Caravan

T 024 7767 0975 W campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk | 27 CHOOSING THE PROS ✔ Manufacturer-backed warranty ✔ The caravan is fitted with the latest tech ✔ You get a brand-new, unused model ✔ Made to your specification and tastes Buying new is attractive for many reasons, not least that the caravan is fitted with the latest technology, including lightweight construction, better security and safety systems and the most modern cooking and bedding systems. You also get a warranty of up to 10 years. You can take your time and compare caravans before deciding, whereas, if you are buying used, you may have to make up your mind quickly, otherwise the caravan you are considering may be snapped up. Buying new means you can specify the model to suit you with the fabric and wood finishes you prefer. You can have extras added by the dealer or sometimes by the manufacturer at the factory. THE CONS ✖ If you make a mistake and buy a layout that proves not to be ideal, it’s costly to change because of the depreciation This is why you need to do your research and create a must- have list. If you’re buying new, look out for the previous year’s models which are still unsold. The best time to do this is in the weeks running up to the October NEC show. Retailers are especially keen to sell any remaining caravans in the summer, before the new model-year caravans arrive, although discounts can be found at any time of the year. Even though these caravans are not of the new-model year, they are still new which means you get the warranty advantage – and pay less. BUYING NEW BUYING USED UNDER £5,000 If you are exceptionally lucky, you may find a lovely used caravan for £5,000 or less. Although caravans in this price bracket that are in really good condition are rare, they do exist. Dealers generally only sell the exceptional ones in this price bracket. You may also find one at an auction or for sale privately. But be sure you know what you are doing, make sure it is damp-checked and that all the electrics, wheels and tyres, and gas systems are safe. UNDER £10,000 If you have a budget of £10,000 you may have to search for a while to find something in really good condition for its year. But, be patient and one may come along that is perfect. Remember that secondhand availability peaks over the winter months as people leave the hobby (often to upgrade to a motorhome), or trade their current model in for a new one. With trade-ins, note that most new caravans are sold at the massive show at the NEC in Birmingham every October. Orders are taken here and deliveries begin the following spring so expect more trade-ins to appear for sale in dealerships during that period. With more stock, some dealers may be open to negotiation. £10,000 – £15,000 Between £10,000 and £15,000 you have a really good choice and can expect to pick a caravan that suits your requirements and taste fairly quickly. £15,000+ Upwards of £15,000 there’s the best choice because many caravans are traded in for newer models in their third to fifth year and the resulting part-exchanges make excellent buys. Expect a dealer warranty when spending this much and expect a high-quality model with some aftermarket extras like awnings already fitted. BUYING NEW AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO FOUR EXAMPLES IN FOUR PRICE CATEGORIES IN THE 2022 RANGES UNDER £20,000 ● Xplore 304 £16,444 – diminutive four-berth ● Sprite Compact £18,995 – twin beds, light in weight ● Bailey Discovery D4-2 £18,999 – two-berth, innovative in style ● Bailey Discovery D4-3 £19,899 – three-berth with two lounge-dining areas UNDER £25,000 ● Xplore 585 £20,244 – five-berth with an L-shaped rear lounge ● Bailey Phoenix+ 440 £22,499 – four-berth with rear washroom ● Adria Altea Aire £22,845 – two-berth with a U-shaped lounge ● Sprite Major 4 SB – £22,995 – four-berth with island bed UNDER £30,000 ● Bailey Unicorn Seville £28,199 – two-berth with spacious washroom ● Swift Challenger 580 £28,795 – island bed, rear full-width shower room ● Adria Adora 612 DL Seine £29,495 – twin beds with rear washroom ● Elddis Affinity 574 £26,244 – twin beds in a rear bedroom £30,000+ ● Coachman Laser Xcel 675 £35,180 – 8ft wide, twin-axle with a rear shower room and double bed ● Buccaneer Bermuda £39,344 – rear bedroom and L-shaped lounge ● Swift Elegance Grande 835 £39,495 – 8ft wide with a rear bedroom ● Coachman Lusso II £44,150 – four-berth, top-spec, luxury caravan with air conditioning WHAT YOUR MONEY BUYS Erwin Hymer Group