Buying a caravan is one of the best investments you can ever make, particularly if you’re an avid caravanner.
The price of a new caravan may set you back thousands of pounds. However, owning your van eliminates the need to pay rental fees whenever you need to hit the woods, plains, or whichever the case may be.
A private caravan is also easier to customise than a rented one. You can have the holiday home installed with amenities and decorations that suit your style.
However, caravans don’t come cheap. And while it’s difficult to find the bargain of the century, you can implement certain tips to find premium vans at competitive prices.
Here are the best strategies to negotiate a private caravan sale.
1. Define Your Needs
The very first step in negotiating private caravan sales is to understand what you’re looking for.
Caravans fall into two primary categories, each with its perks and drawbacks. They include static and touring vans.
Static caravans are prefabricated structures designed for holiday accommodation. They’re typically transported from fabricators and parked in scenic campsites. On the other hand, touring caravans are meant to be hitched to a vehicle and towed around.
The upfront purchase price of static caravans tends to be lower than touring vans. But if you crave a homely caravanning experience while on a long road trip, then a touring van would suit you better.
Besides, it’s prudent to consider ongoing maintenance expenses, such as parking fees, when picking either option.
2. Set a Budget
Caravans cost anywhere from £10,000 to well over £100,000. With such a massive price range, it’s imperative to set a budget before shopping for a holiday home.
Several factors affect caravan prices, such as size, layout, included amenities, and whether it’s a brand-new or pre-owned van.
The final purchase price would also depend on associated costs, such as transport and insurance.
3. Identify a Reputable Website
The internet has democratized access to caravans.
Gone are the days when you’d hop between physical outlets shopping for a holiday home. Today, a simple online search is all you need to hone in on the best caravan.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of websites to buy a caravan in the UK. Be sure to conduct your due diligence to hone in on a reputable dealer.
Prioritise top-rated caravan sites that maintain handy shopping features, such as price valuation tools.
You can narrow your search further by comparing caravan costs across multiple dealerships.
4. Choose Between a Franchise or an Independent Dealer
Buying a caravan from a franchise dealer provides noteworthy benefits, including a warranty and comprehensive inspections.
But if you’re critically strapped for cash, you may consider independent dealers.
Besides offering personalized customer services, independent dealerships may also price their caravans considerably lower than a franchise, or heritage brands. That’s especially true if the outlet is still new and is trying to establish a presence in its target market.
5. Pick Between Brand-New or Pre-owned
As already hinted, a caravan’s price will depend on whether it’s brand new or pre-owned.
Secondhand caravans are typically those over four years old. Such vans can be up to 50% cheaper than their brand-new counterparts.
When negotiating private caravan sales, you’ll have better luck with used than new vans. However, do not settle for a pre-owned caravan until you’ve thoroughly inspected its structural integrity and included amenities.
Ensure the van’s construction and interior installations are in perfect shape. Otherwise, subsequent renovation expenses may far exceed purchasing a new caravan.
6. Check The Inside
After picking your desired caravan, research its interior to establish what’s provided.
At the very least, a caravan should include basic kitchen, bathroom, and sanitation facilities. Be sure to also look out for a designated dining area, as well as professionally installed plumbing, heating, and lighting fixtures.
It’s easy to find an excellent bargain when you know the amenities a caravan comes with. Factor the cost of installing any missing component while negotiating for the final price.
For instance, assume that two dealers price their caravans at £15,000 each. However, one of the caravans lacks a portable toilet, which averages £270. All other factors held constant, it would make more economical sense to purchase the van that comes with all included amenities.
7. Determine the Duration the Caravan Has Been On Sale
This is one of the areas many people skimp on while shopping for caravans.
If a caravan has stayed longer on sale, there are three possible implications – the dealer is relatively unknown, the caravan brand has racked up pretty bad reviews, or the listing price is unrealistic.
The onus is on you to establish why the van hasn’t made a sale despite being visibly in excellent shape.
Whichever the reason may be, you can leverage that fact as a bargaining chip and possibly get the seller to accept something substantially lower than their asking price.
The Bottom Line
Implementing the above pointers can give you a head start when scouting for the best caravan.
As a parting shot, observe the dos and don’ts of haggling while negotiating caravan prices. The idea is to strike a balance between quality and affordability.
Remember to also trust your gut instincts while shopping for a caravan, especially if the deal sounds suspiciously too good.
Similarly, don’t be afraid to walk away if the deal is still unfavorable despite haggling for hours. You can always head to a competitor dealership or go caravan shopping another day.
