[Carey]

Has anyone invested in a camper van? SamB I think you have?

Is there a good choice of second hand vans? Presumedly the hire ones get put out to grass after a certain amount of usage? Any ideas of prices?

Do you use them often or is it a case ( like caravanning) that the novelty wears off and the thought of packing/unpacking etc, living in a squash deters you from using as much as you thought it would?! I ask because we've watched others progress from tent to trailer tent to caravan only to sell up coz the kids want more,or a different type of hol., the adults grow to hate the cramped style, and the noisy camp-sites. Maybe it's just the grotty weather so often here that ruins such a holiday? Different in NZ where weather more conducive? Camp sites less crowded?

We absolutely loved our 10 days in camper van on our reccie but we were very much in holiday mode. Would love to buy one once there but what's the reality of usage?

[IanW99]

Has anyone invested in a camper van? SamB I think you have?

Is there a good choice of second hand vans? Presumedly the hire ones get put out to grass after a certain amount of usage? Any ideas of prices?

Do you use them often or is it a case ( like caravanning) that the novelty wears off and the thought of packing/unpacking etc, living in a squash deters you from using as much as you thought it would?! I ask because we've watched others progress from tent to trailer tent to caravan only to sell up coz the kids want more,or a different type of hol., the adults grow to hate the cramped style, and the noisy camp-sites. Maybe it's just the grotty weather so often here that ruins such a holiday? Different in NZ where weather more conducive? Camp sites less crowded?

We absolutely loved our 10 days in camper van on our reccie but we were very much in holiday mode. Would love to buy one once there but what's the reality of usage?

Yes, camper vans do get sold off when they get a bit older, see Maui Used Motorhomes (http://www.mauidirect.co.nz/) for examples and prices. Most places that rent also sell them off later.

We used to use a camper van in the UK and it was great to go away for the weekends without having to plan anything and much easier than a caravan. That said, sure your reasons are valid and if you aren't going to use it much then it might not be worth it to you i.e. there is plenty of other accomodation available and you can always hire a camper van again when you want to.

If you still think its a good idea and you really want to give it a go, would check out the price you can buy a second hand vehicle for now and what price you could likely sell it again at a year later to see how much it is going to actually cost you for the convenience.

Ian

[Carey]

Thanks for the link; wow they are really pricey! won't be buying one for quite a little while then!

[katandbob]

look around garages etc- but some of them make you giggle, I saw one the other day that was a small izuzu lorry/flatbed with what looked like a tiny caravan (you know the ones - almost round in shape - ala' 1950's era!)

I'll see if its still there when I next drive past and take a photo of it!

Kat

oh and they sell them on Trademe of course

[IanW99]

Thanks for the link; wow they are really pricey! won't be buying one for quite a little while then!

Yes, buying caravans and camper vans in NZ are expensive.

It would probably work out cheaper to buy in UK and ship it to NZ and you would make money selling it afterwards. If you do consider this though, please check all the rules etc regarding importing vehicles, compliance etc first as it may cost you dearly if you get it wrong.

Ian

[Park City Partner]

We bought a camper van from KEA and love it. We looked around at a fair number but by no means an exhaustive search. The ex-Maui vans we looked at but they are really worn by the time they get put out to be sold. High KM and the interior is beat to crap. The KEA ones are way more pricier but they are completely refurbished and if you go to resell it I think they would hold their value better.

As for use, we use ours a lot! My partner is an avid white water kayaker. Last Christmas we had a friend visit from the States and spent 6 week in it. It is a 2 berth and our daughter (now 19 months) sleeps in what we call the Perch and what others would use for bedding and storage. Our friend slept in a tent outside. My partner was in school studying (in Auckland) to be a paramedic...hence the 6 weeks off...and when he had to do his mentored road shifts he did them here at the Mount and stayed in it during that time. We have also used it for trip to Napier to see his folks and other weekends away. Plus when he goes paddling for the day, Blythe and I are happy to go along as we have all the conveniences of home.

And finally we use it as a second car. It drives beautifully and because it is a diesel it is relatively easy on the gas. We also plan to have this van for a long time but I think it has already been worth the investment.

I should probably also note that we don't always use it at campsites. It wasn't cheap but when you factor in using it as a second car and the day use convenience etc it has been well worth the investment. Of course if you are looking at a bigger version then it really wouldn't be a second vehicle...

If you have any other questions, ask away!