The term “auto-sleeper” (or auto sleeper) is sometimes used to mean motorhomes in general or at times, specifically campervans. They are also, however, a renowned English manufacturer of campervan motorhomes that we at Derby Motorhomes are proud to sell.

Here, we’ll interpret auto-sleeper as a generic term referring to any kind of motorhome or campervan and offer some thoughts and suggestions about buying one.

Our approach is along the line of “top motorhome buying tips” – and we’ll take the liberty of assuming that you are completely new to all questions related to motorhomes or auto-sleepers.

Some first principles

Here are the basics, as we see them:

The most suitable auto-sleeper for you and your travels

• think carefully about what you expect to get out of the experience when using your vehicle on holiday;
• so, ease and convenience plus low running costs might immediately spring to mind and that might steer you towards a smaller and more compact campervan;
• but then ask yourself what happens if your grandchildren want to come with you one long weekend – all of a sudden that campervan might seem to be the small side of “compact”;
• from most angles, we’ll remain pretty much in the dark on this score since the answers to the questions are about your dreams, ambitions and how they will affect the choice of the most suitable vehicle for you;

Review your finances – carefully

• no list of tips and suggestions about buying a motorhome would be complete, of course, without a word on the hot topic of money;
• after your house, your motorhome is likely to be the single biggest expenditure you’ll undertake in your lifetime;
• once again, there’s little specific we can say here other than for you to be certain you’re taking into consideration the running and maintenance costs of your auto-sleeper, as well as its purchase price;
• incidentally, don’t assume that paying cash is necessarily the most suitable option either – at Derby Motorhomes, we can introduce you to a range of finance companies that offer all the options you might want to consider, from loans, to hire purchase, and even personal contract purchase (PCP);
• you can find out more on our blog: Motorhome financing options;

Consider your own driving experience and comfort zone

• almost anyone can learn to drive even the largest motorhomes safely and your standard driving licence – the one you use to drive your car – is typically sufficient;
• for chapter and verse on your eligibility for driving any particular motorhome, though, you might want to consult the advice on the relevant government website;
• that’s not to say that everyone wants to drive the biggest possible auto-sleeper – instead, be sure that you select a size of vehicle that you and if relevant, your partner, would both be happy driving;

Think about your expeditions

• choosing a small campervan might be ideal for a couple or people with a young child or two, irrespective of the journey distance;
• as we grow older, though, many of us prefer a little more space and comfort – one or two nights in a restricted space might be fine but not if we’re going to be living there for perhaps two weeks at a time;
• so, if you have lots of long-distance explorations planned around Europe and the UK, you might want to incline towards vehicles that are slightly larger, better equipped, and more comfortable;

Take advice on new versus used

• you may be surprised to discover that, unlike most cars, motorhomes tend to hold their value very well – so, don’t expect vast reductions on say a two-year-old model against a new one – but we’ll be happy to help you think through any issues about that;
• of course, if you’re buying second-hand from a private individual, do please make sure that you’re qualified to assess the vehicle and adopt all good security practices to protect your financial interests.

When all’s said and done, you’ll discover that there are some really beautiful motorhomes and campervans out there. Given the amount you’re likely to be spending, it only makes sense to spend time researching the main makes and models – their upsides and any downsides – before you set your heart on any particular one.

Once again, of course, we’d be only too happy to offer some general awareness-raising advice in that area if you wish. Why not contact us to find out more?