Thinking of Selling, but told prices are dropping like a stone

[Sue]

Very depressing..
We are thinking of selling our IH Motorhome… it’s simply time to move on, but we have been told that, although prices went up after covid, they are now dropping like a stone. The market is weak because the future is so uncertain
What does everyone think? Is this your experience?

 

[gwyntaxi]

Funny thing is every time I want to sell something the market has fallen

Well, it’s always the same old story (or salesman speak) when you you wan to buy off them it’s always a “sought after model” a rare opportunity, and when you want to sell, “oh, it’s very quiet these past couple of months nobody’s buying and we’re not taking anything in at the moment, this has always been my experience……..just sayin.

 

[MobyDick57]

I suppose it depends upon your definition of ‘premium’ . Maybe I should revise my definition . Certainly not considering spending close to 6-figure sum for our first Motorhome.

I suppose I’m looking at Continental over British for build, and other than Fiat, there’s not much choice of chassis with auto’ boxes. There are a few Ford Transit base vehicles about with automatics, but the multiple issues with wet belts doesn’t bode well for reliability and I have had previous quality problems with Fords. That sort of steers me only to consider a new Ford chassis, where warranty and no concerns over previous maintenance/service work. Mercedes have a reasonable reputation for reliability, and that’s probably why they hold value, but then you are looking at older tech and interior styles. VW (MAN) are relative newcomers in coachbuilt motorhomes, so not many on the market, though the Knaus Ti Plus is certainly on my radar.

Your thoughts suggest “premium”, ie quality?!
Personally not had a problem with many fiats and presently have a Fiat with a robust ZF9 automatic gearbox. Chassis: If premium, then Alko is the best for weight/design/strength. Learn to read the VIN plate to ensure your chosen motorhome has a more than adequate strong chassis. Most leaks are because the chassis is at its limit, because it twists under strain causing the extremities to strain even more. Your thoughts are good with regards more continental than UK build. If carrying e-bikes, then a large garage recommended. Width: 2.1m to 2.4m? I drive a Carthago Compact 2.1m width and a Morelo 2.4m width, try to be aware of which width you would be more comfortable to drive. Last of all, try not be distracted by bling, focus on the essentials and remember the essentials on the same brand design motorhome change depending upon the make of the vehicle Good luck.

 

[StephandJohn]

We got a good offer from We Buy Your Motorcaravan a few weeks ago. You can ring them and talk it through without any commitment. We did this because we didn't want the hastle of advertising, time wasters, any come back if the new owners thought they could try it on.. They also would take it as it was with the contents if you didn't want them.

 

[Hartleyj]

The big big thing about today's oil powered motorhomes is that in ten years time they are all going to be worthless.
They can't do anything but go down to scrap price.

Not necessarily. They may even go up because no manufacturer yet has an answer to the range issue for electrics and unless you want to camp within 70 miles of base you will be stuffed.

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[TonyEmm]

The big big thing about today's oil powered motorhomes is that in ten years time they are all going to be worthless.
They can't do anything but go down to scrap price.

That’s complete rubbish!

There is no electric alternative for a 3.5t+ leisure vehicle that has a decent range and towing limit…
It would be doable with Hydrogen Cell technology but the infrastructure isn’t there…. LPG would be an alternative too but, the trend now (in at least) is for garages to kick LPG out in favour of charging points. That’s a mistake IMHO.

 

[Peter Clark]

The big big thing about today's oil powered motorhomes is that in ten years time they are all going to be worthless.
They can't do anything but go down to scrap price.

Might Be that value stays same or even goes up - diesel will be available for decades and oil burners will still be more convenient than EV’s.

 

[John Ringrose]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and MotorHome Fun.

I'm in the market to purchase a MH but quite interested in a Hymer or Dethleffs. I have around 50k to 60k cash but it seems to be a quagmire out there. Is it best to go to a dealer or purchase privately? I'm told a preference of twin rear beds is a good option. Is now a good time to purchase? Any advice from those in the know greatly appreciated. I'm not looking a for very large van but do have C1/D1 licence if I had to go that way.

