Buying privately (not dealer) - any advice?

[Pocket Rocket]

Hopefully we have finally found the right van! We know it’s the right make and model, a few years old (2021) with lots of good “extras”.

We are going to see it tomorrow. It is a private seller (via Autotrader) and we are therefore extra careful that we check everything. Does anyone have any advice about what to look out for in general?

It has a full service history, main dealer hab checks to maintain warranty, MOT was done last September (I’ve checked and it’s clear). Obviously we have asked to see everything working, but should we also arrange for an RAC / AA check?

Also if it is the right van, what is the normal approach to payment? Is it usual to leave a deposit with a private seller (bit wary of doing this as no comeback). It’s a lot of money, so how do we arrange safe transfer for both parties?

Any advice appreciated!

 

[Barriesimpson]

Also if it is the right van, what is the normal approach to payment? Is it usual to leave a deposit with a private seller (bit wary of doing this as no comeback). It’s a lot of money, so how do we arrange safe transfer for both parties?

Probably a bank transfer is the most secure.

 

[Carpmart]

Advice = caveat emptor!

 

[Carpmart]

Does the seller definitely have good title to sell/transfer not just log book… make sure the receipt reflects this important factor else you have zero redress!

HPI check - no finance, chattels, Cat damaged etc

2021 it’s had probably two MOT’s - check the MOT history

Bank Transfer is easiest and safest for the seller, not necessarily for the buyer

Have a contingency fund in your mind for things you don’t notice that need fixing. Negotiate with this in mind..

Is it a nine speed auto, or a very late comformatic?

It’s a buyers market so negotiate hard. The seller will not be inundated as in previous years with interested parties.

Work out what trade is for this kind of vehicle and negotiate upwards from that.

Extra’s assist the sale, they are worth nothing. The seller will not view it this way as it’s extra cash they’ve dropped on their MoHo. Play hard ball!

If anything worries you, move on as there will be a better one available, you’ve just not found it yet!

Make sure you tell the seller you want the engine stone cold. Second person goes round to exhaust and checks for smoke, you are listening for any cold rattles from the bottom end on startup. Cold engine only!

Check oil on dipstick and look for anything around the filler cap (mayonnaise) etc

How clean is the engine, dirty is better as it means they’ve not tarted up to hide oil weeps leaks

Check it goes smoothly into all gears on test drive.

Have a good look around the corners of the vehicle for paint match

Check tyres for cracking and check age

Spare needs checking too

Have a good chat with the owner. Is he experienced, do they look like they have money so would repair issues, follow your gut here… if they look like they don’t have much money and this was a luxury purchase too far, then it won’t have been looked after and lavished with they money needed.

I could go on and on…

 

[Podney]

Take a damp meter

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[nicholsong]

Hopefully we have finally found the right van! We know it’s the right make and model, a few years old (2021) with lots of good “extras”.

We are going to see it tomorrow. It is a private seller (via Autotrader) and we are therefore extra careful that we check everything. Does anyone have any advice about what to look out for in general?

It has a full service history, main dealer hab checks to maintain warranty, MOT was done last September (I’ve checked and it’s clear). Obviously we have asked to see everything working, but should we also arrange for an RAC / AA check?

Also if it is the right van, what is the normal approach to payment? Is it usual to leave a deposit with a private seller (bit wary of doing this as no comeback). It’s a lot of money, so how do we arrange safe transfer for both parties?

Any advice appreciated!

If you tell us make and model maybe someone can advise of any weak points to look out for.

 

[Pocket Rocket]

Thanks! It’s had one previous MOT (checked and all good). Hab check have been done by main dealer. I’ll ask for all paperwork. I don’t have a damp meter, but it is a panel van conversion by Rapido Dreamer (good reputation for build quality).

Seller has been polite and helpful. I’m rubbish at negotiating price … far too nice

Details of the van in the advert below. It’s a Rapido Dreamer D55, 9 speed auto, 165bph, gaslow, tracker, FSH etc. Much appreciated if anyone can have a look and got any specific advice about this one?

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[Jim]

Have a read here

The Motorhome Buyer's Guide - MotorhomeFun

Download our Free Motorhome Buyer's Guide packed with essential tips, checklists, and expert advice. Distilled wisdom from 60,000 members

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[grasscutter]

Ask to have water in the system and check that all taps/toiletflush work. Check boiler and heating are all working.
Check fridge works.
Good luck.

 

[Terry242]

Besides the van. Sit down, take your time and go through the documents.
Trust your instincts on the sell and don't be afraid to walk away.
It's a buyers market.

Terry

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[PlacidoD]

Query what has he been towing? Is it something really heavy that might have pulled the guts out of the engine? I doubt that is likely given an auto box and more powerful engine but worth asking. Also obviously why selling? If the answer is "Selling for a mate" walk away!!

Re negotiating: Find a similar van ideally with a rock bottom price and say "I'd like to do business with you but I think I really must go with that one" and start from there. Alternative lines would be that seller is much nearer/its a dealer sale and he is offering a warranty etc etc.

I am sure the seller is expecting some negotiation. My guess would be he expects something between £50-55k

My guess is that he will be plagued by people wanting part-ex or wanting finance neither of which he can offer (If he can then he is a dealer and dodgy because he not declaring himself to be so!!). He is unlikely to have a queue of people with £55k to spare beating a path to his door. It is a buyer's market.

Arrive with the expectation that you are at very least going to walk away and give some thought to the deal rather than close it there and then.

Best of luck.

 

[Gellyneck]

Assuming your viewing / buying at his house check the V5C address and location matches.

 

[Pocket Rocket]

Thanks all, good advice.

I’m a mix of excited and stressed! It’s a big decision and a lot of money (for me, I know other vans are more expensive)

 

[Sue and Rick]

Check everything twice. Check both vin's windscreen and stamped into chassis one. Im afraid its a trust no one you don't personally know and even check the ones you do know.
If you get the number off the V5 i am sure you can check if thats genuine too.