Second hand Wartz Caravan..

Hi Jim & Anna

Not sure about the Wartz brand, maybe only locally produced back then.

I hope its not this one Wartz as this one definately does not look to be extensively renovated.

I would think you have to trust your own judgement when you look at it. Dont be led by the salesman or your eagerness to buy your first van. There are thousands of vans for sale and in the early 80s market there are plenty available. There are also enough of the renovated 80s models that come on the market too, so dont think you have to buy this one or you will miss out.

When looking at it (or any other one) think about the time it comes for you to sell and how easy or hard it will be for you then. Most likely you wont be liking everything that appeals to you about your first van after you have used it a few times. You only really find out what you like/hate/wish you had when you have used one for a while. It is a good point to start in the cheaper market as you wont be spending big money on something that you really dont know if it will be still as appealing after you buy it. Older vans can be heavy. They also can have rotten floors so look in and underneath at it carefully to see if the flooring really has been replaced or maybe just covered over. It can be a big job to replace flooring. Look for evidence of previous/current leaks (leak repairs do not always fix the leaks). Can your vehicle tow it? Is the towball weight ok? How long has it been on the market? Any history of ownership? Anything that makes an unknown brand a better buy than a more common brand in the same condition?

I personally would be buying something that has good common market appeal, in good condition, with something about it making it a better resale option later on when the caravan bug hits you and you want to upgrade - even if its secondhand again. If this one is as good as it sounds and at right price maybe you will get your money back, as vans seldom lose lots of money. I actually doubled my money on my first van ($4K to $8K). Dont buy with your heart - use your head and think ahead. Good luck with it. Maybe ask at the caravan forums to see if anyone has heard of the brand.