 

[Nanniemate]

Have you checked the classified adds on here

 

[bigtwin]

Is now a good time to purchase?

While looking to purchase in an off-peak period will probably mean that you could obtain a decent deal on a particular van, it also means that you will be looking at fewer vans in a smaller market place. Private sellers will tend to wait until Spring (when demand rises) before putting their vehicle up for sale. Yes, prices may be higher but your choice will be much greater. Clearly, this may not apply to dealer sales.

Ian

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[1090alex]

The big big thing about today's oil powered motorhomes is that in ten years time they are all going to be worthless.
They can't do anything but go down to scrap price.

Hi,
Not sure how you consider that in 10 years time fossil fuelled motorhomes will be worthless. What makes you think that?

 

[Nitram77]

Hello John and welcome

Hi,

I am new to this forum and MotorHome Fun.

I'm in the market to purchase a MH but quite interested in a Hymer or Dethleffs. I have around 50k to 60k cash but it seems to be a quagmire out there. Is it best to go to a dealer or purchase privately? I'm told a preference of twin rear beds is a good option. Is now a good time to purchase? Any advice from those in the know greatly appreciated. I'm not looking a for very large van but do have C1/D1 licence if I had to go that way.

I would suggest that you take your time and don't rush after what may seem like good deals now.

Have used a motorhome before? Are you sure motorhoming is for you? A rental holiday might help with these questions.
A rental will also give you experience of a style of layout and size that you can judge a potential purchases by. It is said that motorhome owners often have 2 or 3 motorhomes before they find the ideal one for them. So the more you see and can experience then the more likely you are to find the right one!

Choosing a motorhome always involves some compromises along the way so have in mind what you must have in your motorhome and what is a nice to have.

Also there is a guide to buying a motorhome guide on this forum which helped us.

Good luck with your search - you've already got off to a good start by finding this forum. There are so many helpful knowledgeable folks on here who will offer advice.

 

[Puddleduck]

Choosing a motorhome always involves some compromises along the way so have in mind what you must have in your motorhome and what is a nice to have.

And another list of things you just couldn't live with!!!

 

[Gary S]

But the post I referred to was talking about Mercedes base quality build with an automatic box .

I'm on my 7th Mercedes car and the forums all suggest quality has been declining for a number of years and isn't what it was, but I wouldn't stick with Mercedes if I agreed with that sentiment!

My current (and last 2) Mercedes has the same 9 speed ZF gearbox that the Fiat Ducato's has until they switched to the new 8s.

Think all makes have their up & downsides.

 

[bobnick]

We have a Range Rover Velar, people call RR rotten, ours is 6 years old i can honestlyn say we have had absolutely no issues with it, in fact it's due for changing but we are finding it very hard to be rid of it.
Had lot's of LR vehicles and had less issues with them than others we have had,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,apart from Land Cruisers, the proper one not these gay Prados n stuff.

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[John Ringrose]

Hello John and welcome

I would suggest that you take your time and don't rush after what may seem like good deals now.

Have used a motorhome before? Are you sure motorhoming is for you? A rental holiday might help with these questions.
A rental will also give you experience of a style of layout and size that you can judge a potential purchases by. It is said that motorhome owners often have 2 or 3 motorhomes before they find the ideal one for them. So the more you see and can experience then the more likely you are to find the right one!

Choosing a motorhome always involves some compromises along the way so have in mind what you must have in your motorhome and what is a nice to have.

Also there is a guide to buying a motorhome guide on this forum which helped us.

Good luck with your search - you've already got off to a good start by finding this forum. There are so many helpful knowledgeable folks on here who will offer advice.

Many thanks - much appreciated

John

 

[John Ringrose]

Have you checked the classified adds on here

Hi yes but not many on at the moment

Thanks

John

 

[John Ringrose]

Hello John and welcome

I would suggest that you take your time and don't rush after what may seem like good deals now.

