Buying a Motorhome
Buying a motorhome can be a big decision, especially with so many different options available.
Here at Sedgemoor Caravans, we understand that the pressure to make the right decision can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled this list of 7 questions that you should ask when you buy your next motorhome;
1. Do you have the motorhomes MOT and service records?
Motorhomes that are over 3 years old are required to have an MOT every year. It’s important to have this done to ensure that the motorhome is safe and legal to be on the road. Check that the motorhome has a current MOT and check any recommended work.
If service records are available, check these too. They should offer some clues as to how well the motorhome has been cared for - plus the chance to identify any potential issues.
2. How old is this motorhome? And how many miles are on it?
Just like a car, it’s important to understand how many miles are on the motorhome. Like cars, motorhomes experience wear and tear over time, so generally a motorhome with a mileage count that’s fairly low is better.
Having said that, a motorhome that has been left to sit for pro-longed periods of time can sometimes develop issues too.
According to practicalmotorhome.com, the average annual mileage for a motorhome is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles per year.
Newer isn’t always better, but it often means fewer miles.
3. How many people have owned this motorhome? And how often have they used it?
If you’re buying the motorhome from a motorhome dealer, they may not know the personal history, but they should be able to give you some general information.
The more owners that a motorhome has had, the greater the potential for undisclosed damage or repairs.
If the motorhome has been used fairly often, it’s more likely that it will have been regularly serviced and maintained. On the other hand, if the motorhome has never been used but has been stored in a garage or undercover, it may still be in perfect running order.
4. What is the motorhomes MAM?
You need the right driving licence to drive a motorhome. Depending on your age, if the motorhomes maximum authorised mass (MAM) is more than 3.5 tonnes, you may need a category C1 or category C licence.
A motorhomes MAM is its actual weight PLUS the weight of the load it is carrying (cargo, water, fuel etc).
It’s essential that you make sure that you can legally drive the motorhome before you buy it!
5. Does this motorhome come with any dealership guarantees?
In most cases, if you’re buying a used motorhome, you won’t be offered with a manufactures warrantee. However, individual dealers may offer their own guarantees or incentives. But only if you ask for them!
Make sure you ask if there is anything the dealer can offer to sweeten the deal for you - it’s in their interest to sell the motorhome after all!
6. Can you extend the warranty?
Depending on the motorhome (and the seller) you may be able to purchase an extended warranty. This may be an additional one-off cost, but in the long-term it could end up saving you money on any repair work. With the best will in the world, motorhomes do break down. An extended warranty will give you additional piece of mind should that happen.
Here at Sedgemoor Caravans all of our caravans and motorhomes are sold with a standard warranty (ranging from 3-12 months). We inspect all incoming motorhomes before they are listed for sale and all of our motorhomes receive a full PDI service and habitation check at our AWS-accredited workshop before they leave.
7. Ask for a test drive
Most motorhome owners will let you take the motorhome for a test drive. If they won’t, don’t buy the motorhome!
When you get the motorhome out on the road you should look/listen out for the following;
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
- Difficulty engaging gears
- Irregular noises from the engine bay
- Oil/fluid leaks from underneath
- Body panel damage
Any of these could indicate a serious problem with the motorhome.
Which brings us to the end of our list. We hope that you’ve found this article useful and wish you luck in finding your next motorhome!
Here at Sedgemoor Caravans in Somerset we have a great selection of campervans and motorhomes for sale and our friendly team are always happy to help. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Find out more about the benefits of buying from a motorhome dealer.