Best time to buy
Hi Everyone.
My husband and I are planning to buy our first touring caravan and are currently looking at models with a plan to but one anytime soon.
My question is, when is the best time to buy - as in do dealers tend to have winter seasonal offers? We are ready to buy now once we find one we both like but are we better waiting until spring?
Any advice appreciated !
Thanks
Comments
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At this time of year the dealers are usually awaiting the new 2019 models if they have not already received them. There are usually some good deals on remaining 2018 stock if you are not too bothered about having the very latest model.
David
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As David says, it depends on whether the latest design 'fads' are important to you. We picked up our new Knaus Starclass, yesterday, and as far as I can make out, it's identical to the 2019 model and the same as the 2017 - so it hasn't dated, but we got a massive discount for buying at this time of the year. That said, I am realistic enough to realise that the reduction will be reflected in the re-sale value should we ever decide to change it.
British manufacturers tend to compete with each other for this year's 'must haves', which are usually nothing more than window dressing and it's further complicated by the fact that the caravan 'year' goes from August to July.
I would suggest that once you find the van that feels right for you and at the right price - go for it!
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Even if you're not buying new you'll probably get a good price at this time of the year when trade is slow. One assumes that some purchasers of new will be trading in.
Whatever age can you buy check thoroughly, and do so again, for damp, buy your own damp meter. Once you own your van use it quickly to check all is working fine.
Enjoy the choosing and the using.
Richardandros hope you're enjoying your new purchase and are snug.
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Anytime from now should be good. I know salesmen who sell at least 3 manufacturers models and they all express concern about the lack of business. Two of them told me that business at the October show had been dire. Shop round but don't forget that warranty work is usually only done by the supplying dealer so don't go too far away. Don't forget that the actual price might not be too negotiable but ask for extras, e.g a mover. Look also for dealer specials. They often have many extras at the same price. If you are totally new don't forget you'll need lots of other kit, aquarolls etc. Best of luck.
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Thanks Bakers - we're off to Chatsworth on Thursday, for Christmas, and we spent all day yesterday trying to work out where to put all the kit. The storage space, although immense and with a massive 350kg payload, is in different places as compared to the Barcelona so we're having to re-think our storage options - all good fun!
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Do remember that the time of year you buy will generally speaking be the time you need to have it serviced. We bought at the end of November and there have been times when getting it to the service place has been decidedly tricky with snow and ice. Eventually we settled on a local mobile chap who is registered to keep up the guarantee. Much less stressful.
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We bought our M/H just after Christmas a few years back, no-one had got round to cleaning it as it had just come in and I think the dealers were glad to see a buyer when things were quiet. So we got it for a good price but we also got a van we like. Be wary of long waits for some new vans if you want to get going as soon as possible. If it's your first van consider a previously owned one as you could lose more money on a new van if you decide later it wasn't quite the right one. Good luck.
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Some of the new van's on sale this time of year could have been ex'demo or even used at shows, so be very careful what you are offered at big discounts. We brought a new Knaus Starclass at the start of this year, but it had been built at the end of 2017 and still in the factory in Germany, and they got it delivered here on the back of a transporter and fitted a mover and ready in two weeks. The only change from 2017 to 18 was the curtains and Knaus sent a set of 2018 curtains with it, and we saved nearly £2000.
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richardandros.
Hope you have lot's of enjoyment with your new Starclass. We changed from an Elddis Crusader twin to a Starclass 565 this year and are still moving things around and we have had the van 9 months.
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CGB - Thanks for your kind wishes. I suspect that the one we bought had been used at a show. The leather upholstery was supplemented by no less than 15 leather Knaus cushions, throws on the bed and all the other 'show house' treatment. Given the massive saving we made on the list price, I wasn't bothered. Many years ago our new yacht was on the Westerly stand at Southampton boat show for a week and had in excess of 5000 people trample all over it - but it was none the worse for the experience (and I also had an attractive deal for allowing it!)
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If it can't cope with the rigours of Mayflower Park, I'd hate to go to sea in it.
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I know I'm going to be off-topic Cy - but totally agree. That yacht looked after us well including coping with a lightning strike and 100mph winds in Corsica when 10 other yachts were washed onto the beach!
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The model season for caravans starts in September i.e. 2019 models go on sale in September 2018, you will find most major dealers will still have 2018 stock left on sale and will probably take a sensible offer even on the sale price. Don`t pay the price on the window especially if not part exchanging, the one thing to bear in mind if you drive too hard a bargain and have a problem a couple of months down the road the dealer will remember you!
If you are looking at a second hand van pretty much the same applies, I suggest if you are, ask for advice on here on about pitfalls to watch out for.
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