Buying new vs. buying used caravans

Everyone's circumstances are different, especially when it comes to making big purchases like a touring caravan. If you're on a budget, your only option may be to buy a used caravan. You may think that it will be a compromise, but buying second-hand has some benefits.

Firstly, you'll have the option to try out caravanning for a relatively small outlay. Meaning, if you find it's not for you, you'll not lose as much money in depreciation as you would if you were buying new. Just make sure you do plenty of checks to make sure everything is in full working order and that the caravan has been serviced regularly. Also check the caravan has all the necessary paperwork before agreeing to buy. Perform a CRiS check to make sure the caravan belongs to the seller, doesn't have any outstanding finance and isn't an insurance write-off.

This is more important if you are buying privately, as most dealers will service their used caravans before they are sold so you have some reassurance that everything is in order.

Secondly, your used caravan may come with many optional extras such as appliances and security devices that the original owner has paid for, but will not be reflected in the used buying price. This will mean that you get all the benefits of these security devices - peace of mind and lower insurance premiums - without having to pay for installation. You must, however, make sure that if your caravan comes with a tracking device, its registration is transferred to you and you maintain the contract with the tracking device company to ensure it remains operational.

If you're lucky enough to have the extra budget and are looking to purchase a caravan from new, you'll get all the benefits of being the first to own your caravan. Of course, you'll be paying extra for this privilege, but buying a new caravan comes with the peace of mind of a manufacturers' warranty should anything go wrong in the first few years of owning your caravan. Some caravans now come with guarantees against water ingress (a common caravan problem) for up to 10 years!

You'll also get to choose from the most up to date caravans with all the mod-cons, accessories and security features. You may also have the option of choosing your upholstery and colour scheme, helping to make the caravan your own.

If you're after a new bargain, look out for dealer stock from the previous year's model ranges.

Whichever option you go for, don't forget to do your homework first to find the best option for you.