Buying a caravan or motorhome at the NEC show

To see my video with Dan Trudgian about visiting the show, please see:

Here I chat about a few things to bear in mind if you are intending to purchase a caravan or motorhome at the NEC Show.
It's important to understand where the dealer selling the van is from. Normally you have to return the vehicle to the supplying dealer for warranty work - and that can be a pain if they are many miles away! And if you are told that a different dealer more local to you will carry out warranty work, check this out with that (local) dealer first.

And don't be pressured into a sale if you are not sure. Just be aware that your dream vehicle might sell out...but there is always next year!

[MakeWayWithTheMorleys]

Great advice Andrew as always and certainly all worth considering after the show.

Regarding price, IMO (as someone who works in sales) don't be shy to ask for their best price even then you can be cheeky to ask for something else to be thrown in, first service etc. Don't forget, they want to sell (or they should do) as much as you might want to buy - play them at their own game. They can only say no... That said, if you say I want it for 'x' then if they get to that point do the deal. Don't be a time waster!

Just my thoughts, hope to bump into you later this week! Andy

[karenbrooks]

Fabulous advice thanks Andrew 😊 Writing down furiously all your tips and tricks ready for when the house is decluttered and ready for selling! Loving the research actually. Anyhoo have a great week, enjoy though don't run yourself ragged and will look forward to your next vlog!

[RailAdventUK]

Great advice as always Andrew! Keep up the good work :)

[qedelec]

Very good advice, Andrew, we aren't flush enough to afford a new van, but hope to glean some ideas for turning 'Dippyt' into a more comfortable 'Away Home'. We're going to the show on Friday so will look out for you and Dan. In the meantime, look out for a suspicious man walking around your camp site, it'll be me. We live far too close to miss the chance of visiting.

[IanBlackford]

Hi Andrew, regarding the warranty and having to go back to the dealer. I was told by a local servicing company that as long as you use a NCC Approved Workshop your warranty will be covered (might want to check that with the manufacturer though). Dealers 'might' be telling you different to help preserve their ongoing business.

[grannylyn]

maybe it's different here in the US, but I looked at a camper van at a dealership and the price was stickered clearly on the van. A week later, at a show, the same dealer had the same van there, but had increased the price THOUSAND MORE!!! he assured me that I could purchase it at the original price, but my trust level bottomed out, and I ended up getting a better deal after the show from another dealership. Moral of this story is, , , , do your research before and after a big show like this, don't buy on impulse!

[Justinwales]

I thought gobur have finished making folding caravans now

[hermitld]

Good advice, take a break before you commit to a big purchase.

[HitchUpAndTow]

Wish i had seen this vlog before I purchased my caravan from a dealer 2 hours drive away. It makes it a pain when servicing comes around.

[michaelbarton]

Great info as always MR D. The only useful advice I offer anyone buying a caravan / motor caravan, gleaned from bitter experience.. is to really think hard about internal layouts. Once you commit then you're stuck. Subsequent 'early' changes to a different layout is an expensive exercise ..

[graemepryke]

Great advice Andrew. We purchased our caravan from a far away dealer and warranty work was a nightmare!! We have now found a much more local dealer who have been able to take on our warranty work. Currently 'van is back at the factory for some major works 😥

[cdmtravels]

hi andrew great advise and info to help make an informed decision thanks