7 Tips for Buying Secondhand Campervans in New Zealand

7 Tips for Buying Secondhand Campervans in New Zealand

So, you’ve heard the stories. Traveling in New Zealand in a campervan is a once in a lifetime experience. And now that you have your vacation day ready, you plan to take the journey of your dreams.

But have you thought about the process it takes to buy secondhand campervans? Sure, you’ve done your research, but there are things you shouldn’t take for granted. Lucky for you, here are the tips you should employ when buying your campervan.

1. Places To Buy

It would be best if you start by looking for the perfect place to buy your secondhand campervan two months before you arrive in New Zealand. Some different sites or locations will sell you a campervan.

They include car fairs, campervan companies or car dealers, websites like TradeMe, hostels, or Facebook groups. Once you have identified the best place to buy your campervan, visit the location early to make your purchase.

2. Self-contained or Not

Self-contained secondhand campervans are more expensive than their counterparts. However, in the long run, they are money savers. Also, these campervans will give you the freedom to camp in any of the free New Zealand camping sites.

If you are planning to visit New Zealand for at least two months, a Self-contained campervan would be your best choice. Non-Self-contained campervans are cheap, but they also require additional accommodation plans.

3. Registration Tax and Road User Charges

When in New Zealand, prepare to pay registration fees and road user charges if you have a diesel car. The registration tax allows you to keep using your campervan on the road. Refusing to pay the tax will get you a fine of $200. Standard cars pay $10 tax, and diesel cars pay $25 tax every month.

4. Insurance

While car insurance is not mandatory in New Zealand, it is advisable to have a second-hand campervan. Insurance will save you the costs of being in an accident. Most insurance companies offer at least a three months insurance cover.

5. Test Drive and Mileage

Make sure that you go for a test drive before you buy your campervan. Also, check the mileage on the vehicle. By doing this, you will ensure that the campervan you are buying will sustain your needs when on the road.

6. Warrant of Fitness

New Zealand is filled with stringent laws about driving and the roadworthiness of vehicles. Therefore, ensure that the secondhand campervans you want to buy have had a warrant of fitness inspection.

This way, you can be sure that your vehicle is safe, reliable, and legal to drive. You can arrange a pre-purchase inspection since you will be buying a pre-owned vehicle.

7. Buy Back Option

Remember to buy a campervan from dealers that offer a buy-back option. Once you complete your journey, this option will help you sell your vehicle quickly. Arrange the price of your sale early with the dealer. The buy-back option is a sure way of getting back some of your investment. Besides, this is a cheaper option if you are in the country for more than a month.

Charvi Shah

Charvi Shah is the co-founder of Love with Travel Blog. She loves helping people unplug from the chaos, follow their bliss, travel more and create better memories. She inspires many people to travel more! Charvi`s travel focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

Leave a reply