How to buy a repossessed motorhome

How do I buy a repossessed motorhome? Will the vehicle be in good condition? What checks should I make before buying? These are likely to be your main questions if you’re thinking of buying a repossessed motorhome - plus, of course, how to get a great deal!

But if you’re new to buying a motorhome at auction as a private buyer, the process can seem a little overwhelming at first. Our guide covers everything you need to know. So if you’re wondering “How do I buy a repossessed motorhome?”, start here!

Why are repossessed motorhomes sold at auctions?

If a motorhome owner doesn’t keep up with payments on a motorhome loan, the lender will repossess the vehicle, i.e. take it back into their possession. The motorhomes are then often sold on to a motorhome dealer, who will very likely sell it at a motorhome auction. So if you’re a new buyer, motorhome auctions can be an affordable way of getting your own vehicle.

Other motorhomes at motorhome auctions may be excess stock that a dealer is selling off, or written-off vehicles that have been repaired. It’s also possible that a dealer will sell a motorhome at auction to finance another vehicle, or simply keep cash flow coming in.

When thinking “How do I buy a repossessed motorhome?”, it’s normal to be concerned that a vehicle being sold at auction will have something wrong with it. But while you do have to pay attention and look out for faults, often a motorhome is for sale simply because the dealer wants to move it on, for the reasons above.

Keep your eyes open and you could get a great deal!

How do I buy a repossessed motorhome?

1. Decide your price range – and stick to it

Before even thinking “How do I buy a repossessed motorhome?”, decide on your budget. It’s easy to get carried away when browsing used motorhomes for sale – set your budget and find a motorhome to suit it, rather than finding a motorhome first and trying to make your budget stretch.

Remember you might have to make repairs or refurbish your motorhome. And don’t forget about auction commission rates!

2. Make a list of your must-haves

Do you want a motorhome with low mileage? Off-grid capability? One that’s ready to drive off, rather than a project to renovate how you like? How many sleeping berths do you want? Knowing exactly what you want (and what you can afford) allows you to go into a motorhome auction with a clear plan.

3. Call local dealers

Phone – or better yet, call into – motorhome dealerships in your local area. A dealer might have just obtained a repossessed motorhome in the model you want, or be particularly keen to move one on. The dealer will save on auction fees by selling direct to a private buyer, so this can work out very satisfactorily!

4. Check with your bank It can be a long shot, but asking your bank if there are any motorhomes on their repossession list can be an easy way of buying a repossessed motorhome. You should be able to finance the sale through the bank too.

5. Look on as many auction sites as possible

Finding motorhome auction sites in the UK is easy, so look on as many as possible to get a feel for what’s on the market and what prices are like. Motorhome owners’ forums like Motorhome Fun are very helpful on all things RV.

BCA Marketplace (formerly British Car Auctions,) Manheim Remarketing and Silverstone Auctions are the three of the biggest auction sites for used vehicles in the UK; search “motorhome repossession auctions” to find lots more.

6. Go to several auctions before bidding

If you’re already asking “How do I buy a repossessed motorhome”, you’re probably keen to buy sooner rather than later. Seasoned motorhomers recommend going to at least five auctions before placing any bids. Get a feel for how things work, what likely prices are, and what’s available for your set budget.

Of course, you might opt to bid for your motorhome in an online auction. We still recommend going to some auctions in person first – there’s no quicker way of picking up tips and learning how to avoid pitfalls.

7. Get to the auction early

Once you’ve identified a motorhome you’d like to buy, arrive at least an hour before the auction starts, so you have time to check it over. This also means you won’t rush your bid if an auction is ending soon. It’s better to let a motorhome go than bid if you’re not 100% sure of it.

8. Check the catalogue

The motorhome description in the catalogue should be thorough, as it comprises the terms under which the vehicle is sold. Most repossessed motorhomes will be “sold as seen” – in other words, sold in their present condition with no obligation of repairs by the dealer.

The motorhome may be sold with a motorhome warranty: double check. If not, you can buy this from warranty companies after you buy your motorhome.

9. Know what else to check

It’s not enough to just look over the motorhome: you’ll need to be thorough. As well as service history, make sure you check:

Damp

Bring a damp/moisture meter and check all round the interior and exterior for signs of water seepage in the motorhome. How does the floor feel? Is there a smell of mould or damp?

Rust

Again, thoroughly check all round the interior and exterior of the motorhome. Like damp, rust can be a big problem for a motorhome and may cost a lot to fix.

Engine

Start the engine or ask for it to be started, listening out for problems and checking there isn’t a smell of burnt fuel.

General checks

Furniture, flooring, cupboards, driving cab… check everything is present and correct.

HPI

Hire Purchase Investigation (HPI) checks make sure the motorhome is valid to be sold – in other words, that it isn’t stolen and isn’t on finance elsewhere. A HPI check will also cover the mileage. A BCA auction and others tend to do this automatically, but always ask to see a HPI if you’re not sure. You can check a vehicle’s HPI online, using its registration number.

10. Keep calm and bid late

Time to bid! Auctions can be loud and fast paced, and it’s easy to get swept up in the atmosphere or not be able to understand the auctioneer – another good reason to go to a few auctions before making any bids. As with any auction, start your bidding as late as you can if current bids are low.

It’s worth repeating – once it’s time to bid for your chosen motorhome at an auction, don’t go over your budget no matter how much you want this particular van. Another one will come along, even if you have to wait.

11.. Keep legalities in mind

Once a bid is accepted (and not outbid), as a buyer it’s legally binding for you to pay the price in full.

Earn a return on your motorhome

“How do I buy a repossessed motorhome?” – sorted! Follow our advice and tips above to safely and easily buy a repossessed motorhome in the UK. And once you have it, why not start to make your money back by hiring your motorhome out to other holidaymakers? Don’t just let your motorhome sit on the driveway – make up to £10,000 a year listing it on Camplify. See how to hire my motorhome to get started.

We have plenty more tips on motorhome buying too! Have a look at our best month to buy a used motorhome guide for money-saving tips and our guide todepreciation of motorhomes to see how your motorhome can hold its value.

Need some inspiration? Our best motorhomes to buy in the UK guide has plenty for your wish list.

Why Camplify?

Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your motorhome.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your motorhome. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your motorhome to get more and more bookings!

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your motorhome with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your motorhome, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!