Have used a motorhome before? Are you sure motorhoming is for you? A rental holiday might help with these questions.
A rental will also give you experience of a style of layout and size that you can judge a potential purchases by. It is said that motorhome owners often have 2 or 3 motorhomes before they find the ideal one for them. So the more you see and can experience then the more likely you are to find the right one!

Choosing a motorhome always involves some compromises along the way so have in mind what you must have in your motorhome and what is a nice to have.

Also there is a guide to buying a motorhome guide on this forum which helped us.

Good luck with your search - you've already got off to a good start by finding this forum. There are so many helpful knowledgeable folks on here who will offer advice.

Many thanks for the response much appreciated. Yes renting one first seems logical. Can you advise where on the site I find the info on purchasing a MH

Regards

John

 

[GeoffnDee]

John Ringrose , Hello ,The Motorhome buyers guide can be found in the resources section that is in the menu.

 

[nicholsong]

And another list of things you just couldn't live with!!!

Like single beds.

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[BusyBuilder]

I was just using your figures to illustrate a general point about the effect of a market dip on a purchase involving a p/x deal, where a fall in the market can be beneficial if one has a MH to sell.

I've just looked at dealers site, my van is now up for sale at £39,995, so £5 less than he gave me for it.

 

[Saucer]

I've just looked at dealers site, my van is now up for sale at £39,995, so £5 less than he gave me for it.

Did he discount the new van (I’m assuming you were pt exchanging)?

 

[John Ringrose]

Hello John and welcome

I would suggest that you take your time and don't rush after what may seem like good deals now.

Have used a motorhome before? Are you sure motorhoming is for you? A rental holiday might help with these questions.
A rental will also give you experience of a style of layout and size that you can judge a potential purchases by. It is said that motorhome owners often have 2 or 3 motorhomes before they find the ideal one for them. So the more you see and can experience then the more likely you are to find the right one!

Choosing a motorhome always involves some compromises along the way so have in mind what you must have in your motorhome and what is a nice to have.

Also there is a guide to buying a motorhome guide on this forum which helped us.

Good luck with your search - you've already got off to a good start by finding this forum. There are so many helpful knowledgeable folks on here who will offer advice.

Hi, thank you so much - I have dropped down the Guide which I'm sure will be a great read. Also thanks for the advice on renting which I will take on board and hire to go to the Lakes.

Many Thanks

John

 

[John Ringrose]

John Ringrose , Hello ,The Motorhome buyers guide can be found in the resources section that is in the menu.

Many thanks much appreciated got it now - Great !!!

Regards

John

 

[stevewagner]

I’m looking for a Motorhome at present, 2 berth, automatic, with garage and bed long enough for my height, so limiting options. Prices being asked for premium motorhomes at 9/10 years old are holding up at almost £60k, not that much less than new or almost new ones. TBH it’s causing uncertainty in our buying plans as not wanting to buy just as the market adjusts downward.

The problem is all the time you are waiting means you are not using one and getting the wonderful benefits of motorhome touring.

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[Suenliam]

It's a bit like buying anything - prices can go down as well as up. Unfortunately we cannot predict the future. If you rent and find it is for you then you will need to factor in the price of the pleasure it will give you over the years. Our last MH we had for 17 years (an Adria on a Fiat chassis) gave us so much pleasure that even thinking about it made us smile. Difficult to put a price on that.
If you are worried about reliability, they all go wrong at some point. So long as it has all the "must haves" then we always go for the one that has easy to get parts.
Elddis do not have a good reputation but our current one has (touch wood) been reliable as was one we had in the early 2000s. However both were bought new and we do look after them (at least our mobile MH service man does!)
All the best with your search but don't wait too long to commit. There's lots of motorhomeing to be done .
Sue

 

[1090alex]

The big big thing about today's oil powered motorhomes is that in ten years time they are all going to be worthless.
They can't do anything but go down to scrap price.

A lot of people seem to be under the impression that in 2035 all internal combustion engine powered vehicles will disappear off the face of the earth. This is incorrect . On the contrary large diesel fuelled vehicles will more than likely be in demand. They certainly won't be sold for scrap.