Buying a van in France

[Grahame_5064996]

Does anybody know if buying a new or secondhand van in France is more or less expensive than the UK. I am planning to retire to France soon and want to have a van but I don't know whether to get one here or wait until I'm there.

Also apart from the obvious door issue are there any other impoertant spec differences?

 

[Rod_5041370]

Save yourself from some serious aggro and do not move a UK caravan to France. It can be done but you will need a certificate of conformity and a full test similar to the UK SVA test for cars. Caravans in France are treated as vehicles with their own registration plates and tests, insurance etc.

I would advise waiting until you get to France to buy as although French TVA is 19.5% caravans tend to be cheaper (and better quality) than the Brit ones.

 

[Grahame_5064996]

Save yourself from some serious aggro and do not move a UK caravan to France. It can be done but you will need a certificate of conformity and a full test similar to the UK SVA test for cars. Caravans in France are treated as vehicles with their own registration plates and tests, insurance etc.

I would advise waiting until you get to France to buy as although French TVA is 19.5% caravans tend to be cheaper (and better quality) than the Brit ones.

Thanks that's just the advice I was looking for.

 

[Lutz]

Another good argument for purchasing a caravan locally in France is after sales service. If you're going to be there permanently, you'll have a dealer for the particular make of your caravan close by.