How to buy SECONDHAND

There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal

PRE-OWNED CARAVANS are great – they allow you to buy far posher models than your budget would allow if you bought new, and all for a fraction of the price of a new van. Sometimes depreciation can be wonderful.

And make no mistake, a high-end tourer is still a high-end tourer, even when it has a few thousand miles under its tyres and a few wrinkles on the upholstery.

However, before you rush off to Facebook Marketplace with visions of bagging yourself a Coachman caravan for pennies, bear in mind that when you’re buying used, it pays to do your homework and be fully aware of just what you’re getting into. So here’s how you can be a savvy shopper.

First pick your layout

Before heading for the online classified ads, it’s wise to visit a caravan show or your local dealership, to get a better feel for what sort of layouts are out there.

Layout is by far the most important factor, but you need to drown out the online noise and focus on one that will really suit you. No single layout works for every buyer and your needs will also change over time, as both families and lifestyles evolve.

We would also suggest borrowing a van from a friend or family if you can, to find out if a particular layout suits the type of holidays that you like taking.

Do your homework

Once you have narrowed down your choice of layouts and models, it’s time to begin researching those tourers.

The owner’s club (if there is one) is a good place to start, because club members tend to be a fount of knowledge about their particular brand or model. They also help to highlight common issues with the tourers.

Older models, especially those over 10 years of age, can suffer from rust, so always be sure to carefully check their undersides.

Is the listing legitimate?