Advice on buying £2-4k first caravan

Yes it is possible to find what you seek but they are few and far between. May be more difficult at this time of year as well. As a caution if it smells damp it's damp.

Try John Charles on a6 fair and honest some in your price range and if any accessories in van it is included in price

Yes it is possible to find a lovely caravan for that budget. It will take time, and lots of mileage, and as Mitsi says, your nose is your friend. Don't be shy when viewing a van, open cupboards and use a damp meter. We looked on autotrader and eBay and in local newspaper adverts. We saw a lot of shockers, mostly at dealerships, who tried to tell us that damp was normal; it's not. Walk away from anything with damp. 

(We now have a lovely 1998 Buccaneer in immaculate condition inside, with no damp, which we are using happily year round, year 3 and counting...)

We had a wishlist, which we swiftly discarded; in the end, we bought the best condition van for the money regardless of layout, roof light etc. it also had a full size awning included, which may or may not be another consideration.

Finally (I can hear you saying "thank goodness" under your breath, you know! ) look at the mass of the van. We inadvertently bought a really heavy van and were surprised that our Freelander wouldn't tow it. Even though it wasn't greatly outmatched, the van was definitely in charge downhill, so we traded up to a Disco.

Good luck with your search, caravanning really is the life. 

Yes! You will find an older van without damp within your budget - I promise. The nose is king in this situation and don't be afraid to get down on all fours and really give the lockers a very close inspection. Our Bessacarr is fifteen years old and dry as a bone. Also expect to see all the services working as they should. Happy Hunting. 

I would buy a decent damp meter and ask to use it on any caravan you are looking at. If the seller refuses enough said, if not check allong where the walls meet the roof, the corners and the floor to wall joints and around the windows. 

Damp around the windows can be condensation so look under the rubber seal to see if that is the problem.

Check all equipment works and look carefully for damage and other problems.

Hi.

You will get a fantastic van for that price. I'd suggest a private purchase as you are more likely to get additonal equipment. Thats always a bonus as caravan equipment is expensive. Yes most caravans will have a degree of moisture and damp but this isn't nealry always as bad as it seems. Make sure you check the panelling in all the corners internally, Give it a good push and a chap to ensure that there is a good clear knock when you chap and it doesn't sound dull. Do the same in cupbords along the roof line. Check under the seating area as well. Some caravans may show signs of water damage, don't confuse this with dampness as it will dry out. The area around the windows should also be checked. There are many mobile service engineers who will happily carry out a pre inspection check for you. I'd say that trade prices are always hugely inflated and you have very little or no protection in the absence of a maufacturers warranty. Happpy Hunting. Alistair..

I found my best budget van for sale at a private site.  Lots of choice as regulars were trading up.  All extras included plus bargaining on listed price!  

hello we went just over your budget to £4500 and bought an old hymer (which we love) but also made same mistake as mjh thinking our transit would tow it and had to trade transit for a discovery , which defeated the whole object of economical hobby , but eventually have got used to discovery now  and enjoy it without missing van too much cheers mrs bc:) so check your towing match before buying :/

Sorry forgot to mention we bought it off ebay :)

I would buy a decent damp meter and ask to use it on any caravan you are looking at. If the seller refuses enough said, if not check allong where the walls meet the roof, the corners and the floor to wall joints and around the windows. 

Damp around the windows can be condensation so look under the rubber seal to see if that is the problem.

Check all equipment works and look carefully for damage and other problems.

This is excellent advice. Damp is the biggest problem that you are likely to encounter but a meter will make sure you can avoid it.