Buying a first used caravan

Perhaps an important thing, whatever brand you choose, is to buy from a dealer. One that has a good reputation and you think you can trust. There are some good ones and not so good ones, size or big name being no guide to good support. They at least can offer you a guarantee of some sort. Buying privately might be cheaper but you have no recourse if you have a problem if any sort. You may be able to get a survey of your chosen caravan.

As others have said, damp is the main enemy of caravans, mechanicals can be sorted. With respect to another poster, buying a damp meter is not a good idea, a reliable one will cost you, always assuming you know how to use it. Sellers may not take kindly to you sticking probes into the walls of their caravans. A good dealer will show you the damp testing report they issued when the used van was traded in. Our Swift Elegance (2021) has a lifetime damp warranty, as it’s all plastic with no timber to rot. A design perhaps worth considering.

I don’t know where you are, but I can recommend Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, we’ve dealt with them for many years, outstanding service. I hasten to add that we have no connection with them.

"What I know of German caravans is-they are very heavy due to the solid construct which is excellent but narrows down your choice of tow cars, potentially expensive Caravan & expensive tow car. They lack many extras but offer them as post van purchases."

Sorry - but I have to disagree with you Rocky - certainly in the case of our Starclass.  It's MIRO is actually 10kg lighter than our previous Barcelona but it has a 365kg payload - unlike the Bailey which had a paltry 160kg. Yes, it can be heavy when fully laden - but that's down to the owner - at least you've got the choice. Given the solid construction of the furniture etc and the totally over-engineered hinges and catches, I really don't know how they've done it.

In terms of 'extras' - it has everything and more than a UK van - other than a solar panel. In addition to Truma or Alde heating - underfloor heating as well - higher level of insulation, microwave, dual fuel hob and oven, huge fridge/freezer, hailstone-proof roof, locking window catches, security bolts as part of the main door lock, ATC etc etc. 

Yes we have a 2008 Coachman, we bought when 3 years old for £10k and it has been great, a little bit of damp but nothing to write home about, and it has most of what the modern vans of today have, and inside the finish is probably better than a lot of vans of today.

Something I have not seen mentioned is your budget or how often you intend to use your caravan, not much point in spending £20K + if the van is going to be on your drive or in storage for 6 months of the year, so you could skip things like central heating, electric flush toilets (more prone to failing) , internal water pump which can be expensive if they go wrong, external pump you can buy new for £70, floor to ceiling fridge and many more, after all if you intend only to use during the summer months or perhaps a trip to warmer climates you will probably only use the caravan as a bedroom with a little bit of cooking inside maybe. some on here use their RV possibly 300 days per year and go for the full monty but my guess is they are in the minority.   

Our British built Bailey of 2009 heritage has been brilliant and still going strong! and will be going on the continent again in September. 

I haven't looked for particular makes but on what they have to offer which of course is very personal. For instance one of the reasons we bought this one was the fixed double bed and the large end washroom. 

I would definitely get one with some warranty. Enjoy having a good look round before you commit. 

Try looking on you tube at the caravan place good selection and prices are pretty reasonable