Lifestyle, Travel

Purchasing a Caravan: New or Second-Hand?


Understandably, when you’d look to buy any vehicle, you’d be tempted into looking second-hand. After all, the price is much reduced, and when you’re talking about something so expensive, that can be an important distinction. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of not contributing to fresh production might also appeal to you.

However, what about when looking to get yourself a caravan? Do these benefits outweigh the potential cons that come with it? It’s a question worth asking, and you might find that the question is a wholly different one than when applied to something like a car. Looking at all sides of this issue can begin to paint a clearer image.

Contents

The Price


The price is going to be the biggest factor when deciding between a second-hand or a brand-new caravan; there’s no doubt about it. A newer model might cost more, but you know that you will be the only owner of that caravan, and it will be coming straight from a dealer to you. You are often assured of a warranty from the dealer, so if anything is not quite right, you can take it back to them.

A second-hand model might have had several owners, and depending on where you are buying it from, it might not have full maintenance records, and easily hidden faults might not become apparent until after you’ve taken it away. Second-hand models are often cheaper but are also often ‘sold as seen’ and don’t offer the same security as a dealer’s warranty.

A company like Auto Finance Online might be a good option if you are considering taking out a loan. They can offer a decision within minutes from one of their direct lenders, so you can shop with the peace of mind of knowing that your finances are secured.

A Comfortable Living Space


What might be holding you back from a second-hand purchase is that this is a fundamentally different space than a car. This is where you want to spend time on vacation, relaxing and sleeping, and maybe even living. That’s why your attention might naturally be guided towards the latest and greatest.

Unless the caravan is unsalvageable in a way that makes spending time in it uncomfortable, you might find that being able to overhaul and decorate it as you wish can make a greater impact than you expect. Cleanliness is also important, and looking through solvable problems like this when browsing is important.

The Car to Consider


All that being said, it’s important to remember that when you’re talking about a caravan, you can’t forget about the topic of a car completely. You need something to tow your caravan where it needs to go, and if you don’t currently have a car that’s capable of towing the caravan you’re thinking of getting, then you will need to consider buying a new one or even renting a car for the journey you want to tow the caravan for.

There are a lot of things to consider when you are buying a caravan, whether that is going to be a brand new one, or a second hand one, and there is no real right or wrong answer; however, either option will help you to own the caravan of your dreams.