jimuck Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 and advice or foresight on whether I should buy a brand new motorhome just now or wait for a newish second hand one? Good 2nd hand are very rare just now and any are pretty expensive. Also what might be the pros and cons of buying brand new. Any advice at all would be great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 We bought new. Second hand are too expensive, they're virtually the same price for 2 years old, they don't devalue like cars at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solwaybuggier Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 In principle I’d always buy used, although recognise that balance may have changed if used prices have risen. The benefit of a newish used vans is that the initial snagging problems should have been resolved. You are also likely to get useful extras included, eg awning, bike rack, etc etc. (For most continental vans, don’t forget the basic price bears little resemblance to what most buyers end up paying to get the spec they want.) Against that, some people value the thought that no one else has slept in the beds, etc, but that’s not an issue for us. We’ve had 3 vans - 2 used, 1 new - and it was the new one we had by far the most problems with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydney1 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Buy new and you might have some snagging but if you buy from a good local dealer, should not be a problem and be robust at handover stage You'll get a long warranty and breakdown cover included on the base vehicle Buy 2nd hand and it's a bit more of a gamble. The initial snagging might be sorted but everything will be part worn. You also might be buying someone else's lemon. We px'd our constantly leaking Autotrail with 6 years worth of repairs to a dealer which someone now has! If you can afford new go for it but above all that choice of layout is the most important thing Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboyprowler Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 We bought used first and were looked after very well by the manufacturer, which was Le Voyageur, and then a new Niesmann which at 2 years old now has had all its minor snagging done by Reliance in Chichester, under guarantee. Which ever way you go, I personally would go for quality and durability, over a newer but lower quality van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Tomorrow is promised to nobody so do it NOW while you have the health and the opportunity. Buy within budget and think long and hard before taking finance on a luxury item that is not used every day. Enjoy your time with a van NOW while you can and always keep it affordable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevec176 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Buy new and you'll get what you want but buy used and you'll have to accept somebody else's options which you'll have to pay for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 stevec176 - 2020-08-16 1:54 PM Buy new and you'll get what you want but buy used and you'll have to accept somebody else's options which you'll have to pay for. But at least those options will cost a fraction of what they would new, and at least the first owner should have got all the niggles from new resolved so you should be getting a well sorted van barely used at a good discount especially if you buy at a show where discounts seem to be better and the need to sell is stronger at some dealers - what's not to like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Hi jimuck This year is unlike many other years, so it's a different set of rules. IMHO, if you have a very specific model requirement, I would say talk to the dealer & consider placing a "factory" order for delivery early 2021. If you are looking at new "stock" models or used, then wait until the end of the season, when dealers will be wanting to shift stock (new & used) to free up cashflow over the winter. Although this option, may result in not being able to get your ideal choice of model. Warner's Lincoln season finale show can often produce results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimuck Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Thanks for all the helpful advice. I think because I know exactly the model we want that newish 2nd hand models could be hard to source and probably not much cheaper than new, I will try for the best deal I can get on new. This will probably be our 'forever' van so I am not too concerned about depreciation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HymerVan Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 jimuck - 2020-08-16 10:09 PM Thanks for all the helpful advice. I think because I know exactly the model we want that newish 2nd hand models could be hard to source and probably not much cheaper than new, I will try for the best deal I can get on new. This will probably be our 'forever' van so I am not too concerned about depreciation. Don't take this the wrong way but a significant number of purchasers of their first van get it wrong and the cost of changes is very costly. So I am not saying don't do it what I am saying is do your homework very thoroughly towards prioritising what you are going to use the van for, what capacity for travel seats and beds (they don't necessarily match) you need and especially payload. Manufacturers range from misleading to downright dishonest as regards this. I think (but others can comment) that its a sellers market just now so in a way not a good time to buy but as Richard above says carpe diem. And when you do go to place the order negotiate hard even if it is a sellers market. With no trade in you should get some discount (start at asking for 10%) that may be ridiculous right now but its a starting point. If you are not getting anywhere with discount then try to get free spec upgrades instead e.g. a free awning or 50% off the awning. When negotiating be consistent and persistent. No matter how much you actually want the van you mental attitude should be "I don't need to buy today from this salesperson there are others". At all times be polite and friendly. And when you think you have got to what you want pause because the salespaerson may through something else in e.g. gas bottles, cable or other accessories just to get the deal over the line. Hope this helps and best of luck with your purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 jimuck - 2020-08-16 10:09 PM Thanks for all the helpful advice. I think because I know exactly the model we want that newish 2nd hand models could be hard to source and probably not much cheaper than new, I will try for the best deal I can get on new. This will probably be our 'forever' van so I am not too concerned about depreciation. I don't want to burst your bubble, BUT unless you are experienced motorhomers and have used that specific model before for at least one day and night including travelling, using the kitchen, using the beds, using the shower room etc how can you be so sure that it is 'perfect' for you? After many many years, and I am sure we are not alone, we never did find the 'perfect' van for us - although quite a few came mighty close to ideal with their size/layout compromises! Act in haste - repent at leisure!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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