1. Before you buy, ask
It is easy to get lost in the excitement of purchasing a caravan and exploring the open road with it, but there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before placing your hard-earned cash on it. These questions can help you refine your search and know what to look. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- What is your budget?
- Do you want to purchase a new or used caravan?
- What fixtures and fittings are a must?
- What is the cost of accessories that will be needed?
- Will your car be able to tow the caravan?
2. Know your finance options
Whether you are purchasing a new or used caravan the type of finance option you choose is vital. The most common type of finance option that Aussies choose is to take out dealer finance or a leisure loan from a broker or bank. Weighing the pros and cons can help you know if the option you choose is affordable to your budget.
Although getting a caravan at a dealer along with the financing can seem like the more convenient, you could face a higher interest rate and limited options. Brokers, on the other hand, can offer you a range of options that come at a competitively low interest rate. Compare your options along with the interest rate, fees, and charges to see if the loan will be affordable for you.
3. Borrow what you need
You may have a stellar credit score which can be beneficial when it comes to increasing your borrowing power and the amount you can borrow. This can tempt you to borrow more than you need, which can affect your repayments. It can also cause you to impulse buy something that you may regret a few months down the line. Remember to look beyond the price tag of purchasing the caravan but also consider the ongoing costs in the form of maintenance and repairs that can affect your budget. Choose a caravan that is able to retain its value longer.
4. The cost of protecting your caravan
Putting in the research and comparing your way to the caravan of your dreams is not an easy thing to do, and to have this taken away through theft or damage can be heart-wrenching for your wallet. To enjoy road tripping with your caravan you may want to consider getting insurance. The premium you will pay varies based on various factors. Therefore, it pays to compare your options.
5. Do you have space for your new baby?
Some of the things that you need to consider when purchasing a caravan are whether you have adequate space to store it. Caravans are usually large in size. If you do not have space but still want to own a caravan you could consider renting it out, especially if you will be only using it on a seasonal basis.