Recommendations for selling VW Conversion

[Finlay]

Not sure where to post this so apologies if this is not correct!
I am planning to buy an Ocean but need to sell my VW Bodans conversion. Anxious about selling privately would be interested in peoples experience of this or using brokers or other methods.
Thank you

 

[RockinNRollin]

Anxious in the sense of someone trying to scam you? Someone wanting to "case the joint" to come back and steal it?

There are basically three options available to you, in descending order of risk and descending order of sale price(!);

1) Sell it privately and "directly" - you can mitigate some risk by choosing to meet somewhere neutral (e.g. a petrol station - plenty of cameras) and payment can be made by either bank transfer or PayPal (former might be limited by the bank, but you can see more or less straight away if it's landed)

2) Use an intermediary; I used "carandclassic" to sell my classic motorcycle as people turning up to "case the joint" is common with bike sales. With that platform, the buyer agrees a price with you, they transfer money to the intermediary and they come to look at the vehicle. If everyone is happy, the sale is confirmed there and then and the money is released to you as the seller. As the buyer has to stump up the money up-front, it's much less likely you'll get anyone trying it on (or anything more sinister)

3) Sell it to a dealer specialising in campervans - they take all the risk, but you'll pay for it by having a lower offer. Biggest advantages are you can decide when and where to sell it, rock up, agree a price and throw them the keys - job done. If they're not massively remote, might be worth contacting the original converter too - they might offer a better price potentially, assuming it's not a DIY conversion?

It's the same old story - risk/reward - you take some of the risk and you'll likely get a better price, if you want to discharge that risk, you'll pay for it.

 

[The Blue Merle]

Anxious in the sense of someone trying to scam you? Someone wanting to "case the joint" to come back and steal it?

There are basically three options available to you, in descending order of risk and descending order of sale price(!);

1) Sell it privately and "directly" - you can mitigate some risk by choosing to meet somewhere neutral (e.g. a petrol station - plenty of cameras) and payment can be made by either bank transfer or PayPal (former might be limited by the bank, but you can see more or less straight away if it's landed)

2) Use an intermediary; I used "carandclassic" to sell my classic motorcycle as people turning up to "case the joint" is common with bike sales. With that platform, the buyer agrees a price with you, they transfer money to the intermediary and they come to look at the vehicle. If everyone is happy, the sale is confirmed there and then and the money is released to you as the seller. As the buyer has to stump up the money up-front, it's much less likely you'll get anyone trying it on (or anything more sinister)

3) Sell it to a dealer specialising in campervans - they take all the risk, but you'll pay for it by having a lower offer. Biggest advantages are you can decide when and where to sell it, rock up, agree a price and throw them the keys - job done. If they're not massively remote, might be worth contacting the original converter too - they might offer a better price potentially, assuming it's not a DIY conversion?

It's the same old story - risk/reward - you take some of the risk and you'll likely get a better price, if you want to discharge that risk, you'll pay for it.

One thing I would say is I would never buy privately if they didn’t let me come to the home address. Sale/purchase is all trust, if it’s priced right then everything sells.

Good luck

 

[OkaydokeyMark]

I have previously sold a T6 conversion (Welsh Coast Campers) through a broker near Stroud in Gloucestershire, great service from the owner Mel who does everything for you.
Leave the van with him and they valet it, insure it it sorn it etc. and when sold payment comes directly from the buyer just minus commission.

Motorcaravan Sales | Cotswolds - Wilkins Motorcaravans

If you're looking for pre-loved motorhomes or brokerage services for your motorcaravans in the cotswolds, don't hesitate to get in contact and utilise our expertise on 01285 821 216.

www.wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk

 

[KevH]

A 4th option of course is part-ex.
I traded a 2016 T6 Denby conversion against my demo Ocean in October and could only squeeze £25k from the dealership.
Subsequently auctioned for £32k.
Lessons learned.

 

[RockinNRollin]

A 4th option of course is part-ex.
I traded a 2016 T6 Denby conversion against my demo Ocean in October and could only squeeze £25k from the dealership.
Subsequently auctioned for £32k.
Lessons learned.

The problem with p/x something like a conversion is VW won't want to sell it directly because of the complexities of statutory warranty, hence they'll auction it instead and hence the heady difference in value.

 

[2into1]

I've only had good experiences buying and selling campers privately. The post above shows the cost of taking the least hassle route.
Regarding meeting 'off site'. It's easy to do that initially and then bring them to your home once you have established if they are axe murderers. Blue merle is correct.... You should only buy having seen the seller at the house named on the logbook.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

We have always sold privately to ensure best price. Never had any issues.

 

[This_one_goes_to_eleven]

Don’t take PayPal if selling privately.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I'd also never buy privately from someone who wasn't willing to meet anywhere other than the registered address on the V5. Unless I'm missing something what are the risks of selling from home, if someone is an axe murderer or going to hijack your car surely they can do that just by following you home or targeting houses with VW Calis on the drive

 

[KevH]

The problem with p/x something like a conversion is VW won't want to sell it directly because of the complexities of statutory warranty, hence they'll auction it instead and hence the heady difference in value.

Yes, that is exactly what happened.
I left the existing cheapo tracker in it and followed it’s journey from dealer to auction to used campervan lot to new owner so I could see how the price moved.
Interestingly, the new owner paid almost exactly what I paid six years ago.