Thoughts on a Motorhome for Sale

[chrisburgess8]

Hi, I have found a motorhome for sale that I'm interested in, but haven't bought one before and so was wondering if anyone would be able to offer their thoughts.

The motorhome is listed on AutoTrader Here and is for sale for £9,995. It is a 1999 reg and has 42,000 miles on it. I've spoken with the seller, and they have said: -

- The acquired through part exchange
- It is in good condition for it's age
- No warranty or hab check
- Cambelt due in 12 months (cost approximately £600)
- Gas boiler taken out - electic only boiler
- No signs of damp and nothing "hanging off"
- Solid floor
- Windows and blinds in good condition
- Bathroom damp repaired by previous owner (rewooded and panelled)
- Full service history since 2013

I don't have any experience with motorhomes, and so if anyone could let me if there are any red flags, or any other thoughts of buying it, it would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chris

 

[Robmac]

I would say that the price is in the right ball park. Check any previous MOT's and also check that the mileage tallies with them.

To be honest it looks quite tidy for the year from the photo's and maybe worth a punt after a test drive, make an offer obviously rather than the asking price.

And don't forget, it has to be fit for purpose if bought from a dealer and can be rejected for up to 6 months I believe. (you may want to check/verify that).

 

[trevskoda]

How you going to heatn water when off grid, boiler requires fixing, expensive, bet there are no solar panels and correct mppt regulator in it and prob old school lead acid batteries, but you could upgrade to be aa full of grid van for about £600, looks ok from the outside but ask can you have a independant inspection, also in my eyes price is top book for age, i would be trying for 6 grand as 26 years old, good luck.

 

[Steve and Julie]

I agree with rob check MOT history.mainly to see if it's had any welding that model is prone to rust also they are renowned for dodgy gearbox so make sure on a test drive that it engage every gear smoothly any crunching and it's a new gearbox

 

[r4dent]

In summary, I think it is high risk for an experienced person and a "walk away" for a newbie.

- No warranty or hab check

Why not, sounds like they want shut of a dud one.

they say
- It is in good condition for it's age
- Solid floor
- Windows and blinds in good condition
- Bathroom damp repaired by previous owner (rewooded and panelled)
- nothing hanging off

To mis-quote Mandy Rice-Davies "Well he would say that wouldn't he"

- No signs of damp

A dealer selling a van with no damp report (current or previous) is bad news indeed- walk away

The motorhome is listed on AutoTrader Here

I think it is over 3500kg, do you have the required license?

Euro 2 and thus not allowed in many LEZs and similar.

- Gas boiler taken out - electic only boiler

Which restricts where you can use it. No EHU on site = No Hot water.

 

[oppy]

How you going to heatn water when off grid, boiler requires fixing, expensive, bet there are no solar panels and correct mppt regulator in it and prob old school lead acid batteries, but you could upgrade to be aa full of grid van for about £600, looks ok from the outside but ask can you have a independant inspection, also in my eyes price is top book for age, i would be trying for 6 grand as 26 years old, good luck.

Well young Trev, our water heater died and because we are a skint pair of geriatrics we asked 'can we manage without it?' well for the last 3 years we have, our kettle provides all the hot water that we need

 

[Robmac]

How you going to heatn water when off grid, boiler requires fixing, expensive, bet there are no solar panels and correct mppt regulator in it and prob old school lead acid batteries, but you could upgrade to be aa full of grid van for about £600, looks ok from the outside but ask can you have a independant inspection, also in my eyes price is top book for age, i would be trying for 6 grand as 26 years old, good luck.

I thought the price to be not too much over the top Trev to be honest, when you consider that many motorhomes only 3 or 4 years newer sell for twice as much.

But yes, certainly go in with a lower offer if it looks ok.

 

[molly 2]

I wouldn't offer advice , but would expect it to be a money pit ,caviat emptor ,

 

[trevskoda]

Well young Trev, our water heater died and because we are a skint pair of geriatrics we asked 'can we manage without it?' well for the last 3 years we have, our kettle provides all the hot water that we need

I do the same, blinken big kettle, not that the Irish wash much.

 

[Boris7]

I wouldn't offer advice , but would expect it to be a money pit ,caviat emptor ,

I’m with him tbh.

But we all have different budgets and different needs, so it comes down to the OPs budget and needs. If you’re in a position to do the work and don’t have a pocket of cash right now then maybe it’s the way to go.

Be aware if you want to spend time off site then that water heater will cost you unless you have an alternative.

It’s easy enough to find power off grid, but it either takes planning or money.

 

[trevskoda]

If the dealer is not offering any warrenty or hab inspections then im afraid it must be bargened down to a trade sale price with a tail light warrenty.

 

[RichardHelen262]

Looking at its previous mot history it has had some serious rot on the front chassis a couple of years ago,
So it is all going to depend on how well it has been repaired,
Personally I wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole,
As already mentioned it will become a money pit

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I'd not touch it, it's not particularly cheap, the gearboxes are sound enough except 5th gear, save up and buy a post 06 Fiat etc.

 

[Rolyan57]

Regardless of whether it’s a small dealer or a large dealer, only trust what you have personally verified, not what you’re told.

 

[Rolyan57]

Regardless of whether it’s a small dealer or a large dealer, only ever trust what you have personally verified, not what you’ve been told.

 

[suty455]

Nope too many red flags it will bleed you dry buy newer its cheaper in the long term