The Complete Motorhome Buyer’s Guide

By Elite Motorhomes on April 29th, 2025

Buying a motorhome can be the key to unlocking your travel dreams. Imagine waking up to a different view each morning, coastal sunrises to forest retreats. A motorhome gives you a unique sense of freedom like no other. 

If you’re buying a motorhome for the first time, the process can seem overwhelming. From choosing the right model to motorhome finance options, there’s a lot to think about.

In this guide, we’ll cover the following to make sure you know everything you need to about buying a motorhome:

Why Buy a Motorhome?

Most motorhome owners pull the trigger on buying a motorhome because it gives them the freedom to travel wherever, whenever. No hotel bookings, no airport stress, just pure adventure. It’s your portable home, on wheels. 

If this is like something you aspire to, then this is why you should buy a motorhome. Not only does buying a motorhome offer freedom, it allows you to create a lifetime of memories with family, friends or even solo.

New vs Used: Which one Should You Buy?

The first big choice is whether to go for a new or used model. Your decision will likely come down to your budget, preferences and how you plan to use it. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of both options.

Buying a New Motorhome

New motorhomes are ideal if you want the latest tech, layouts and a brand-new experience from the start.

Pros:

  • Full manufacturer warranty gives peace of mind.
  • Modern features, interiors and better fuel efficiency.
  • No previous owners or mileage.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Vehicle value depreciation happens quickly in the first few years.
  • You may need to explore motorhome finance options to spread the cost.

Buying a Used Motorhome

Used motorhomes are great if you’re working with a tighter budget or just getting started with the lifestyle.

Pros:

  • Lower purchase price makes them more affordable
  • Slower depreciation after the first few years.
  • Good for buying a motorhome for the first time.

Cons:

  • Limited or no warranty depending on age.
  • Possible hidden wear or maintenance costs.
  • Higher mileage 

Setting Your Budget

When buying a motorhome, setting a realistic budget is one of the most important steps. It’s easy to focus only on the initial cost, but that’s not the only cost you need to consider. Remember to budget for insurance, running costs, servicing and maintenance. These ongoing expenses can add up over time.

Also, don’t forget about the fun stuff such as fuel, campsite fees and money for food and experiences while travelling. That’s a big part of the lifestyle. If you spend every penny on the vehicle, you might find yourself short when it comes to actually using it.

Take some time to work out your budget and what you can afford comfortably. From here, choose a motorhome that leaves room for the journey, not just the purchase.

Financing Your Motorhome Purchase

Financing your motorhome purchase can make your dream of hitting the open road a reality, without needing to pay everything upfront. At Elite Motorhomes, we offer tailored finance options for both new and used motorhomes to help you spread the cost.

You can choose from flexible plans like Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), depending on what suits your needs. HP lets you make fixed monthly payments, with the motorhome yours to keep at the end of the term.

PCP offers lower monthly payments, with options at the end to buy the motorhome, return it or upgrade to a new one and handover your current one.

Our team will walk you through your motorhome finance options, helping you find the right plan based on your lifestyle and budget. We believe buying a motorhome should be exciting, not overwhelming. With finance from Elite Motorhomes, it can be both easy and affordable.

To begin your motorhome adventure, contact us today or visit us in person to view our huge range.

Written by

Elite Motorhomes

Company Info

FCA No. 675289

Elite Motorhomes Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN: 675289. All finance is subject to status and income. Written Quotation on request. We act as a credit broker not a lender. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers.

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