Hi all,
If you're going to buy one, it'll be pot luck on how good it is, though I would expect little for £1,000 though possibly you'd get a better deal in the small ads in an Auckland newspaper. Do you know about vehicles, if an engine is OK (they wind mileage back there too).
At least take it for a test drive. Get your girlfriend to rev it up and check the colour and amount of smoke from the exhaust pipe. Check that the fittings all work, and that the tyres are roadworthy. Also test the brakes with a sudden stop away from other traffic, and test the handbrake on a steep hill. The dealer should have enough sense to top up the oil and water (check wipers and spray), even the horn. How is the battery (headlights on full beam without the engine running will give you an idea). How does it start from cold? You start it. Check for rust by simply pushing your finger hard against what you hope is metal.
Any tools with it? A working jack and decent spare wheel? What would you do if it broke down, which in NZ can be a long way from anywhere and cost a fortune for a tow to a garage who is possibly going to rip you off, knowing you have no other choice but to pay. You will of course have to pay insurance. You might check if there is a breakdown service available but it won't be cheap.
Can you resell it? You're ready to go home but it could take weeks to sell. The guy you bought it off of said he'd give you a good price but on the day offers you peanuts. What do you do?
I have to say I found hiring a car easier as there is lots of B&B about in NZ, even in high season. A camper is a bit wide for some of the narrow roads there, and not always easy to park. An official site is not cheap if you want electricity and running water.
[ 12-Jul-2010, at 12:50 by Cyberia ]
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