Is there a best time of year to buy or sell a campervan? We’ve done a bit of research, and in this post, we’ll share our findings.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a campervan, then you will need to think about campervan insurance. Whether you’re getting a new policy for your first campervan, or you’re thinking about changing providers as you sell your campervan, we’re here to help. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
When’s the Best Time to Buy a Campervan?
Most campervan businesses we explored appear to be busiest in the warmer months of the year, starting in spring and peaking in summer. Sales start to slow down a little in the autumn, before things get very quiet indeed in the winter. So, the best time to buy a campervan may be in the winter. When it’s cold, and when fewer people are buying campervans overall, sellers might be more willing to negotiate on price.
Though throughout the year, it might prove cheaper to avoid buying a new campervan outright, and instead buy a second-hand van for a campervan conversion. Read our full guide to the cost of campervan conversions.
When’s the Best Time to Sell a Campervan?
If the best time to buy a campervan is in the winter, then it stands to reason that the best time to sell a campervan is during the spring and summer. In the spring, as the weather starts getting warmer, people might start dreaming of a summer spent on the road in their own campervan.
It’s at this point that they might start shopping around. Then, as the summer rolls on, and the time for holidays grows short, people might be more willing to part with their cash so they can enjoy the sun while they still can.
So, if you want to sell your campervan, put it on the market in the spring. It’s likely it’ll be sold by summer.
Where’s The Best Place to Buy a Campervan?
If you want to buy a campervan, you can either buy from an official dealership, a dedicated campervan specialist, or a private seller.
There are pros and cons to working with each. Official dealerships and dedicated specialists will sell you something you can depend on, often with a lot of extras thrown in. You might have the option to customise your new campervan to suit your needs. And you might be able to get a brand new, top-of-the-line model that’ll make you the envy of the campsite.
The catch is that you’ll probably end up paying a lot more for your campervan than you would if you bought from a private seller. However, finance options might be available.
Should I Buy a Campervan From a Private Seller?
You could save a lot of money if you buy from a private seller instead of an official dealership, or a campervan specialist. But you will not be able to benefit from any finance options, and you will not be able to customise the campervan until after you’ve bought it. If you get a “fixer-upper”, or if you simply don’t like the upholstery, then a second hand campervan could end up costing you a lot more than the upfront price.
Private sellers, though, might be more willing to negotiate on price. Just make sure that you thoroughly inspect the campervan, inside and out, before you commit to buying. This should include a test drive, for which you’ll need some temporary insurance.
Where’s The Best Place to Sell a Campervan?
Sell your campervan to a second-hand dealership or a specialist, and they should take care of everything for you – including all the paperwork. Plus, the transaction should be relatively straightforward: They’ll offer you a price, and if you like it, they’ll take the campervan off your hands. Simple.
So, if you need to sell your campervan fast, a second-hand dealership or specialist could be your best option. You might not have much say the sale price, though. This may mean that you end up selling your campervan for less than it’s worth.
The alternative is to sell the campervan yourself, to a private buyer. This will give you a lot more control over the sale price. But it will mean that you have to keep hold of the campervan until it’s sold, while keeping it clean and presentable. This could take weeks, or even months.
Plus, you’ll have to list your campervan yourself, meet and negotiate with all potential buyers, and take care of all the paperwork and tax requirements.
Selling your campervan yourself gives you full control while increasing your chances of getting the best possible price. But depending on your situation, you may prefer the convenience that comes with selling to dealerships or specialists.
Don’t Forget Your Campervan Insurance!
Whether you’re getting a new policy for your first campervan or thinking about changing providers as you sell your campervan, we’re here to help with all of your campervan insurance needs. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
