Buying a motorhome: new vs. used and what you need to know

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So, you’ve decided to buy a motorhome and make the most of post-lockdown freedom. If you’re a first-time buyer, there are certain questions you might be asking yourself: what’s the difference between new and used? What’s the best value for money? And what sort of warranty do I need? To help you find the right motorhome for your needs, here’s some handy advice:

What are the pros and cons of buying new vs. used motorhomes?

Buying a new motorhome offers you the luxury of customisation – it may come with more advanced or new equipment that can be tailored to your needs. If you already have a motorhome and you’re looking to upgrade, then this might be a good option for you. If budget is your priority however, you may not require the most advanced equipment or technology and would prefer a cheaper alternative. In this case, a used vehicle would be more appropriate to keep within your budget.

It’s possible to get more for your money when buying used motorhomes. What would have been a luxury model a mere few years back, will now be available at a more affordable price, now that a newer version has been put on the market. This way, you’re acquiring a better model for a cheaper price, as opposed to using the same budget on a new motorhome with less advanced equipment.

You should consider what your priorities are: what’s more important, the newest model or the best value for money? The most advanced equipment or the most affordable option? No option is more advantageous than the other – it is solely down to what suits you and your needs.

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How do I know whether I’m getting good value for money?

Comparing prices from different dealers can help you to get a better idea if you’re getting good value for your money. For the best price, you’re better off going to a specialist motorhome dealer such as ourselves rather than buying privately. Whether you buy a new or a used motorhome depends heavily on your budget. For cheap motorhomes, we have some fantastic offers on second-hand models at our Great Yarmouth showroom. We’re also known for offering the best part-exchange deals in East Anglia if you’re looking to trade in your vehicle for an upgrade.

What things should I look out for when buying a motorhome?

Warranty is absolutely essential. You will get the manufacturer’s warranty with a new motorhome for your peace of mind, or the dealer’s warranty with a used vehicle, should anything go wrong. Used vehicles should always come with some form of warranty, and if they don’t, that’s usually a red flag so we would advise to steer clear.

Only buy from a dealer or company you trust. A reputable company means you always have somewhere to go back to should you have any issues or queries.

If buying a used motorhome, make sure you do your homework – a dealer should be able to provide the history of any used motorhome, guaranteeing a full MOT, if required. It is also essential that you make sure you’ve got a full habitation certification when purchasing second-hand vehicles.

Why buy with Simpsons?

We are East Anglia’s largest motorhome dealer, offering a broad selection of motorhome models including Auto-Sleeper, Auto-Trail, Chausson, Elddis, Rapido and McLouis. We also offer an extensive array of used motorhomes, so you can have a variety of options, prices and models to choose from.

If you need advice finding the right motorhome for you, contact Brinley or Andrew on 01493 601696 or email sales@simpsonsmotorcaravans.com.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStock Photo