Thinking of buying a second-hand motorhome? With a motorhome, you can go on long or short trips, whenever you want and wherever you want. In other words, a motorhome means freedom! A used motorhome can be affordable, but there are a lot of things to consider when buying one. Here are our top tips for avoiding the worst pitfalls and making sure you're happy with your purchase.
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Buying a second-hand motorhome ... or new?
Buying a motorhome is a big deal, whether you choose to buy a new or a used motorhome. The advantage of buying a second-hand vehicle is of course that you can reduce the price. At the same time, you need to be careful because, if you are unlucky, a second-hand motorhome can also bring costs that you have not anticipated.
If you are choosing a new motorhome and don't want to spend too much money, you can opt for so-called 'entry-level' brands, which can be a little cheaper. Examples of entry-level brands include Sun Living from Adria or Carado from Hymer. If you decide to buy a second-hand motorhome, there are a few things to consider.
Where to buy a second-hand motorhome?
You can buy a second-hand motorhome in many different places. For example, you can buy from various motorhome dealers or privately, such as on Blocket. Buying from a dealer is safer, although you may be able to find cheaper motorhomes on the private market.
For this post, we called up Svea mobile homeswhich is a rapidly growing used motorhome brokerage in Sweden. We contacted them to find out about prices, and learnt that all the used motorhomes they sell are moisture tested, gas tested and function tested, with a 12-month warranty. They also told us that they always start with a "motorhome puzzle" - the buyer writes down the characteristics of the motorhome that are most important to them, and the company picks out motorhomes based on their requirements.
Some people choose to buy their motorhome abroad, especially in Germany. You can get a lot more for your money if you buy a motorhome in Germany, but you need to be aware of the rules. There is also a risk that it will be difficult to get help with warranty issues, and you should be prepared for the fact that branded workshops in Sweden are not always keen to help.
How much does it cost to buy a second-hand motorhome?
Of course, there are used motorhomes in many different price ranges. To get a motorhome with the tests and guarantees that Svea motorhomes offer, you need to pay from SEK 300,000 upwards.
Of course, you can buy cheaper motorhomes too, but be prepared for things to break or need to be replaced. Further down in this post you'll find a list of things to check when buying.
Which motorhome to choose?
The type of motorhome you choose will of course depend on your needs and preferences. Feel free to look at many motorhomes, for example at trade fairs or with dealers, to get a feel for what you like. Another option is to rent a motorhome for a first test drive to learn more about your own preferences. Here are some questions to ask yourself when buying a second-hand motorhome:
- How big a motorhome do you want? - How many belted seats? How many beds? How much storage space? Bear in mind that a shorter motorhome is easier to park and cheaper to take on ferries.
- How much can the motorhome weigh? - A motorhome weighing no more than 3.5 tonnes is easier and cheaper to drive in Europe, but on the other hand, there is a risk that the load weight is low (and you won't be able to pack as much). Also check that you have the right driving licence.
- Which model do you like? - You can choose between fully integrated (the driver's cabin is an integral part of the motorhome), semi-integrated, alcove car (alcove above the driver's cabin), flat tyre (van) or camper (boom module that can be attached to a pick-up truck).
- Which seasons do you want to use the car? - Spring, summer and autumn or even winter? Some motorhomes are better suited to winter climates than others.
- How do you want your motorhome to be decorated? - Long beds, transverse bed or queen bed? Extra bed? Separate shower? Type of storage space?
Buying a second-hand motorhome - what should you check?
If you are buying a second-hand motorhome, it is important to check that there are no hidden defects. Look, feel, squeeze, test and test drive! It's also a good idea to bring along a friend who is good with cars or motorhomes. Remember that you are buying both a car and a house at the same time, so there are many things that could be wrong. Here are some things to check before buying a second-hand motorhome:
- Is it OK to drive? - Test drive the motorhome and test the clutch, handbrake, steering, brakes and gearbox.
- Is there a completed service book? - Look at the service book and make sure it is filled in. In particular, check that a leakage test has been carried out.
