08/01/2026

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Caravan?

(Short answer: it’s probably now. Let me explain.)

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “best time to buy a used caravan” at 10pm with a cup of tea going cold beside you, you’re not alone. We hear this question every single week at Kimberley Caravans and Motorhomes, in Nottingham, in Darlington, on the phone, on emails that start with “Just a quick one…”.

And honestly?
There isn’t a single, magic moment circled in red on the calendar.

There’s no secret Tuesday in February where prices suddenly tumble. No quiet week where dealers panic and slash figures. The idea sounds nice, but real life, and the caravan market, don’t quite work like that.

Here’s the thing. The best time to buy a used caravan is when the right one is available, at the right price, from the right place. And that’s exactly where buying from Kimberley changes the whole conversation, especially if you’re browsing our wider range of used caravans.

The myth of “waiting for the perfect time”

People often assume used caravans follow the same rules as cars. Wait until winter, prices drop. Wait until late autumn, sellers get desperate. Wait long enough and you’ll bag a bargain.

Sometimes that happens.
Often, it doesn’t.

Used caravans are a bit more like property than cars. Good ones don’t hang around. Well-looked-after layouts, sensible weights, popular brands like used Coachman caravans, used Swift caravans, and used Bailey caravans. When they appear, they tend to move. Fast.

We’ve seen customers wait months for a “better deal” only to come back and say, “That one I liked… it’s gone, isn’t it?”
Usually, yes. It is.

So why buying now actually makes sense

This is where things get interesting.

Right now, we’ve deliberately stocked up heavily on used caravans. Not one or two extras. Proper choice. Different berths. Different layouts. Different budgets. That matters, because choice gives you leverage, flexibility, and confidence.

And because we sell such volume, we don’t price on hope. We price to sell.

What that means for you

Prices checked and rechecked against local competition

A low price guarantee, we don’t just say it, we live by it

Realistic figures, not inflated numbers waiting to be “discounted” later

You know what? Sometimes our used caravans are cheaper than private adverts. That surprises people. It shouldn’t.

If you want to see what’s available right now, the easiest way is to search our current caravan stock.

“But surely private sale is cheaper?”

Yes… and no.

On paper, a private seller might look cheaper. And sometimes they are. But price isn’t the whole story, not even close.

Here’s what usually comes with a private sale:

• No warranty
• No full pre-delivery inspection
• No damp check you can trust
• No comeback if something goes wrong
• No finance options
• No part exchange

And if something does go wrong? That awkward phone call. The unanswered messages. The sinking feeling.

With us, every used caravan is:

• Fully inspected
• Prepared properly
• Supplied with warranty
• Backed by people you can actually speak to

Yes, you might pay slightly more than a private advert. But you’re not paying for nothing. You’re paying for certainty, backup, and peace of mind. That’s not fluff. That’s practical.

Seasonality still matters, just not how you think

People expect prices to dip in winter and spike in spring. Reality? It’s softer than that.

Spring brings demand, but also better stock

Summer is busy, but strong dealers plan ahead

Autumn brings changeovers and fresh arrivals

Winter? Quiet viewing, serious buyers

We price consistently across the year. Not reactive. Not panicked. If a caravan is overpriced, it doesn’t sell. Simple as that. So we don’t play that game.

The real “right time” most people miss

The right time isn’t about months.
It’s about moments.

When:

• You find a layout that fits how you actually travel
• The weight works with your tow car
• The price stacks up against the market
• And the dealer stands behind it
• That’s the time.

We see it all the time. Customers come in “just looking” and end up buying because the numbers make sense and the van feels right. No pressure. Just logic, and a bit of excitement too.

Why buying used is still a smart move

Used caravans hit a sweet spot. Lower entry cost. Slower depreciation. Proven layouts. Real-world ownership history.

And right now, with the stock levels we’re carrying, buying used means:

• Faster availability
• More choice than waiting on factory builds
• Better value per pound spent

Honestly, used caravans are where some of the smartest buys happen.

A quick word from us, human to human

We’re not here to rush you. Or scare you into buying. Or pretend there’s a ticking clock when there isn’t.

But we are honest enough to say this:
Waiting rarely improves the deal if the caravan you want is already priced correctly.

We compare. We adjust. We stay competitive. And we back every used caravan we sell with proper preparation and warranty, whether you’re buying in Nottingham or Darlington.

So if you’re asking “Is now the right time?”
The better question might be: “Is the right caravan available right now?”

If it is, we’ll make sure the price stacks up.

And if it isn’t? We’ll tell you that too.