thanks , we were always going to use a dealer but saw this on a certain site and it was near us . We are not looking again , stick to the plan thats what we will do , dont go off the track looking for shiny coin
Don't discount private sales completely, some are completely genuine, and can represent a great purchase, provided you do your home work, and ask the right questions before you agree to purchase.
When it comes to second hand caravans, Private or dealer take your time. It may seem daft to check, but ensure the caravan is at the owners address - Check bills or receipts for name and address. Make sure its the owner actually selling it.
Dealers are obliged under the 2015 Consumer Rights Act to offer accurate information about the goods they are selling, But you as the buyer are obliged to ask what you want or need to know before you agree to buy, so think carefully about the structure of any questions you may have. Use open questions that get a comprehensive answer. For example its well known that damp can be a major problem in caravans. If you ask "Does the caravan have any damp?" if the caravan has been kept under cover for a number of weeks it may be dry, so the dealer could honestly say "it has no damp" But if you ask "Has the caravan any history of damp" the dealer is obliged to offer a fuller answer.
If you think you are interested and you want to secure the caravan so you don't lose it to another customer, offer a deposit but make it clear it is subject to you having a satisfactory independent inspection report, and other checks such as CRIS and HPI reports. If they wont offer a written receipt for the deposit accepting your right to a refund if the reports are unsatisfactory, then walk away.
If you can, pay your deposit of at least £100 by credit card, as this bring you protection of section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
If the seller tries to block you getting an independent inspection carried out, or tries to push you into buying quickly - ask your self why? What are they afraid of?
Hope this helps.