Thinking of buying a campervan? We have previously published a guide to the best time to buy a campervan, as well as an overview of how much a campervan might cost.
In this post we’ll discuss the pros and cons of buying a new campervan or an old campervan, so you can decide which approach is best for you.
Whether you buy an old or new campervan, you will need campervan insurance. At Anthony Jones, we specialise in bespoke insurance cover for campervans and motorhomes. For more information and a free quote, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
Pros and Cons Fo New or Old Campervans
Should I Buy a Newer Campervan?
Pros: You can get a luxurious top-of-the-range model, full of advanced features and most likely with good fuel efficiency.
Cons: Newer campervans will certainly cost a lot more than older campervans. Finance options may be available, but you will likely still pay more overall than you would for an older model.
Should I Buy an Older Campervan?
Pros: You will likely pay less than you would for a newer campervan. Plus, most would agree that older, classic campervans have a charm that you just don’t get with newer models.
Cons: You may not get as good mileage as you would with a brand new campervan. Plus, you may have to invest a lot of time and money in renovating and servicing a second hand campervan.
What is the Lifespan of a Campervan?
Short answer: If you take care of them, most campervans should last for around 20 years.
Long answer: The lifespan of a campervan depends on a few factors, including the mileage, and the level of service and care it receives. The category of the campervan can also make a difference.
What Are The Different Classes of Campervans?
There are different classes of campervans: Class A, Class B, and Class C. To briefly explain the difference, Class A campervans are huge, luxurious hotels on wheels. Class C campervans are essentially smaller versions of Class A campervans, while Class B campervans are typically converted panel vans.
Read our full guide to the different classes of campervans.
Class B campervans tend to have the longest lifespan. Because they often start life as panel vans, they’re built to provide rugged reliability for the long-term. But with sufficient care and maintenance, you could still get around 20 years of use out of a Class A or Class C campervan.
What is a Good Mileage For a Used Campervan?
Most campervans will give you around 20 years of use, or 200,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Don’t just base your buying decision on the campervan’s mileage, though. Campervans, like all vehicles, are built to be driven. An older campervan with a comparatively low mileage may have spent months, or even years, sat unused in a garage or on a driveway. Excessive idleness makes vehicles more susceptible to a range of age-related problems.
Remember: Campervans are designed to be driven extensively for a few years. They’re not necessarily built to last for years. So when shopping for a used campervan, the age of the vehicle is often more important than the mileage. In a choice between a five-year-old campervan with 90,000 miles on the clock, and a 10-year-old campervan with 40,000 miles, you may want to consider picking the newer model.
Should I Buy a Used Campervan?
While newer campervans are generally more reliable, and more fuel efficient, there are certainly advantages to buying a used campervan. The most obvious is price – with the exception of some of the classic campervans, you will usually pay less for an older campervan than you would for a brand new campervan.
If you are buying a used campervan, don’t just think about its age, and its mileage. Also consider:
- Service History – Campervans need servicing at least once a year. Before you buy a used campervan, ask to see the servicing receipts, and check its MOT history.
- Key Systems – Check the tyres for signs of wear and tear. Also look for chips or cracks in the glass, check for oil leaks, and make sure everything’s working when it comes to the heating, air-con, lights, brakes, and other key systems.
- Bodywork – Make sure there are no signs of rust, or seal damage, and look out for dents, chips, and scrapes.
It’s also important to ensure you’re not buying a stolen campervan! Read our guide to what you should look out for when it comes to stolen campervans.
Don’t Forget The Campervan Insurance
Whether you buy an old or new campervan, you will need campervan insurance. At Anthony Jones, we specialise in bespoke insurance cover for campervans and motorhomes. For more information and a free quote, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
