Buying caravans on ebay

[kieran40]

I've never had any experience but I'm looking to get a smaller caravan downsizing in affect as there is no point in towing something massive about plus storage fee's I can keep the smaller one at home . What to look out for td if I see one I'm interested in if I post the links you guys can say yay or nay. Tell me the benefit of youre experiance.

[Lamp Swinger]

Hi Kieran,

Buying a caravan of off eBay can have pitfalls which you may not be aware of. Some of the adverts can be scams. The seller will use pictures and descriptions from other advertiser. A potential buyer then gets sucked as the caravan is priced at ridiculously low price. The buyer then agrees to buy the caravan unseen, pays the money and gets no caravan. eBay are good at removing these scams when they are reported.
Ideally, I would advise going around a few dealers to see what is on offer. At least the caravan will come with a guarantee should any problems arise.
How many berths and maximum length are you considering? What will be your towcar? Don't forget you will need to buy a lot of additional equipment - water/waste containers, security locks and more depending on how much the caravanning lark bites you?
A good forum to join is http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/ there is plenty of information for anyone thinking of going caravanning.

David

[volvo145]

First thing to do is get the serial no and see if it belongs to the seller.
Remember to bring a damp meter with you to check for damp but don't believe the reading you might get from a cheap one.
You would be surprised the amount of caravans for sale that are only fit to be scrapped unless you have deep pockets.
If you are unsure about buying one get a seasoned caravanner to come with you to check it out.

[Chris308]

I have never bought a caravan off eBay but have bought cars and motorbikes before. Treat it the same as any other market place. Go and view before bidding. Check CRIS paperwork and service history and get a feel for seller. I have often agreed the deal at that point too

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by kieran40

I've never had any experience but I'm looking to get a smaller caravan downsizing in affect as there is no point in towing something massive about plus storage fee's I can keep the smaller one at home . What to look out for td if I see one I'm interested in if I post the links you guys can say yay or nay. Tell me the benefit of youre experiance.

What is your budget?
My best suggestion would be to get friendly with a local main dealer, and ask them if they will give you a bell when something comes in part ex.

Regards

[Mr940]

Like buying any high value item always go and check it out first if it sounds "to good to be true - as they say" Buyer Beware. good luck and I hope you get a good one. main thing is to make shure the Tea making bits work.