- How are the tyres? - Check if the tyres are worn or dry, and if they may need to be changed.
- Is there rust? - Check if the motorhome is affected by rust, and check underneath.
- Are the electrical installations safe? - Check that all the electricity works and make sure that the connections are not 'home-made'.
- Do the fridge, freezer and hobs work? - Test the equipment in the kitchen and make sure the fridge and freezer are cold.
- Is the LPG installation safe? - Check that hoses are in good condition and make sure there are no 'home-made' items.
- Is the boiler working? - Test the heating system and see if you can get the heat going.
- Are the tanks dense? - Examine water and sewage tanks to make sure they are tight.
- What does the exterior of the motorhome look like? - Take a look around and check doors, locks, mudguards and traffic lights.
- What does it look like under the bonnet? - Check the oil, engine compartment, timing belt and radiator water.
- How are the furnishings? - Check for wear and tear and pay attention to water damage and pest infestation.
- What is the weight of the motorhome? Find out how much you can load. Bear in mind that extra equipment can make the motorhome heavier.
What to consider when buying?
Have you found a used motorhome you want to buy? Of course, the safest way to buy is through an established dealer. If you are buying privately, make sure you sign a contract stating the date of transfer and never pay in advance.
More tips for buying a second-hand motorhome?
Do you have more tips for buying a second-hand motorhome? Let us know!
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The mother of a large child says:
What a great post!
Thank you for all the tips as it is a jungle when a new motorhome enthusiast is buying a motorhome?
19 March 2020 - 6:19
Helena says:
Glad it was appreciated! Understand that it can feel like a jungle! Are you looking for a motorhome right now?
19 March 2020 - 16:22
Anonymous says:
We form an idea of what we want right now and devour everything we can about motorhomes and what we need to consider before buying. We aim to buy next autumn when we have enough budget to be able to invest in a good motorhome then. However, I am already looking forward to it, but we want to be informed and not buy the pig in a poke, so to speak?
20 March 2020 - 11:21
Ama de casa says:
Certainly great tips for those who are in the buying mood. Here we are content with hotel camping. But now all hotels here in Spain are supposed to close on Tuesday at the latest...
19 March 2020 - 9:52
Helena says:
Right now, running a hotel can't be easy ... One hopes that this doesn't last too long ...
19 March 2020 - 16:23
Annika in Spain says:
THANK YOU for this wish list post! Incredibly informative! I am soaking up everything. I think, if you get a decent, cheap motorhome, it's easier to pay for repairs as you go, instead of spending three times as much money right away. Well, I don't know... We'll see what it will be when the time comes!
I read the blog summary yesterday, but didn't have time to comment. Great to gather so many. It gets a bit lonely in this involuntary isolation, fun to read about how others are doing in their countries, isolated or not.
19 March 2020 - 10:53
Maria / MagnoliaMagis says:
Great post! There is a lot to think about! Specifying beforehand so you see what is most important, what can be compromised with, etc. is easier to have done before looking at a motorhome or caravan. Then you can see more quickly which ones are interesting and which ones are not. We also had the idea of taking a year to test, then we changed... four times... Life changes all the time and then it is good if the motorhome can either be changed together or replaced. We have a Land Rover now and just like a house, it will never be completely finished. The husband is probably on the 5th update inside ... I do not have time to learn different buttons and functions before it is rebuilt!!! Luckily we will take it slower for a while. 😉
19 March 2020 - 16:20
Helena says:
Glad it was appreciated! Yes, you have to make a balance and of course adapt to your wallet. Important if you buy an older one to check as carefully as possible, so there are not too many unpleasant surprises (and so you pay a reasonable price for what you get). Good luck with your search when the time comes!
20 March 2020 - 11:24
Elisabeth says:
We are on our 4th motorhome and have always bought second hand. Needs change over time. Buying a motorhome that has travelled a few thousand miles is often a good deal. On the one hand, all new car faults are fixed, and you get extra equipment and even quite far below the new purchase price. Of course, you should check the car carefully before buying.
19 March 2020 - 18:48