Buying a Used Motorhome: Complete Guide

Buying a used motorhome is the most common way to get into the camper lifestyle: it costs quite a bit less than a new one, and if you know what to look for, you can find a vehicle in very good condition. But it's also a purchase where mistakes get expensive — a missed damp patch or an expired roadworthiness test can turn into a problem worth thousands of euros after you've signed. In this guide we'll walk you through what to check before buying, what kind of prices to expect, and the legal steps you can't skip.

Advantages of buying a used motorhome

The most obvious advantage is the price: a new motorhome can easily go over €60,000-80,000, while second-hand gives you a much wider range of options for different budgets. Also, since it's a vehicle that's already been on the road, you can check the real fault history of that specific model (forums, owner groups) before deciding — something you can't do with a model that just hit the market. The downside is exactly the flip side of the advantage: you don't know first-hand how that particular vehicle has been looked after, so the pre-purchase inspection matters far more than with a new motorhome.

What to check before buying a used motorhome

This is the part that really separates a good purchase from an expensive problem. Go through these points every time, whether you're buying from a private seller or a dealer.

Damp and insulation

By far the most expensive and most common fault in used motorhomes. Water seeps in through seals, windows, skylights or the join between the chassis and the living area, and can rot the interior structure without anything showing from outside. Check for: a damp smell when you step in (especially in cupboards and under the bed), stains or bulging on the ceiling and walls, and if possible ask to see a moisture-meter report (many professional sellers offer this). If in doubt, hiring a professional inspection before signing usually costs far less than fixing serious damp afterwards.

Mileage and engine condition

Since it's a vehicle, the same checks apply as with any van or truck: real mileage (cross-check it against the roadworthiness-test history, which is recorded), noises from the engine and gearbox, tyre condition (uneven wear can point to suspension issues from the extra weight of the living area), and the date of the last timing-belt change — one of the most expensive jobs if it's due right after you buy.

Roadworthiness test and paperwork in order

Always ask for the latest roadworthiness-test report before closing the purchase — it tells you a lot about the vehicle's real condition and when the next one is due. Also check that the registration document matches the actual vehicle (unregistered modifications, like solar panels or changes to the interior layout, can cause problems at the next test if they're not reflected in the paperwork).

Change of ownership and transfer

The change of ownership is handled through the vehicle registration authority (directly or through an agency), with the sale contract, the circulation permit and the vehicle's registration document, plus a valid roadworthiness test and insurance up to date. The transfer fee is set by the authority and can change — check the current amount at the time of your purchase directly on their official website before assuming anything.

What price to expect for a used motorhome

There's no single price: it depends mostly on age, mileage, brand and type (coachbuilt, low-profile or A-class). As a rough reference, several specialist websites — such as M3 Caravaning — put the average price of an already-equipped used motorhome at around €35,000-40,000, though they warn the real range is very wide. To get a sense of real, up-to-date prices at the moment you're looking, the most reliable option is to check listing sites like Coches.net or Wallapop directly, filtering by the type and age you're interested in, rather than going by a fixed figure.

Where to buy a used motorhome

The three most common routes are: private seller to buyer (usually the lowest price, but no warranty and the full inspection is on you), dealers specialising in used motorhomes (somewhat higher price, but with warranty and the pre-purchase inspection included), and sector trade fairs, where you can compare several vehicles and talk to several sellers on the same day.

New, used or rental: what suits you

If you're still not sure whether buying — used or new — or renting first makes more sense for you, here it is in a few lines: renting is the best option if you're not yet sure the camper lifestyle is for you; buying used is the middle ground, with less financial risk than a new one but with the pre-purchase inspection explained above; and buying new makes sense if you're after a specific segment (for example the premium one, which we cover in our luxury motorhomes guide) or you simply prefer not to take on the risk of an already-used vehicle. If you're after something smaller and easier to handle than a motorhome, a mini caravan might suit you better. And before buying either one, remember that to drive a motorhome up to a certain weight you need a B96 licence — a normal car licence isn't enough.

If you already have your motorhome (new or used) and are looking for somewhere to park it on your next trip to the Costa Blanca, at Camping Armanello we have pitches ready for motorhomes, just steps from Benidorm beach.