Finding the best camper van by comparing used vs. new
Camper vans are a great way to travel across the country while also being able to save on lodging costs and camp on your own terms. Unfortunately, many buyers often run into the age-old question of whether to buy a brand new camper van or to buy a used one.
While there is no one right answer, you can better inform yourself to make the best possible decision for your specific set of circumstances.
Pros of buying a new camper van
New camper vans often afford you the latest and greatest accommodations when it comes to mobile camping. By being the first person to ever own a camper van, it will be much easier to customize it to have everything you would want or need while on the open road.
Additionally, brand new camper vans are often under warranty which will cover them in case anything fails within either the first few years of ownership or a particular distance is driven, whichever of these comes first. If you will likely be driving the camper van frequently, you may want to consider such a warranty.
Finally, because the camper van is fresh off of the lot, you know for certain that you are its only owner. This eliminates any worries that there are hidden issues or kinks with the camper van. If you know exactly what you want and are willing to pay for it, a new camper van may be the way to go.
Cons of buying a new camper van
The main reason why some people shy away from buying a brand new camper van is because of the cost. For those who may want to only use their camper van occasionally or only seasonally, buying a brand new one may be too steep of an investment.
Additionally, similar to buying a new vehicle, brand new camper vans often depreciate far faster than used camper vans. This means that if you decide to sell the van after owning it for only a year or 2, you will likely get a far lower value back from a dealer or the seller from whom you initially purchased it.
Finally, many full-time campers are not willing to take on the additional insurance costs of a brand new camper van. The van is often not paid off and requires additional insurance to be sure that it is covered when out on the road. If you are worried about the high cost or just getting started with camping or camping vans in general, you may want to consider buying a used camper van.
Pros of buying a used camper van
One of the biggest advantages of selecting one of the thousands of used camper vans for sale is that you can often find an incredible deal. This is primarily because of the rapid depreciation in the value of a camper van after it comes off the assembly line. This can lead families to get a camper van with only a few thousand miles on it for a fraction of the cost of a brand new one.
Additionally, the cost of insurance for a used camper van is much lower than that of a newer camper van.
Finally, because the previous owners are able to work out many of the existing issues with a new vehicle, you are often purchasing a fully worn-in vehicle that is ready to live out the majority of its useful life with many of the kinks worked out. If you don’t mind a used vehicle and want to save a few bucks, a used camper van may be perfect for you.
Cons of buying a used camper van
One of the biggest downfalls of buying a used camper van is that you often have to make some compromises. Your selection of affordable camper vans is often much smaller than the available new camper vans for sale. This can often lead to not getting exactly what you and your family may have envisioned with a new van.
Also, there may be some existing issues with a used camper van that previous owners may not disclose. There may be issues down the road that you may not have with a new camper. If you are not someone who likes to put some sweat equity into their vehicle or needs to always have the latest and greatest model, then buying a used camper van may not be the right option for you.
Which is right for you — new or used?
The greatest thing about shopping for a new camper van is that there is no one right answer or type of van to purchase. By better identifying your exact set of wants and needs, you can better select the perfect new or used camper van for your situation.
At the end of the day, buying any type of camping van is an investment in your future full of fun and memory-making. The key is to make a well-informed choice and stick with it! You won’t regret it.