When you’ve made the decision to live a life of thrilling adventures in your own RV, one of the first things you’ll think about is your money. There are RVs to fit every budget, but you get what you pay for, as with any purchase. Buying a luxury motorhome or even a normal RV is a big investment, so completing your homework will help you feel confident that you’re getting the proper vehicle from the right provider, and that you’ll be able to enjoy worry-free motor homing for years to come.
We’ll look at some of the items to think about while buying a campervan in this article.
How much do I need to spend?
One of the first considerations should be how you intend to use your RV. There are four major questions to consider:
- How many of you plan to utilise the RV on a regular basis? Is it simply you and your partner, a family with children, or do you want to travel with friends as well? You may travel with your family or friends on occasion, but when making your ultimate selection, keep yourself in mind.
- Do you intend to primarily stay at holiday camps, with the occasional night of freedom camping thrown in for good measure, or would you prefer to be able to go off the grid and away from electricity for several days at a time? Many owners freely camp or stay in NZMCA campgrounds, which may have limited facilities.
- Are you content with just the essentials while on the road, or do you want more home comforts?
- What is your financial plan? The most expensive RVs aren’t usually the best choices for your needs.
Knowing the answers to these questions can assist you in determining the size of vehicle you require (number of beds, for example), as well as some of its features and capabilities.
- Under $50,000
An older vehicle, most often a converted van or bus.
Self-containment standards may not be met (i.e. not suitable for freedom camping)
- $50,000 – $100,000
Used European brand motorhome that has been refurbished.
- $100,000 – $140,000
New value brand European motorhome - $150,000 – $200,000
New mid-range to premium European motorhome - $200,000 – $270,000
A brand new luxurious motorhome, European RV with high-end equipment and amenities.
New or used?
Purchasing a brand new motorhome gives you the assurance that anything is in great working order and is covered by a warranty should anything go wrong during your initial years of ownership.
However, there is a healthy market for used RVs from trustworthy dealers, which can help you stretch your budget even further. These are mainly ex-rental cars that have been thoroughly restored and come with a warranty. If you’re thinking about buying a used RV, make sure you find out what kind of after-sales service is available.
Total cost of ownership
When purchasing a motorhome, keep an eye out for any hidden charges. Make sure you know who you’re buying from, what’s included, and how much money you’ll need to set aside in addition to the purchase price.
- Examine the purchase price to see if it includes GST, on-road expenses, and roadside assistance.
- What does the warranty cover, and how long does it last? Is this anything that covers maintenance and repairs?
- What is the dealership’s track record? Are they well-known and have a track record of satisfied customers? Do they provide after-sales support?
- How often will the vehicle need to be serviced, and how much will it cost? What kind of parts and support are there?
- How much will the vehicle’s insurance cost you?
Have you taken into account depreciation? The rate of depreciation varies substantially based on the vehicle’s brand, model, and age. Some brands have a better track record of holding their value than others.
