Dethleffs has been building motorhomes and caravans for over 90 years, making it one of the oldest manufacturers in Europe. Founder Arist Dethleffs built the company around the idea of “not without my family,” and that family-first philosophy still runs through the range today. Whether you go new or used, you’re buying into nearly a century of German engineering.
Price is usually the starting point for most buyers, but it’s rarely the deciding factor on its own. Condition, warranty and specification all carry real weight too. Here’s how the two options stack up.
For an overview of Dethleffs Motorhomes, head over to our full guide, where we go over all the key information you need to know about Dethleffs Motorhomes before making a purchase.
What Do New and Used Dethleffs Motorhomes Cost?
Here are approximate UK guide prices across the current Dethleffs range:
| Model Type / Range | Condition | Approx. Price Range |
| Just Camp / Just Go (Ford Transit based) | New | £68,000 – £80,000 |
| Trend (family coachbuilt) | New | £75,000 – £95,000 |
| Esprit / Pulse (mid-range coachbuilt) | New | £85,000 – £110,000 |
| Alpa (A-Class) | New | £110,000 – £135,000 |
| Globetrotter XLi (flagship A-Class) | New | £140,000 – £175,000 |
| Good quality used (3-5 years old) | Used | £55,000 – £75,000 |
| Good quality used (1-3 years old) | Used | £70,000 – £95,000 |
Buying a New Dethleffs Motorhome
Collecting a brand new motorhome is a different feeling entirely. Nothing has been driven, nothing has a mark and every trip from here is one you’re adding yourself.
What you gain
A Cabin That’s Never Been Used
Every surface, seat and fitting is exactly as Dethleffs built it. There’s nothing left behind by a previous owner to work around.
Brand New Mechanics Throughout
The engine, plumbing, and electrics are all factory-fresh, which reduces the risk of early faults and keeps surprise repair costs off the table for longer.
Full Manufacturer Warranty
Dethleffs’ warranty covers you from day one, giving you real financial protection while everything settles in.
Current-Generation Layouts and Tech
New models bring Dethleffs’ latest interior design, technology and safety features, including automatic transmission across much of the range.
Where it costs you
A Significant Upfront Cost
New Dethleffs motorhomes ask for considerably more than a comparable used example, particularly in the Alpa and Globetrotter ranges.
Depreciation Hits Early
Like any new vehicle, value drops fastest in the first couple of years of ownership.
Longer Lead Times
Popular layouts are often built to order, so you may need to wait for the exact spec you want.
More to Lose from Minor Damage
The first scratch or scuff feels like a bigger deal on something that’s never had a mark on it.
Buying a Used Dethleffs Motorhome
Dethleffs has built its reputation on solid German construction, so a well-maintained used example still has plenty of life left in it. For many buyers, that makes a used example the more sensible option.
What you gain
More Motorhome for Your Money
A used Dethleffs often lets you step up to a bigger layout or a higher trim level than you’d get from a new model at the same price.
Slower Depreciation from Here
The first owner has already absorbed the steepest drop in value, so your motorhome holds its price more steadily from this point on.
Extras Already Included
Many used Dethleffs come with solar panels, upgraded habitation kit or awnings already fitted, at no extra cost to you.
A Service History You Can Verify
A full record of servicing gives you a genuine picture of how the vehicle has performed, rather than relying on the brochure.
Where it costs you
Some Wear to Expect
You may inherit a few scuffs, marks or ageing fixtures that need attention.
Reduced Warranty Cover
Depending on age, the original manufacturer’s warranty may have expired, leaving you more exposed to repair costs.
An Incomplete History
Without a full service record, it can be hard to know exactly how well the vehicle has been maintained.
Costs That Show Up Sooner
Tyres, habitation checks and damp inspections may be due sooner than they would on a new purchase, so factor this into your budget.
New vs Used: The Full Picture
Price
A new Dethleffs starts from around £68,000 for a compact Just Camp and climbs past £175,000 for a fully specced Globetrotter XLi. A two- to three-year-old example typically sits 15 to 25% below its new-equivalent price, while anything five years or older can represent a saving of 40 to 50%.
Depreciation
The steepest value loss happens in a motorhome’s first two to three years. Buying used means someone else has already taken that hit, and you’re stepping in once the value curve has begun to level out.
Condition and Reliability
New buyers get a clean slate backed by Dethleffs’ full warranty. Used buyers get a track record instead, which can be just as reassuring if it’s well documented. Either way, always arrange a full habitation check before you commit.
Specification
Current models carry the newest layouts and technology, but plenty of used Dethleffs arrive with useful upgrades already fitted, which can leave them better equipped than an entry-level new model.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If budget allows and peace of mind matters most to you, buying new is a strong option. If you’d rather stretch your money further and get more motorhome for it, a used Dethleffs from a trusted dealer is well worth considering.
Whichever way you lean, our team at Elite Motorhomes is here to help you land on the right choice, so get in touch today.
Find Your Ideal Dethleffs at Elite Motorhomes
New or used, a Dethleffs motorhome is built to last. The real question is where you want to start, and how much you’re comfortable spending to get there.
We stock both new and used Dethleffs motorhomes at Elite Motorhomes, and we’ll talk you through your options with zero pressure. Our team knows the range inside out and takes the time to understand what you need before recommending anything.
Pop into our showroom in Middleton Cheney, just outside Banbury, or browse our current stock online. We’re open seven days a week and always happy to help.