Are you planning on hitting the road and camping? Want to have a bit more comfort than a tent will provide, and some additional convenience over a folding camper? Why not look into a used camper van?
Camper vans are a great way of cutting the costs of a family vacation. New campervans are expensive so it is a good idea to look around for a used camper van. You will probably see used camper vans advertised in your local paper or on eBay, but it is always best to buy vehicles from your local car and van showroom. Before you visit the showroom or forecourt, take a look in one of the magazines about camper vans, as it will make it easier for you to decide just exactly what you want from a van.
Buying a Used CamperVan
Once you have decided what sort of features you want and the size vehicle that would be best for you, then it is time to go to the showroom with your list. When you buy from a reputable dealer, they should have the log that will tell you something about the history of the van. Read the history so that you can get some idea of what you are looking at for yourself. The history will tell you how many previous owners the vehicle has had, there may even be some information on fuel consumption etc, it should also give you a good indication of the vehicle’s size and you can check that against your own measurement requirements. (You can ask for the CarFax also.)
If you do not know much about car mechanics then it is a good idea to take a mechanic with you to look over the camper van. A professional will be able to tell you if everything should work properly and if there are any parts that could cause problems in the future. Look inside the van and check out the inside of the roof, the seating and any cupboards etc that might be there. It is a good idea to check out the floors and make sure that everything is functioning in the bathroom area. Try out the seats, especially any armchairs that might be in the vehicle. Be sure to check for any water damage, you don’t want any mold or mildew problems. Also make note of the age of the tires, and tread wear. Even if the tread wear is minimal due to a small amount of useage, the tires could be too old, and therefore need to be replaced due to rot. A set of tires could be a make it or break it bargaining chip. A used camper van is bound to have some faults and providing they are minor it won’t cause you too much trouble. Make a note of the faults because you may be able to knock the price down a little.
