Black Horse Finance

Now you should be getting a clearer idea of what you can afford and the kind of caravan or motorhome that will best suit your needs and circumstances.

Will you use it for several short weekend breaks, or for longer trips further afield? Is it simply somewhere to prepare meals and spend the night, or are you looking for more luxury and family space? Are you happy towing a caravan, or would you prefer to use a motorhome? The answer to these questions will affect your choice.

Then there are your personal preferences for make, size, colour, interior design and layout – which will also influence your final decision. And to make sure you end up with the best and most appropriate deal, we’ll give you some pointers for your all-important pre-purchase checks, dealer demonstrations and test drives.

New or used?

The choice between new and used is very much an individual preference.

If you prefer to buy new, then you’ll be buying through a dealership. Buying used means you can also buy privately. But while private sales can offer good deals price-wise, you’re more exposed to problems, and you may overlook important aspects of your investment. Plus you don’t get the warranties and guarantees you would from a dealer.

Many dealers – new and used – will run a useful demonstration of the key things you need to know about your new caravan or motorhome. This way you’ll see everything working, and how to use it.

The buy-new benefits

Manufacturers make their own pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on caravans and motorhomes before sending them to dealerships. The dealers then run their own inspections under the terms of their franchises. By following a comprehensive checklist, workshops pick up any faults before they affect you.

Large or small – does size matter?

This really depends on what you want from your caravan or motorhome. And if it’s a caravan, size will depend on the pulling power of the car you want to tow it with.

If you haven’t driven a motorhome or towed a caravan before, make sure you get some practice and maybe some tips from an experienced caravanner before you head out on the open road for the first time. The Caravan Club usually offers the chance to test drive a motorhome or tow a caravan if you visit their stand at the Birmingham NEC show.

If you’re just entering the world of caravans and don’t want to splash out too much money to begin with, then an entry level trailer tent or folding camper could be a good place to start.