Top Tips for first time buyers

I want to be free in a motorhome, but which one do I buy?

No two motorhome owners are the same, or have the same aspirations.

First-time buyers would be well advised to look at the more compact, car-like, van-based conversions before stepping into a much larger - and grander - luxury coachbuilt model equipped for longer tours and excursions

Take a look at our pre-owned stocklist of van based models, where you will find a range of excellent motorhome tourers starting from as little as £14,995 for a two berth, 2.0 litre manual gearbox model with many creature comforts like blown air heating, hob, cooker, fridge, awning, mains hook-up and second battery.

In our pre-owned stock list there may well be a choice of petrol or diesel engine models on a Ford, Peugeot or Mercedes chassis, and all with Power Steering. Be sure to check our website pre-owned stock regularly as we are constantly adding new deals daily for hungry first-time buyers.

Do I plan my motorhome needs?

It is always best to sit down with your partner and plan your motorhome requirements. Don't rush it. Think it through carefully, and be sure to consider climate changes, especially if travelling overseas.

Questions should be asked like, "Are we only going to go away for weekends and short breaks?"

Similarly you might be deciding on whether or not you will make travel excursions in autumn and winter, and therefore require warm air heating on board.

Summertime motorhome travellers may aspire to a reliable Cab Air Conditioning system, which Simpsons can supply and install.

Are you travelling with young children on board?

Do you require passenger seat belts fitted?

How many sleeping berths are needed?

Do you want an in-built shower and bathroom in a van-based design?

What in-built entertainment facilities do you require like HDTV or DVD?

Today's new van based conversions do offer first-time buyers many high level specifications, including insulated, aerodynamically designed roofs, security safes in the floor, athermic windows to elimate condensation, flat screen TV/DVD and freeview system, TV aerial point, blown air heating and cab air conditioning.

Essentially, a motor caravan can be EXACTLY what you want it to be into today's high tech, high spec marketplace, but you must not get carried away with your gadgets or otherwise the costs will spiral out of your budget ceiling.

Always set a Budget for your Motorhome investment

First time buyers would be prudent to look at our stock of pre-owned motorhomes on the website regularly ( at least once a week ) and check out their individual specifications. Van-based models will vary considerably in fixtures and fittings, and you should always keep all your motorhome investment plans strictly within the confines of a budget. These can start from as little as £14,995 and this will look very affordable.

Simpsons sales advisors like Brinley, Steve and Greg will invariably ask you early in your discussions, "Do you have a budget in mind?"

Those seeking a new or nearly new van-based model may have a budget, set considerably higher: a superb, new Auto-Sleeper Warwick Duo 2.2 HD; van-based motor caravan will cost towards £45,000 but it will offer the owners an incredibly high vehicle specification.

Similarly, prudent buyers seeking to upgrade from an older, van-based motorhome to a more modern, coachbuilt conversion may have set their budget slightly differently were they to be seeking an Auto-Trail Cheyenne 2.3 diesel with four berths on an 07 plate registrations. A realistic budget, if the vehicle carried a high spec, would be towards £37,000 on the road.

Do Simpsons arrange Finance Deals for Buyers?

Every motorhome buyer needs to know Simpsons can arrange very competitive Finance Deals ( subject to status and credit rating ) - on all of our motor caravans in stock. We would be delighted to prepare a full quotation for any customer, either via the internet and by email, or while visiting our Sales Centre in Great Yarmouth.

We can also offer buyers a "Seek and Find" service within the confines of a pre-agreed vehicle specification and budget. Simply email your motorhome specifications to us and we will endeavour to source the ideal motorhome investment for you.

What priority requirements do you need to determine first?

1. Is it to be a van-based or coachbuilt model?
2. A pre-owned vehicle or new model with manufacturer's warranties?
3. Pre-determine your MAXIMUM budget inc. VAT.
4. • Diesel or Petrol engine?
   • Engine size?
5. • Number of berths required? E.g. 2, 3 or 4 berth.
   • Do you require a fixed, double divan built-in?
6. • Do you want a built-in shower?
   • Or full en-suite facilities?
7. • Hi or Lo-Line motorhome design?
   • Luton style coachbuilt design for extra space/bedding?
8. Do you require an Awning or Room Extension?
9. Do you want Cruise Control fitted in the vehicle?
10. Would you like Cab Air Conditioning?
11. Are you seeking home comfort extras like a built-in, Home Entertainment system?
12. When do you want to take delivery by (date)?