Traders price negotiations

As you say you are new to caravanning, my best advice is to buy something fairly small, and not to outlay too much (but not so old that it is likely to fall apart). A private sale may be best may to go. After travelling with your first van, you will know what you do and don't like about it and enable you to make a better choice when you go for a more expensive purchase. You will also get better advice from someone who has travelled extensively in that caravan than from a dealer who just wants your money. Negotiate of course; same as with a used car dealer.

Motherhen (perhaps we are distant rellies Mr Chicken)

Thanks for he quick replies and we are looking at a second hand van. I am used to dealing with car salesmen/women and just wanted to know if van traders were the same. As well as my original question are there any traps for a young chicken like myself should be wary of. Motherhen you never know, six degrees of seperation as they say.

I'd reckon caravan traders would be similar to lots of people in the vehicle game, one step above criminals like real estate agents and politicians.

Simply remember to buy with your head - not your heart. The money is in your pocket and if they know that you are really interested in buying, they will (should) do anything to get the deal. Just don't rush, take your time and be 100% happy with the deal BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING.

Spend as much as you can afford we bought a second hand van it looked the real deal until it rained went out got rid of it and got a new van ,no trouble and like other vaners hope to get some where near the price in 4 to 5 years

Mr Chicken ,
I also am in the market for a second hand van . I am surprised at some adverts I see because , some people give external van measurements and otheres give internal ones .
A trap for young players .
Cheers ,
Willie .