How to List Your Motor Home for Sale – UK Guide
Your motor home won’t serve you forever. Your family may have grown, so you need to upgrade to a bigger unit.
But first, you should put your motor home for sale. In this article, we’ll explain the intricacies of the motor home sales process and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Putting Your Motor Home for Sale – UK-Based Motorists, Take Note
Selling a motor home doesn’t work the same as selling a regular vehicle. You’ll need to pay special attention to the following steps.
Valuation
Valuing your motor home can be challenging. Vehicles vary drastically in terms of size, layout, and specifications.
Here are a few tips to help you determine the price of your motor home:
Research forecourts and classified adverts to see the value of similar models.
Adjust the price according to the vehicle’s condition, modifications, and mileage.
If you’re part-exchanging, keep in mind that dealers offer a lower price than the market value because they want to make a profit.
Sales Method
Motor home sales are flexible. You can choose from a number of options when listing your motor home for sale:
Magazine adverts – If you’re selling your vehicle through a newspaper or magazine advert, provide as much information as possible. Include the size of the engine, type of your motor home, year of production, service history, mileage, colour, equipment, and unique features.
Online – Websites generally require you to list the same information as adverts. Some web pages are more expensive than others, so choose your platform carefully.
Auctions – These can be an excellent way to sell a motor home. You can get a great price, but you’ll need to pay a commission to list your vehicle.
Dealers – A dealer can buy your vehicle or perform a part exchange. If you’re considering the latter, do it in summer when dealers typically offer higher prices since they can sell your motor home quickly.
Dealer return or sale – This method requires you to hand your vehicle over to your dealer so they can sell it on a return or sales basis. The most significant advantage is that the dealer meets potential buyers on your behalf. The downside is that there are commissions.
Preparation
Your motor home must be in tip-top shape, meaning you’ll need to roll up your sleeves. Here’s a quick preparation checklist:
Wash the motor home with vehicle shampoo, focusing on the wheels and windows.
Shine the alloys and check your grey water outlet.
Check the locks and remove personal items from the interior. Get rid of the clutter so that the motor home looks roomier.
Clean the upholstery, curtains, and carpet. Additionally, air your motor home to get rid of any unpleasant odours.
Make sure the fridge, cooker, and other utilities work correctly. You can also install a full gas bottle and empty your toilet cassette.
Test any gadgets.
Paperwork
Documentation might be the most important part of the sales process. It helps prevent legal issues and makes potential buyers more confident about the purchase.
You should sort out the following documents:
Motorhome Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate – Before selling a motor home, you’ll need to obtain an MOT certificate. A lack of one is a huge red flag to the buyer.
Service history – A service history document proves you’ve maintained your motor home properly, making it more appealing.
V5C Certificate – This document registers your motor home with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). It includes key details about the vehicle, such as the manufacturer, engine size, and colour.
VIN Number – The VIN should be located on your chassis. Potential buyers will look for it because it’s the safest way to figure out the identity of your vehicle.
After the Sale
Once you’ve agreed to a sale, don’t hand over your keys until you receive the funds. You should also notify the DVLA that you’re no longer the owner of your motor home by sending a V5C document. Wait for the DVLA to respond and confirm the transfer of ownership.
Start the Search for a New Motor Home
The first part of upgrading to a new motor home is putting your current motor home for sale. UK-based buyers have a keen eye, so make sure to properly handle the valuation, preparation, documentation, and post-sales activity.
After receiving the money, you’ll be one step closer to a new motor home.