Why buying a used motorhome may be the best option

The appeal of motorhomes is undeniable. Life on the road, or even just a few weeks holiday each year, is an attractive proposition. It’s made all the better when you own the vehicle and it’s set up exactly how you want it.

When it comes to buying a motorhome, there’s no avoiding the fact that it’s a considerable investment, and buying one is something you should give lots of thought to in order to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Even though £40,000 or more might sound like a big budget, this would only get you an ‘entry-level’ model with basic specifications these days. There are certainly some ‘low end’ motorhomes out there that are great value still, but it is possible to get something better within the same budget if you buy second-hand.

If you’re thinking about buying a used motorhome, then the following blog post will help you make an informed decision.

Motorhomes in general have become more popular in the past couple of years as the ‘staycation’ has become an increasingly viable option for many people. What’s more, the used motorhome market is a growing way for potential motorhomers to get their first vehicle or for those who already own one to upgrade. However, under current conditions there are long delays on new models due to production lead time problems for manufacturers. Essential vehicle parts are getting “stuck” in supply chains in China due to the high global demand following Covid pandemic. There’s a chance that someone ordering a new motorhome right now might not be able to drive it away until mid-2024.

If you don’t have time to wait for a new motorhome, then consider an older model. They might not be the newest on the market, but they are cheaper due to the longer waiting time.

There’s no denying that one of the big attractions with owning something new is that you’re the first person to use it. Buying something new means that the setup will be perfect without any damage and wear, so why not buy a used motorhome? Although they’ll have signs of wear and tear, they can still hold up to your standards without much compromise. That’s why Chelston has such high-quality options for you to choose from.

Sometimes people find it hard to believe the motorhome will last as long as they want it to, but a lot of the time that’s simply psychological. It’s not always about doing a deal with yourself or retraining the way you think, but instead just changing your criteria and being more open minded. Being optimistic and broadminded is a great way to find the perfect motorhome for you!

When you look at buying a used motorhome, it might not seem as appealing. You might think that the vehicle will have too many issues, like being dusty and musty inside. Plus, it’ll just have a lot of miles on it.

Did you notice the word ‘plenty’? That’s your own bias starting to work against you. If a used motorhome has an unacceptable level of mileage, it likely won’t have been used – and it will be in exceptional lifestyles. Motorhomes are mostly used on weekends or holidays, so if the one that interests you is after a few years old – say around three years old – then chances are it’s only been used for two or three holiday trips, which can add up to just a couple thousand miles. General operating condition usually points to a good condition for this type of vehicle, with minor repairs taken care of already when necessary.

New motorhomes cost a lot of money, and some people save their whole life to afford them. That’s why the owners take pride in their purchase and take time to clean and maintain it. Since they’re well cared for, you should expect your new motorhome to be crisp and clean. For you, the next owner, you’ll get a pre-loved vehicle that’s still like new.

There are a lot of perks to a used motorhome, like low mileage and reduced cost. However, there are also other reasons you should consider going this route. For one, you can save money by not having to maintain it. Plus, you won’t be worried about any costly maintenance or repairs.

When you buy a used motorhome, you can save more than just money. You’ll also get some great benefits like the accessories and desirable add-ons the previous owner already purchased. An example of this is an awning, pack upgrades, batteries, TVs or kitchen appliances – all of these items don’t come free on new models, but they do come free when buying a used one. The previous owner will have spent money on your extras!

When you buy a used motorhome, it will still depreciate at some point but at a considerably slower rate. If you’re on a tight budget, this is worth considering — especially if this is your first vehicle. You may end up deciding staycations and van life are not for you and that you want to sell your vehicle on. It will cost you less to sell on a previously owned model than if you have bought a brand new one. Simple math!

The Value Added Tax will not be levied for the original owner of the motorhome, and it won’t affect you when you buy a used motorhome. This means that there is less time that passes before the vehicle can be driven and you have to deal with the paperwork, a process that includes lead times which would normally make buying a new vehicle impossible.

One of the most important features of Chelston’s offer is our multipoint inspection on all used motorhomes. We are meticulous in our inspections and will fix any faults we find. In addition, we also offer an in-depth habitation service that checks fridge functioning and carbon monoxide levels. We also provide a warranty for at least 12 months, which will cover the cost of repairs during this time period.

When you’re looking to buy a used motorhome, you want to be confident that it is in good condition and that you’ll get your money’s worth. Used motorhomes provide the same level of comfort and security as new ones, with no compromise on performance or the experience of ownership. As we’ve said throughout this blog, it’s all about what you need and what you want.

Come down to Chelston’s forecourt and check out our huge range of used motorhomes.