What to Expect When Buying a Used Motorhome: Tips for Mansfield Buyers

Just like buying from new, purchasing a used motorhome is a really exciting experience – you’re just a step or two away from owning your very own mobile home-from-home, and getting out on the road for some well-deserved quality time. But buying can also be a slightly daunting experience, especially if it’s your very first toe in the water of the leisure vehicle lifestyle. Used motorhome buyers around Mansfield are in luck! Here at rove! not only do we stock an enticing array of quality vehicles, but we can also walk you through the whole process – the key considerations and practical tips which will make your purchase a rewarding experience. Read on, dear rove! customer…

Your very important first step is to take the time to consider your specific motorhome needs. Think about how you plan to use the vehicle, how many people it’ll need to carry and accommodate and what features are essential for your trips (oven, fridge, shower, BBQ point etc). Will you be using the motorhome primarily on the weekends, or are you planning more adventures that’ll involve more extended periods of time? The size and type of motorhome you require will be shaped by all of these things around your intended use.

Once you’ve worked out what your general motorhome needs are, the next thing to do is establish a realistic budget. Used motorhomes can vary in price depending on factors including age, make, model and condition. Account for the additional costs of ownership, such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, servicing and potential repairs when you’re setting your budget. Some buyers also choose to finance their motorhome purchase, and at rove! we can provide easy options to facilitate this.

Once you’ve determined your motorhome needs and your budget, you should start researching the market to home in on the motorhome that’s for you. It’s worth spending some time getting familiar with the different types of motorhomes available. Regularly browse the rove! website or visit our dealerships and get a good idea of what’s available.

Checking out your potential new motorhome, and spending some time in it, is one of the most important steps in your buying process. Look out for things like:

• Exterior: Examine the bodywork for any signs of damage or rust. Pay close attention to the roof, windows and seams as these are common areas where leaks and water ingress occur. Look for evidence of repairs or patchwork, which may indicate previous accidents or structural damage.
• Tyres and suspension: Inspect the tyres for wear and tear. Uneven wear could suggest alignment or suspension issues. Also, check the age of the tyres – even if they appear in good condition, older tyres can be a safety risk.
• Chassis and undercarriage: While surface rust is relatively normal on older vehicles, extensive corrosion on the chassis and undercarriage could be a serious issue.

Once you’re confident that the exterior is in great shape, move inside and have a look at the living quarters. The condition of the interior will often tell you a lot about how well the motorhome has been maintained. Look out for:

• Damp and water damage: Use a damp meter to check for moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings, especially around windows, doors and roof vents. Look out for any signs of mould, musty smells or discolouration. These could indicate hidden water damage.
• Electrics and electricals: Test all electrical systems, including the lights, heating, air conditioning and water pumps. If the motorhome has a fitted kitchen, check that appliances such as the cooker, fridge and microwave are in good working order. Also, make sure that the leisure battery is functioning correctly and charges up as expected.
• Plumbing: Make sure the water system (including taps, shower and toilet) is functioning without leaks. Check the waste water system and make sure there are no blockages.
• Seating and beds: Sit on the seating and sleeping areas to establish whether there is serious wear and tear. Make sure the beds fold down or convert as they should do, and that all seatbelts are in good condition.

Although at rove! our team of experts has already inspected each of the used motorhomes we sell for all of the things mentioned above, and priced it accordingly, there’s no substitute for having a look yourself to give yourself absolute confidence.

Ensure all the motorhome’s paperwork is in order. This will include the V5C logbook, the vehicle’s service history, MOT certificate and, for any fitted systems and equipment, manuals. Make sure you understand the terms of any finance you take out on the motorhome through the finance options offered by rove!

Buying a used motorhome in the Mansfield area can be a rewarding experience, particularly when you buy from rove! There are many reasons to pick us as your dealership of choice, and we consistently offer affordable entry into the world of motorhoming. Follow the tips we’ve laid out here in this edition of our blog, and you’ll go from purchase anxiety to proud ownership with the minimum of fuss!