request and review all previous paperwork and service records. It’s also crucial to confirm that the dealer has conducted a CRiS check on the motorhome. The CRiS check verifies essential information such as the original registration date, previous ownership details and transfer dates and most importantly, ensures that the motorhome is free from outstanding finance and hasn’t been reported lost or stolen.
Buying a Motorhome Privately
Approach the purchase of a motorhome privately with caution, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident about the vehicle. It’s worth putting in some extra effort to research and compare prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re paying a fair amount. For detailed information on pricing, please refer to our dedicated guide on the topic. Keep in mind that if a motorhome is priced significantly lower than average, it’s wise to be sceptical and investigate the reasons behind the low value.
Once you feel comfortable and ready to view a potential purchase, it’s essential to conduct a CRiS check on the motorhome . This check will verify the registered keeper’s details, ensure there’s no outstanding finance and confirm that the motorhome hasn’t been reported as lost or stolen. During the inspection, carefully check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) displayed on the windows and chassis to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. The VIN consists of a 17-character combination that provides specific details about the motorhome. The VIN system was introduced in 1992, and you can find further guidelines in our pricing section.
Assess the overall condition of the motorhome, paying attention to potential red flags. A “bouncy” internal floor may indicate delamination, while visible staining or soft, pimpled wall boards can be signs of water ingress. If possible, request a demonstration of all the motorhome’s components to ensure they are functioning correctly. When making payment, it is recommended to pay directly into the registered keeper’s account and request proof of identity from the seller. Never pay for a motorhome without personally inspecting it and conducting the necessary checks.
Please be aware that purchasing privately carries some degree of risk, especially if you’re unsure of what to look for. We have heard stories of buyers unknowingly purchasing motorhomes with existing issues. If you have any concerns, please contact us, as we maintain a comprehensive list of motorhome service engineers. You can email your local engineers to inquire about pre-purchase checks, which may provide peace of mind for a small fee. Investing in such a check now could potentially save you thousands of pounds in the future. If you need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be more than happy to provide additional advice.
A Guide to Motorhome Prices in All local towns and villages.
Determining the value of a motorhome can be a challenging task, mainly due to the limited availability of information to the general public. Currently, the primary source for guide prices within the industry is Glass Guide but they restrict access to their prices to trade professionals only. In the industry, we recognise several price categories for caravans, each serving a specific purpose. Unfortunately, for the general public, the most common approach to determining a caravan’s value is to browse various websites in an attempt to gauge current market values. However, it’s important to note that relying solely on this method may not yield an accurate representation of a caravan’s true value.
A Trade Value
The initial value we consider is the trade value, which serves as the foundation for various other valuation figures. This trade value represents the net worth of a caravan and is commonly used by industry professionals, including dealers, to determine the purchase price of a caravan. As a company, we possess a distinct advantage in the industry, as we maintain a comprehensive database of values dating back to 1987. Our valuation system incorporates factory-fitted options and dealer specials, considering variations from a manufacturer’s standard product. To illustrate, let’s consider Caravan A, which has a trade value of £5,000.
A Part Exchange Value
The part exchange price typically surpasses the trade value, as the seller incorporates a margin into the caravan they are selling. When determining the part exchange price, the seller considers the trade value (let’s say Caravan A at £5,000) and utilises a portion of the margin from the caravan they are selling. To illustrate this, let’s consider Caravan B, which has a trade value of £10,000 and a selling price of £11,000, resulting in a margin of £1,000.
If the seller offers a part exchange value of £5,500, they are essentially discounting the selling price by £500 and adding it to the trade value. This creates a perceived part exchange value of £5,500. It’s important to note that the trade value of your existing caravan remains unchanged. Therefore, the balance to change figure would be £5,500 (part exchange value) plus your caravan, resulting in a net purchase price of £10,500.
An advantageous option could be selling your caravan to Sell My Caravan Fast, as we have the capability to offer more than a basic trade value. By doing so, you would have the opportunity to negotiate a discount on the caravan you wish to purchase. For instance, if we pay £5,250 for your caravan, and you successfully negotiate a £500 discount from the seller, you would be £250 better off when upgrading, as you would only need to pay the seller £5,250.
In summary, selling your caravan to Sell My Caravan Fast at a higher value can potentially leave you in a better financial position when upgrading, as you can negotiate a lower price for the caravan you intend to purchase.
A Dealership Forecourt Value
The forecourt price represents the retail price set by caravan dealerships. This price is higher than what you would typically find in a private sale, as dealerships offer additional benefits such as warranties and associated services. It’s important to note that the market can vary between different dealers and regions, which can influence forecourt prices.
When considering a caravan for sale at a dealership, it’s wise to browse multiple dealerships to gain a better understanding of the values and potential part exchange figures or discounts you might expect. This allows you to compare prices and offerings, enabling you to make a more informed decision.
Taking the time to research and explore different dealerships can provide valuable insights into the current market prices and help you assess the value of a caravan, considering factors such as warranties, additional services and any potential negotiation opportunities.
A Motorhome Maintenance Guide in All local towns and villages.
As a leading motorhome service provider, we understand the importance of regular maintenance for motorhomes, even though we may not be service agents ourselves. We have created this guide to address a common issue we encounter, customers who have not been informed about the necessity of annual motorhome servicing.
We highly recommend that every motorhome undergoes an annual service conducted by an approved motorhome engineer. It is crucial to treat your motorhome as a second home and a roadworthy vehicle simultaneously. Your touring motorhome is equipped with gas and electrical appliances that require a yearly safety check, just like the appliances and gas boilers in your primary residence.
Additionally, the brakes and running gear of your motorhome should be inspected regularly to ensure optimal safety. Remember, when you’re on the road, your motorhome may be travelling at speeds of up to 60mph behind the car, carrying you and your family. Ensuring the proper functioning of these components is not only common sense but also a critical factor in safeguarding the well-being of you and your loved ones.
If you need to find a list of approved motorhome engineers, contact us as we have a comprehensive list of engineers covering your area.
Another significant reason to have your motorhome serviced annually is to maintain the validity of any manufacturer or retailer warranties. We frequently encounter sellers who are unaware of the implications and the potential impact on the motorhome’s value if the warranties have been allowed to expire.
If you require additional information regarding maintenance issues and their potential effects on your motorhome, our team members are more than happy to help. We are here to offer as much support as possible in ensuring the longevity and value of your motorhome.
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