RV FEATURE
DEALER OR PRIVATE?
It doesn’ t matter whether you’ re looking to purchase from a dealer or privately, there’ s things to take into consideration for both. Dealers have multiple vans at one location, making it easier for a buyer to compare and negotiate. They can also demonstrate how things operate and provide details on technical towing requirements / current weight specs.
Reputable dealers will also conduct a thorough check of the entire van, from the tyres up. This includes all operating systems, appliances and roadworthy items, and dealers should provide the purchaser with a written report. When purchasing a used caravan from a dealer, the purchaser has certain consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law.
When buying privately, it’ s buyer beware. You need to be prepared to do a lot more homework on the caravan and its associated documents. Be sure to check the ownership status to determine whether there’ s any finance owed, or any record that the van has been damaged, written off or‘ rebirthed’. Sellers can also be reluctant to allow tools to be used or for you to do a tow test because of insurance-related concerns.
As the purchaser, this can leave you holding the risk. The main benefit of private sales is in the purchase price, as this is where you can pick up some real bargains. But a word of warning: a saving today can be long forgotten if it needs major money spent at its first service!
Do your research by visiting multi-brand dealerships.
/ 73