What to Look for when Buying a Used Campervan

Staycations have become increasingly popular since the pandemic has disrupted global travel in a big way. Instead of booking flights to Spain, people are exploring home-grown locations and beauty spots, such as Cornwall, Wales, and the Lake District. Purchasing a campervan makes a lot of sense if you plan to travel around the UK rather than flying abroad. There is an upfront investment, but over time, you will save money on accommodation and enjoy the flexibility of travelling anywhere on a whim.

If you are currently looking for a campervan, here’s a useful guide.

Second-Hand Vans

Buying a used campervan is cheaper than splurging on a brand-new model. Prices have risen a lot in the last three years, but there are still good deals to be had. Have a budget in mind before you begin looking. Bear in mind that older models are likely to need more work, which all adds up, but some very old vans like VWs are cool and trendy.

Type of Campervan

New models, especially brand-new campervans, often come with every possible convenience, such as heating, showers, and more. You will have to pay extra for such a van, so decide what you actually need versus what you can live without. For example, if all you really want is a basic van for you and the dogs, no frills, then a cheaper model is going to be fine. But if you desire something a bit more upmarket, look at campervan conversions Glasgow, where vans have had luxury fit-outs with all mod-cons.

Max Headroom

Another aspect to think about is whether the van you buy has a high-top, hard-top, or a pop-top. High-top vans offer more headroom but don’t fit under height-restricted barriers, such as in car parks. Pop-ups give you extra headroom but can be lowered when the van is on the road or stored in a garage. Hard-top vans offer no additional headroom, but for a cheap and cheerful weekend surf and camp van, this probably won’t matter.

Sleeping Berths

The bigger the van, the more space it will offer, which includes sleeping berths. Smaller vans can usually sleep up to two people, whereas extra-large vans can accommodate up to five people. If you’re planning on taking the family camping, a larger van is needed unless you are happy to stick the kids in an adjacent tent.

Private Seller Vs Dealer

Dealers are often more expensive, but they do offer greater protection in the form of warranties and the option to have the vehicle transported to your home address. You’ll also have a decent range of vehicles to choose from if you purchase from a dealer. Nevertheless, it is worth scanning ads in the classified section to get a feel for prices and availability.

Get a Second Opinion

Never be blinded by an attractive fit-out to the extent that you fail to notice the bald tyres or rust patches on the sills. Take a mechanic friend with you when you go to view a campervan, to make sure it’s not a damp death trap.

Finally, get some insurance quotes before you begin looking for a campervan. It may be more expensive than you thought.