Buying your first motorhome or caravan is an exciting event and one that involves a lot of decisions. As anyone who has ever been through the process will attest, it can be a little overwhelming once you start to think about all the options available. Here are a few tips to get started.
Do your research
The average RV buyer spends about nine months researching before they make a purchase. That may seem like a long time, but once you start looking, you’ll soon realise just how much there is to consider before making that big purchase. One of the first things to ask yourself is how you will use your motorhome.
Think about how often you’ll travel, where to, and whether you’ll spend more time in campgrounds or freedom camping. This will help you set expectations around what you need in your RV. From there, you can start doing research in magazines, online, by talking to other RV owners and visiting RV shows.
Choose a reputable dealer
Buying privately can be a good option if you’ve done a lot of research and have had the motorhome or caravan checked over properly. However, buying through a trusted, reputable dealer gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if something goes wrong or you need help further down the track, your dealer will have your back. You’ll also have the benefit of warranties and servicing options.
Set your budget
It’s a good idea to have a set budget, but with some flexibility. Motorhomes and caravans vary in price just as cars do, and pricing is set on several variables, including the vehicle’s age, condition, make and model, size, and accessories. You may be able to pick up an older second-hand RV or ex-rental for about $50,000, while brand new, late-model vehicles may cost $140,000 or more.
Sometimes, a few extra thousand can mean the difference between a motorhome that you’re happy with for now, or an RV that you’ll be in love with for years to come, and that may be worth the extra cost.
Consider a finance broker
The purchase of a caravan or motorhome is a considerable financial commitment. If you’re planning to use finance, a broker can be very helpful. Finance brokers have access to several lenders in the marketplace and will browse around for the best rate to help you get into your new motorhome.
Credit One NZ specialise in the marine, RV, caravan, motorbike, motorhome and trucking industries and work with over 15 reputable lenders. They now have associations with more than 200 dealers nationwide specialising in the motorhome, RV and caravan space.
They also have industry professionals to guide you step-by-step through the finance process from start to finish. And wherever you are in New Zealand, a dedicated broker can come to see you if needed.
In circumstances when it is difficult to get an approval due to your credit history, or for non-regular lending or short-term bridging finance (so you can purchase today while still selling your current motorhome), a finance broker can often provide a positive outcome.
To find out more about how Credit One NZ can get you into the motorhome of your dreams, visit
