Police Auctions Or Motorhome Dealers?

If you plan on buying a used motorhome you could decide to go to a police auction or a seized auction or you could buy from an established motorhome dealer. If you buy from the dealer this will be the most expensive option but will probably offer the most security. If you buy from the auction you will without a doubt be able to get a used motorhome at a fraction of the price offered by the dealer. The risk however will be a lot higher. In this article there are a few pointers that will help to minimize that risk and make buying at auction a little more attractive.

Security

When you buy from an established dealer you get a certain peace of mind that it is an established company with a reputation to withhold. They will know that if they treat you well then you will be you be counting on you to return in a few years time to renew your motorhome. At a police auction the only security you will have is that which is given to you by the mechanic you take along with you.

Warranty

At a police auction there are no guarantees offered except for if the vehicle is running or not. At a motorhome dealership you normally get a short 30 day guarantee with an option to extend that to a one year limited warranty for an extra fee. The warranties normally only cover the mechanical side and not the fixture and fittings.

Finance plans

Not offered at the auctions, the used motorhome dealer will be able to arrange a selection of payment plans so you can make your purchase with easy monthly payments.

Take your time

When buying from a motorhome dealer you do not have the same sense of urgency as you do at the police auctions. At the auctions you have a few hours to check out any number of vehicles you might be interested in bidding on. Buying from a dealer you will have time to view at your leisure and even think about your final decision for a few days.

Money

The cost is the main reason to buy from an auction instead of a motorhome dealer. The vehicles go for so much less that you can afford to bid on far superior models knowing that you will still be within budget.

Motorhome dealers buy from auctions

Dealerships buy and part exchange motorhomes from individuals but also the do attend police auctions and seized auctions where the often buy motorhomes to sell on later. Chances are the motorhome you are looking at with the dealer has come from a police auction itself.

If you know what you are looking for, have a good mechanic with you and know some of the things to look for when checking over a motorhome then buying at a police auction will completely cut out the middle man and could get you an absolute bargain.

Source by Barry Bushnell