You have come to this page because you’re wondering whether a new or a used motorhome is the better buy.
Unfortunately we can’t give a definitive answer. Tt’s not our money and everyone has different budgets and a different wish-list.
However, don’t head off just yet! We can at least give a few pointers to help you come to a decision.
We will run you through a few key things to consider. The factors most important to you will help you come to a decision.
That brand new feeling
If you place great weight on that feeling that what you have is new, that nobody has used it before you then you’re going to lean towards a new motorhome.
Often there are few practical benefits here, a used motorhome is unlikely to have any issues. However, buying a new motorhome is not cheap and those small things – the minor scuff here, the miles on the clock can just remind some people that they are in a used vehicle.
That brand new feeling is hard to value, but it’s going to cost quite a few thousand.
Getting exactly what you want
Buy new and, budget allowing, you can get whatever you want. You can choose the make, model, level of finish and optional extras.
This can make the search easier, once you have found the motorhome you want, you can then just order it from a dealer.
Buying a used motorhome means both compromises and also what might be a more difficult search.
You might find the make and model you want, but it has too many miles on the clock for you to consider. You might have a make and model in mind but wait months for that exact combination to be available near to home at a price you’re willing to pay.
Buying new can mean getting exactly what you want and saving time. However, it might not be the way to save money.
Higher spec
Buy new and you can have all the latest mod cons, driver aids and gadgets. A top of the range new motorhome will have an unmatched level of finish.
However, most of us have to operate within a budget. That top of the range new motorhome might be out of reach, so do you buy a lower spec new home or a used one?
If you go for a used motorhome, the level of spec and finish you can afford might actually be higher than that of a new motorhome for an equivalent price.
While motorhomes don’t suffer the quick depreciation of cars, there is still an initial drop in value, a savvy purchase of a used motorhome can see you buy a vehicle just a couple of years old, with top of the range spec, yet without a top of the range price tag.
Reliability
A new motorhome is highly unlikely to have any reliability issues and they of course come covered by warranties.
This, though, really isn’t much of a differentiating factor as any used motorhome which has been well maintained should also be good for tens of thousands more miles.
Unlike cars, motorhomes don’t tend to accumulate many thousands of miles each year. Even if you were to buy a 10-year-old home it would be unlikely to have many miles on the clock.
The same is true of the internal fittings too, all major motorhome manufacturers use good quality parts, the internal fittings and appliances are all designed to last.
Go to a reputable dealer and you should be able to choose a motorhome, new or old, high budget or low, safe in the knowledge that it is fundamentally reliable.
Long-term investment
What are your longer term plans? Do you want this motorhome to last for many years, decades even or are you keen to keep upgrading every two or three years?
To use an example, let’s say you have a budget of £50,000 (be that upfront, or to pay over time) and want to upgrade again in five years’ time. A £50,000 brand new motorhome will of course have depreciated when you come to sell, but will this be more or less than had you bought a used motorhome in the first place?
The figures will depend on the make, model, condition it is bought in and your usage. What is important is that you factor in the future, there is the purchase now but what are your plans for the future?
A tough choice?
Most dealerships offer new and used vehicles – why not compare and contrast and get advice.
At a quality dealership, your needs will be listened to and if you do make a purchase you can be sure it will be a vehicle which is perfect for your holidaying needs.
At Emm-Bee, we are a leading UK dealership, based near Manchester in the north of England.
Please have a look around our site, at our wide selection of new and used motorhomes, featuring top brands like Laika motorhomes, Burstner motorhomes and Chausson, and do get in touch if you have any queries. We love talking about motorhomes!
