Purchasing an RV is a major investment, whether you plan to call the RV home every day or every once in a while. For some individuals, buying a used RV makes more sense, especially if you’re on a budget. In addition to the financial advantages of a used RV, a used purchase might leave you with more money in the bank to customize the RV to suit your tastes. Purchasing from a private seller is a viable option, but it’s always smart to tread carefully when working with an individual rather than a large, reputable dealer. So, follow these tips for caravan sales to ensure your RV purchase from a private seller goes off without a hitch.


1. Do Your Research Before Contacting the Seller

You probably expect substantial savings when purchasing from a private seller. After all, you’re purchasing an RV with some miles and wear and tear on it, not a brand new one fresh off of the lot. However, you also need to be realistic about what you should expect to pay for a used RV. Do some research on caravan sales to see what the going rate is in your area for a used RV that meets your specifications.

This research offers a couple of key benefits when you’re negotiating. First, you can identify any seller who has priced the RV too high when compared to similar used RVs. Those sellers might be more open to negotiation, especially if you point out the discrepancy in pricing. Next, this research allows you to know how low to negotiate. You can’t expect the seller to drop the price substantially lower than other prices in the area.


2. Meet in a Public Place

Safety is always paramount when you’re purchasing anything from a private seller. So, schedule a public place for meeting the seller and checking out the RV. In addition to maximizing your safety, this tactic has other benefits. It shows that the RV is in decent driving condition and doesn’t have any undisclosed issues that make it unsafe or unable to travel on the road. Consider choosing a large, open parking lot so that you can have room for a test drive.


3. Ask Questions

Your seller might not disclose everything about the RV, so the more questions you ask, the more information you’ll have to make the right decision. Find out about regular maintenance, and ask to see proof of oil changes, tire rotations and replacements, and more. Ask if the RV has been in any accidents and, if so, if the issues have been repaired by a professional. If you see anything that concerns you when you’re checking out the RV, don’t hesitate to ask about it. Remember, you need to be an informed buyer, especially with such a significant purchase.


4. Schedule an Inspection

If you’re committed to purchasing the RV, make an offer contingent on an inspection. Even if the private seller is being completely honest about his or her knowledge of the RV and its history, there may be problems that the seller or buy simply won’t be able to identify. If the seller will not agree to an inspection, keep shopping. An RV is too big of a purchase to make without a thorough inspection of the vehicle before the sale.

If you have a cooperative private seller willing to do an inspection, seek out a trusted mechanic who can inspect the RV for any significant issues. If you do have problems, you have a few options. You can back out of the sale. You can ask the seller to have the issues repaired and then request a reinspection. Or, you can negotiate a lower price for the RV and take care of the repairs yourself.


5. Inspect Potential Problems Yourself

A cursory look at the RV might tell you to pursue the sale and ask for a professional inspection or to walk away. Consider these factors when checking out a used RV:

* Odour: A strong odor is hard to get rid of, and you’re going to spend a lot of time in your RV. Odor can also indicate a water problem somewhere, so be sure to request a more detailed inspection if the RV has a funky smell.

* Water damage: Past or current leaks can diminish the quality of the RV. Look for signs of water damage on the floor and walls. Leaks can come from several spots, including the roof or windows, and you want these issues repaired before you buy.

* Awnings: Give the awnings a good look because malfunctioning ones can be a major expense that you do not want to take on after buying an RV.

Exploring caravan sales doesn’t have to be intimidating. For many individuals, purchasing a used RV from a private seller is a smart and financially viable option. Knowing the market price for used RVs in your area, understanding what to look for when checking out the RV, and making a reasonable and thoughtful offer are the keys to successfully purchasing a used RV from a private seller.