Are you BUYING?

• Buyer’s checklist
• Pre-test checkover
• Choosing the right RV

Are you SELLING?

• Preparing for sale
• Writing the advertisment

Advice for OWNERS

• Towing tips
• Awning advice
• Tyres
• Avoiding breakdowns
• Security
• Setting up for travelling

Buyer's checklist

• Write a ‘wish list’ of all the things you want to do with the motorhome or caravan. Make sure the seller understands what you want.
• Children grow, so will the motorhome or caravan be big enough for your future needs?
• It may be more cost effective to buy a larger motorhome or caravan now than upgrading in a few years. Check prices of slightly older motorhomes and caravans to see how much they have depreciated to give you an idea of the cost of upgrading.
• Be specific about what components you want in the motorhome or caravan, but be open to suggestions of other, maybe better, components available.
• If you cannot find what you want, consider a custom-built van, but be aware that a special motorhome or caravan built to suit your needs may not command a resale price as high as one that has a standard type layout.
• Good quality insulation will keep the motorhome/caravan interior temperature stable.
• Most New Zealand caravans spend time in our salt-laden coastal atmosphere, so a galvanised chassis that doesn’t rust is a good choice.
• Make sure it complies with New Zealand standards such as gas and electrical.
  

Pre-Test Checkover

Bodywork:

• Dents, scratches or ripples; does the paint on panels and doors all match. Has it been crashed and repaired?
• Paint overspray on trim, under wheel arches or underneath the vehicle from repainting after crash or rust repairs.
• Consistent gaps between panels. Disparencies can indicate poor reassembly after crash repairs.
• Chipping or starring of the windscreen which may prevent getting a Warrant of Fitness (WOF).

Under the bonnet, check:

• The level and condition of the oil. There should be no creamy sludge and the oil should still be relatively clean and transparent-looking.
• The level of the cooling fluid in the radiator header/catch tank. Look for signs of oil in the water.
• Cracks or wear in the hoses and drive belts.
• For burning oil smells or other out-of-the-ordinary fumes or excessive smoke. Look for signs of oil leaks.

Inside, check for:

• Wear on upholstery, pedal rubbers or carpeting that seems excessive for the mileage or age. Saggy seats on a low-mileage vehicle can hint at odometer being wound back.
• Damp areas on the carpet, roof lining or carpet underfelt, indicating water leaks. Be suspicious if there are any musty smells.
• That all the controls work, and that the sound system and air-conditioning, power mirrors and windows are operating correctly.
  

Money Owing

If the vehicle is diesel powered, check that there are no Road User Charges owing (telephone the RUC Helpdesk, 0800 655 644). Services that can provide an immediate and comprehensive check that includes these issues and more are; The Vehicle Information ReportTM (VIRTM) on 0900 843 847 or www.vir.co.nz and the AA Lemon Check on 0900 909 777 or www.aalemoncheck.co.nz

Preparing for sale

• A little elbow grease is worth it. Do the bits you don’t normally do – door, boot and bonnet openings, plus the engine bay.
• Vacuum the carpets, and polish the hard surfaces. Throw out all rubbish and anything loose
• Clean windows inside and out, and polish trims, especially chrome
• Black the tyres
• If you're a smoker, stick a deodoriser in a couple of weeks in advance of the sale (and DON’T smoke in it!)
• Top up all the fluids, including power steering, automatic transmission, window washers, radiators. It’s also good to change the oil, and check the tyre pressures are even.
• Make sure all receipts and ‘associated materials’ are on hand, like service records, so you can show the buyer if they ask.
• Head down to the Post Office and collect forms for the buyer and for the seller
• Ensure you’ve paid all outstanding registration fees. You’re still liable for them if it’s unregistered when you sell it.
  

Writing the advertisement

• The ad you write must be clear, to the point and honest.
• What are the essentials? Year Make, Model, Series, Body Type, engine, transmission, mileage and general condition
• Detail additional information and attempt to relate a benefit
• Minimise abbreviations
• Price your vehicle. Check out what similar vehicles are going for, and see how your model compares.
  

Trade Safely

Don't give your personal details out over email. Remember: It is essential for you to trust the seller – and be sure the vehicle is genuine – before parting with any money, even a small deposit.