Motorhomes are not cheap. After your home it might be the most expensive item you ever buy, so don't buy one without doing your homework first.

Research - Decide what you want.
Some of the "essential" features you need will be obvious to you - like how many berths (adult or children's beds), how big should the Motorhome be (where will you store or park it) and how much do you want to spend. You may have preferences such as manual or automatic transmission, or petrol or diesel. You may have a specific use in mind, for example, if you have a motorcyle or cycles will you need a "garage" compartment in your new Motorhome?

Visit Dealers and Motorhome Shows
Find a local dealer with a wide range of models and styles. Spend some time in each Motorhome and narrow down the size and options and budget you want to go for. Spend a day at one of the Caravan and Leisure shows. They have a vast range of vehicles under one roof, so it's well worth checking out a show. Speak to as many people as you can and look at new vans. Even if you are not intending to shell out on a new one, check out the finish and quality - then you'll be wiser when a pre-owned Motorhome becomes available.

Decide on the body style and conversion
There are various style options to choose from. The main thing to decide is are you going to go for a professional Coachbulit conversion (such as Autosleeper, Devon or Hymer) or would you be happy with a one-off conversion.

How Big?
How big should it be? There are Motor Caravans based on typical Goods Vans, like the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro or Peugeot Boxer. Typical Van sizes have one great advantage, in that they are small enough to drive on narrower roads, and be parked in "car" parks.

Bigger Coachbuilt motor-caravans like Elddis, Dethleffs and Abbey have more home comforts but are bigger vehicles and take more effort to handle "on the road". You also get monster motorhomes - just like your own home, but you can take it with you. Journey times can be slower, so they are not the first choice for lots of touring, but more suited to longer stays, and at larger sites.

So the decision on size should be - what is the smallest we'd go for, and what is the biggest. Make a note of Minimum and Maximum dimensions. Consider the cab height - a higher driving position gives you better views when travelling, making the whole experience better for passengers.

Internal Configuration
Do you want a bed that you can leave out all the time, rather than having to pull it out and make it every night? Do you want a lounge area that you can all sit round to eat in? Do you want an end kitchen or a side set-up?

Buying New or Second Hand?
You will probably want to buy the newest model you can afford. Older vehicles often come with all the problems of wear and tear, bodywork that needs constant attention and dreaded leaks. If you are on a low budget it is even more important that you check out the van fully before you buy it. With older vans there are just more things that could be wrong. Don't assume that newer models are a safer option to buy.

Making your Purchase
If you go to view a used motorhome use our Buyers Checklist to check the vehicle over. Even new ones should be checked, so do the same for those too.

Buying Tips
If you have narrowed your choice down your ideal model you are then in a position to seek out the best price. Keep an eye on the online auctions - your choice might come up for sale at a very good price. But don't wait forever - often the best van for you is the top choice for other people, so if it's really the one you want, you may have to pay a premium price for it.

When you buy from a dealer remember that a really good deal sometimes means it's last years model, so ask the dealer the price of the new range - it can be worth paying for a newer model and it will retain its resale value better. Don't be afraid to "name your price" when buying from a dealer.

Before you shake on a deal ask for certain things to be thrown in - be cheeky - what have you got to loose. Ask for a full tank of fuel, road tax, an accessory pack (including Gas, Toilet fluids, levellers, mats, electric lead and socket, and anything else you can think of.

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