Buying a Motorhome Advice Guide

Buying a motorhome is a big decision, and the best place to start is by thinking about how you want to travel. You don’t need to know every technical detail straight away. Work through the main considerations below and use the tools to help identify the vehicles that suit you.

1. Which Type of Motorhome Is Right for You?

Motorhomes come in different shapes and sizes. The right option depends on how much living space you want, where you plan to travel and how you intend to use your vehicle.

Campervans

Compact and versatile, campervans suit buyers who value manoeuvrability and flexibility. Depending on the model, they can include a kitchen, washroom and additional pop-top sleeping space.

Worth considering if: you want a compact vehicle for trips away and everyday flexibility.

Coachbuilt Motorhomes

These offer a dedicated living space, usually with a kitchen, washroom, lounge and sleeping accommodation. Layouts range from compact designs to larger family-friendly models.

Worth considering if: you want a balance of living space, comfort and practical touring.

A-Class Motorhomes

With an integrated cab and purpose-designed body, A-class motorhomes can provide a spacious lounge, large windows and premium interior features.

Worth considering if: you prioritise interior space and a premium touring experience.

2. Choose a Layout That Suits Your Lifestyle

The layout can make a huge difference to how comfortable your motorhome feels. Think about how you sleep, cook, relax and store your belongings.

Which bed layout should you choose?

Don't forget the rest of the interior

• Lounge: Is there comfortable seating for everyone, including on rainy days?
• Kitchen: Is there enough worktop space, fridge capacity and cooking equipment?
• Washroom: Would you prefer a combined shower and toilet or a separate shower?
• Storage: Where will your clothes, food, outdoor furniture and equipment go?

Also check the difference between berths and travel seats. A motorhome advertised with four berths does not necessarily have four approved seats for travelling. Confirm the approved seating arrangement for the exact vehicle.

3. Work Out Your Budget

The purchase price is only part of the cost of motorhome ownership. Before choosing a vehicle, allow for the costs of maintaining it and using it throughout the year.

If you are considering finance, compare the deposit, interest rate, monthly repayments, total amount payable and any final payment or other conditions. Choose a budget that leaves room for the trips you want to enjoy.

4. Check Your Driving Licence and Payload

Weight is one of the most important things to understand before buying a motorhome. It can affect which vehicles you are legally entitled to drive and how much luggage and equipment you can carry.

5. Should You Buy New or Used?

Neither option is automatically better. Compare the price, specification, condition, warranty and likely maintenance costs to decide what works for you.

6. What to Check Before Buying

Take your time when viewing a motorhome. If you're buying used, a careful inspection and appropriate professional checks can help identify potential problems before you commit.

Interior and habitation area

• Look for signs of damp, water ingress, staining or unusual smells.
• Inspect ceilings, walls, windows, rooflights and areas around doors.
• Check mattresses, cushions and upholstery.
• Look beneath sinks and around water systems for signs of leaks.
• Test the taps, toilet, shower and fitted appliances where possible.
• Open cupboards, drawers, beds and storage lockers to check their operation.

Vehicle and paperwork

• Review service records and MOT history where applicable.
• Check the vehicle's registration and identification details.
• Inspect tyre condition, age and suitability.
• Ask about previous accidents, repairs or damp treatment.
• Confirm the vehicle's weight, payload and approved travel seating.
• Ask about warranty coverage and any outstanding work.

7. Think About How You Want to Tour

Some motorhome owners mainly use campsites with electric hook-up and facilities. Others prefer to spend more time touring independently. Think about which features matter to your trips.

• Leisure battery capacity and charging options
• Solar panels and expected energy use
• Heating and hot-water systems
• Fridge and cooking arrangements
• Fresh-water and waste-water capacity
• Toilet facilities and storage

Consider how you will use the vehicle in practice. Additional equipment can add cost and weight, so focus on the features that genuinely suit your travel plans.

8. Try Before You Buy

If you've never owned a motorhome, hiring one before making a major purchase can help you experience the lifestyle first-hand. You'll get a feel for driving, storage, cooking, sleeping arrangements and living in a compact space.

Think about what works well during your trip and what you'd change. This can help you decide whether a campervan, coachbuilt or A-class motorhome is the right fit. Get up to £1,000 towards your purchase by buying any new or pre-owned motorhome from us within 12 months of returning your hire motorhome and we can credit up to £1,000 of your base rental cost towards the purchase.

Explore Try Before You Buy with Abacus

9. Questions to Ask Before You Commit

• What is included in the quoted price?
• What warranty applies, and what does it cover?
• What servicing or habitation checks are due?
• How do the fitted extras affect the available payload?
• What are the approved travel seats and sleeping arrangements?
• What handover and familiarisation support is provided?
• Are there any known faults, repairs or outstanding work?
• What are the total costs if I choose finance?

10. Your Motorhome Buying Checklist

Before making your decision, make sure you have considered each of these points.

• I know how I plan to use my motorhome.
• I have chosen a vehicle type and layout that suit my needs.
• There are enough approved travel seats for everyone.
• I have checked my driving licence entitlement.
• I understand the vehicle's weight and available payload.
• I have budgeted for purchase and ongoing running costs.
• I have compared new and used options where appropriate.
• I have checked the vehicle's condition and paperwork.
• I understand the warranty and servicing requirements.
• I am comfortable with the finance terms, if applicable.