When buying a motorhome (as you would when buying a car or any other vehicle) you need to spend some time deciding on your budget.

Prices will range hugely from £1,000 to ‘skies the limit’, but it is also very important to consider in addition to the purchase price, the running, servicing, insurance and depreciation costs.

There’s a very wide range of motorhomes available from the very compact to the very large. There’s also an array of body types and interior specifications to choose from.

The best way to start is to think about what you want your motorhome for and what you want it to do for you. For example, how many people will use it? How often do you expect to use it and how far you do plan to travel each year?

You will also need to add in the cost of the pitches you will be visiting throughout the year and the fuel you’ll need to get you there.

However, don’t be put off by all these cost considerations. Remember just how much you’ll be saving on hotel bills and other accommodation costs when you finally take delivery.

Once you have your budget, do your research to find out which vehicle best meets your needs.

It is a good idea to look at both new and second hand options and this means visiting both large dealers and motorhome shows. You can also buy from private sellers.

You will be spending a lot of time in the driving seat when it is yours so give it a serious test drive. When trying and testing get all the family involved. Driving the vehicle full of people, luggage and equipment (which is how you will use it) may feel very different to driving an empty vehicle.

Check also, that the vehicle will fit where you plan to store it.

Buying second hand

When buying second hand, as well as undertaking all the usual mechanical checks, look at the chassis and the underneath of the vehicle and examine all interior fittings and fixtures carefully. Look in particular at the seals around the doors and windows. Check carefully for signs of any damp and for ‘bouncy floor’ especially in older motorhomes.

Before you commit you also need to ensure you understand the wide range of requirements and legalities relating to permissible weights. These refer to the maximum loaded weights allowed for the vehicle including the people in it. Ask a specialist to explain these key legal requirements to you.

This is just a very quick guide to buying a motorhome. The main thing is to take your time to ensure you invest in the right vehicle to suit your needs.

And, if you’re completely new to motor homing it is a good idea to think about renting first before you buy.