Although a brand new motorhome is expensive to buy, you will be pleased to discover that it holds its price well and you’re likely to get a good price for it when it’s time to sell. It is estimated that the average vehicle will have retained around 70% of its value after three years. Contrast this with the 50% or so valuation of your new car after three years, according to WeBuyAnyCar.com.

If you invested in a high-end motorhome, such as an Auto-Sleeper, it is even more likely to have held its value.

With such a combination of positive factors, your motorhome can become a prime subject for part-exchange whenever you decide it’s time to renew. So, here are some frequently asked questions on just that subject.

How can I be sure of getting a fair price?

A motorhome part exchange is intended to represent a fair deal for you, for the dealer who accepts it in part exchange, and for any customer looking eventually to buy it.

Although motorhomes typically hold their price well and depreciate at a slower rate than many other vehicles, they do depreciate over time. This needs to be taken into account when managing your expectations for the price you are offered by the dealer.

The more information – and the more accurate information – you can provide the dealer, the fairer the valuation is likely to be. And the fairer the valuation, of course, the better the price you might expect to be offered.

What determines the valuation?

In addition to your contact details – and in advance of the dealer’s inspection of the vehicle – there are several details on which any valuation is likely to be based, including:

• the make and model of your motorhome – and as previously mentioned, the more reputable the marque, such as Auto-Sleeper, the more impressed any dealer is likely to be;

• the registration number, age, and mileage of the vehicle;

• whether it is diesel or petrol, the engine capacity, and the type of transmission (manual or automatic);

• whether you have a full mechanical and habitation service history;

• the overall condition of the motorhome – some indication of whether it is clean, average, or below average;

• whether smoking has been allowed in the vehicle; and

• whether your pets have travelled or slept in your motorhome.

Are the extras fitted into my motorhome also taken into account in any part-exchange valuation?

Extras, such as onboard entertainment systems or fitted appliances, may enhance the part exchange value of your motorhome.

To help ensure that you are receiving top price in part exchange, therefore, give as full a picture as possible of all the extras fitted, when they were fitted, by whom, and the individual service histories if these are available.

Once again, the more detail you offer, the greater the financial consideration is likely to be.

What if I’m dissatisfied with the part exchange price I’m offered?

With the best will in the world – on the part of both parties – there is always the chance that you consider the price you are offered for your motorhome to be underrated.

In those circumstances, there is nothing to stop you from arranging a private sale – and taking on the potential hassle and inconvenience of arranging viewings, allowing test drives, and negotiating a price.

If you manage to find a buyer, it is entirely possible that that person, too, is also interested in making a part exchange. If you put them in touch with the dealer from whom you are planning to buy your new motorhome, you might find that you have made two new friends – your buyer and the dealer from whom you are planning to buy.