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We won!!!
Buyer beware update: We won!
Anon
We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. (Read our story about it: ckw.nz/buyer-beware)
The fact that we had an issue on our first night helped us win our case, and that the seller mentioned it was water tight. I’d also asked if he kept it, what improvements he would do, to which he responded ‘nothing needed doing’!
What we learned
When buying a caravan, a seller is usually keen and helpful with regards to viewing etc especially from a distance. Ours wasn’t. Not keen to hold it or accept a small deposit. We should have walked away at this stage.
Dishonest sellers
Since our experience we’ve heard of someone else who has issues with a leaky vehicle and another person who was scammed and paid for a caravan but there wasn’t one.
Be wise in your research friends. Learn from us. It’s not worth the heartache and stress.
Name withheld.
More for buyers
Buying used caravans
From Collyn Rivers: Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans.
Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however.
🏕️
Summer 2025
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