What are the Best Second Hand Motorhomes in the UK?

You’ve made the decision to buy a motorhome to enhance your leisure time, and now you’re faced with the choice of buying from new or buying second hand. Opting for the latter can be a really smart way to maximise your budget and comes with many benefits.

What are the Benefits of Buying Second Hand?

There are many benefits to buying a second hand motorhome, and high on the list is that any ‘teething problems’ the vehicle may have had when it was in its brand new condition will have been dealt with by the original buyer – therefore you can enjoy it as it was intended to be enjoyed.

A second hand motorhome may also contain extras which have been added by the previous owner (or owners). These additions and inclusions will ensure the cost of them is not down to you, as they will already be included in the second hand price. Potentially, this means you will be able to own a vehicle with higher spec than your budget might allow if you had opted to purchase from new.

Can I get a Second Hand Motorhome on Finance?

You can, indeed. Financing options are usually available through dealerships, banks and specialist motorhome finance companies. Here are some methods of finance which are commonly used within the motorhome industry to facilitate vehicle purchase:

1. Hire Purchase: More commonly known as HP, this is one of the most popular methods of finance for the purchase of a motorhome. You pay a deposit (usually around 10% of the vehicle’s price) and then make fixed monthly payments over an agreed period of time (typically between one and five years). At the end of this term, with all finance ‘paid off’, you own the motorhome outright.
2. Personal Contract Purchase: Otherwise known as PCP, this option involves lower monthly payments compared to HP because customers only pay off the vehicle’s depreciation during the agreement period. At the end of the agreed term, they can either pay a lump sum (balloon payment) to own the motorhome outright, return it or trade it in for another.
3. Loan: This type of finance can be taken out from a bank or building society and allows the customer to own the motorhome immediately. The loan will be repaid to their bank over an agreed term, in monthly instalments.
4. Leasing: Although less common than other types of finance, leasing is an option where customers pay to use the motorhome for a set period, without owning it at the end.
5. Dealership finance: Many motorhome dealers offer their own finance packages, often with competitive interest rates and flexible terms. At Spinney we offer some great finance deals and a range of finance packages tailored to suit every requirement. You can use the finance calculator on our Finance page to see which package you could get.

Interest rates and terms for all types of finance vary based on a person’s credit score, the lender and the specific finance product. It’s always advisable, if you are going down the finance route, to compare the different options available to you to make sure you find the best deal and read the terms carefully.

How Much Are Second Hand Motorhomes?

It is almost impossible to give a specific answer to this question as the price of a second hand motorhome can vary based on factors such as age, make, model, condition, mileage and included features or packages. For example, six-year old compact second hand coachbuilt motorhomes with single beds are likely to cost less than two-berth six-berth A-class motorhomes, due to the huge variation in the offer.

Should I Buy a Second Hand Motorhome Privately?

Buying a second hand motorhome privately can be a good way to go, but it comes with its own set of risks and considerations. The smartest thing to do is buy from a highly reputable dealership such as Spinney. However, here are some pros and cons about private purchasing to help you decide:

b) Pros of buying a second hand motorhome privately:

• Lower prices: Private sellers often offer lower prices because they don’t have overheads.
• Negotiation: There may be more flexibility to negotiate the price with a private seller.
• Direct communication: You can speak directly with the owner and get insights into the vehicle’s history and condition.

a) Cons of Buying a Second Hand Motorhome Privately:

• Warranty: Private sales usually do not come with a warranty attached, which means that any repairs or issues after purchase are your responsibility.
• Fraud: Higher risk of encountering fraudulent sellers or misrepresented vehicles (in other words, false information in the description of the vehicle, online or verbal).
• Recourse: In the unfortunate event of something going wrong with the private purchase of your motorhome, legal recourse is limited compared to if you buy from a dealership.

Key Considerations When Buying a Motorhome

• Budget: Work out in advance how much you are willing to spend. Consider not just the purchase price of the motorhome itself but also the ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, and storage.
• Size / layout: Think about the number of berths you will need, and the layout which will be best suited to your lifestyle. Consider important day-to-day factors such as the kitchen facilities and the dining area, the washroom, the comfort of the living area, storage capabilities etc.
• Condition: When you are buying a second hand motorhome, always inspect it thoroughly. For second-hand purchases, check the service history, look for signs of wear and tear –  and consider a professional inspection.

It is also important to think about the size and weight of the motorhome you’re interested in – will it be too small for your family, or too big to adequately meet your needs and be comfortable to handle out on the road? Ensure that you have the appropriate driving licence. A standard Category B UK driving licence allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg, but for heavier motorhomes you will likely have to undergo further tests to achieve a C1 category licence.

At Spinney we offer a vast selection of new and second-hand motorhomes for you to choose from, and finance options to help you buy. Simply check out our stock or come and see us!