A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Motorhome

Buying a motorhome is an exciting opportunity that allows people of all ages to get out and explore everything Britain has to offer. It can however also be a daunting task, with so many factors to consider from price to motorhome type. 

In this blog, we’ll cover all the basics you need to think about as a beginner motorhome buyer so you can make the best decision and select the right vehicle for you.

Are you wanting to finance your first motorhome? At Auto Finance we’ll walk you through the application process and help you get on the road in no time!

Decide the type of motorhome you want 

Motorhomes typically come in 3 standard sizes from class A-C. Each one has its own set of benefits and uses. Identifying what you want to do with your motorhome will help you determine which motorhome class is right for you. 

Class A Motorhome

This is the biggest and grandest type of motorhome. Class A motorhomes are built on a bus chassis and offer a large amount of space with luxury amenities. Separate rooms including bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and a fitted kitchen offer everything you’d expect from a static home or house.

This style of motorhome is perfect for travellers looking to spend long periods on the open road. You’ll be able to experience all the comforts of a standard home in a portable vehicle. With everything a Class A motorhome offers, it’s important to note that it’s usually the most expensive.

Class B Motorhome

Ideal for solo travellers or couples a Class B motorhome is commonly recognised as a campervan. These vehicles still offer the essentials you need whilst on the road including a place to sleep, cook and wash but they offer less space than a Class A option. Although a smaller space, Class B motorhomes are much easier to drive and can usually be driven by anyone in possession of a standard car licence. 

This type of motorhome is also a more compact option which allows for easier storage and parking, great if you’re heading off-road to countryside sites. 

Class C Motorhome

If you’re looking for a balance between space and drivability then a Class C motorhome is the choice for you. This type of motorhome offers more space than a Class B vehicle, with overhead sleeping for extra living space. You’ll find kitchen, living and bathroom facilities in a smaller space than that of a Class A but still roomy enough for several travellers, unlike a Class B motorhome. 

If you’re a fan of regular road trips with the family, a Class C motorhome can accommodate friends and family whilst remaining relatively simple to drive. 

Determine your budget

When buying a motorhome, budget is a huge decision. You’ll consider several factors that will determine how much you’re willing to spend on your motorhome. Once you’ve got an estimated budget, you can use our easy calculator to determine your motorhome finance repayments. 

Usage

If you’re planning to use your motorhome every weekend or for longer trips, you’ll want to consider buying a motorhome that has a wide range of amenities for living on the road. If you are taking the full family on the road you will most likely need a Class C or A motorhome to give you the maximum amount of space. 

Preowned or brand-new

Deciding between a new or a used model when buying a motorhome will significantly influence your budget. A used motorhome can be considerably cheaper than a new one and should still be in perfect working condition without the need for any repairs. If you want to be the first owner of a motorhome an outright purchase of a new model will inevitably cost more. 

Driving and manoeuvring

If you want to drive a motorhome with a standard driver’s licence you’re limited on the type of model you can choose. If you want to drive a model over 3,500kg you will usually have to apply for an additional Category C1 licence. You can find out more on this from our dedicated blog on licences needed for motorhomes. This means that you will have to pay additional costs for test and licence applications.

If you want a motorhome that’s easy to park and drive then a smaller model is ideal, however, this may mean compromising on size so it’s important to find the balance. 

If you’re concerned about the cost of buying a motorhome you can check out our best ways to save money on motorhome travel.

Financing a motorhome

When you have an idea of the type of motorhome you like, you need to decide how you’re going to pay for it. Buying a motorhome outright is usually too expensive for most people as it’s a large sum of money. Therefore the most common way to pay is through finance.

When financing a vehicle you’re typically expected to opt for a down payment of around 10-20%. However, when you finance a motorhome through Auto Finance you can benefit from a £0 deposit and other brilliant terms like hire-to-purchase agreements where you can walk away with the motorhome as your own at the end of your payment period.

Insurance and Inspections

Before you hit the road in your motorhome, you’ll want to ensure you’ve thoroughly inspected the vehicle and have all the correct insurance. You should also check if the vehicle has had an MOT if it is preowned. You can find out more about motorhome MOTs and what they mean for you with our dedicated blog. 

It’s important to take out contents insurance to protect your valuables against damage or theft. You’ll also need to insure the actual vehicle itself in the same way you would a normal car. 

Finance your first motorhome through Auto Finance

If you’re set on buying a motorhome then there’s no better way than financing through Auto Finance. Not only do we scour the country for the best loan rates, but we do all our own inspections to ensure you get the keys to a perfect motorhome. 

Browse our website and find out how our process works or contact one of our experts to find out the best finance option for you. We’ll help advise you on all the key points surrounding your first motorhome purchase and outline a repayment plan before you confirm your agreement so you know exactly how much you’ll be paying.