Caravans - WeBuyCars

[Nick83]

Hi everyone.
Whats the consensus about buying a caravan at WeBuyCars?

[Coenoes]

The engine may fail but the rest should be fine

[Nick83]

The engine may fail but the rest should be fine

Not sure I follow

[Gelände]

]Not sure I follow

Its a joke

[280iNyati]

Hi everyone.
Whats the consensus about buying a caravan at WeBuyCars?

Like everything else, do your homework ... due diligence

[PRA]

Nobody can help you - caveat emptor.

[Mikepike]

Some seriously good deals on caravans and trailers at WBC. Just do your due diligence - make sure tents and other accessories are all there and in good working order. Also for caravans, make sure there is no wood rot as this can be a wallet killer.

[Nick83]

Some seriously good deals on caravans and trailers at WBC. Just do your due diligence - make sure tents and other accessories are all there and in good working order. Also for caravans, make sure there is no wood rot as this can be a wallet killer.

They do have great deals. What will be the way to see if there is wood rot

[Henkus]

If numbers match and caravan is in great shape, why not? I have seen many a POS at "caravan dealers" that is beyond shite.

[LandyLove]

They do have great deals. What will be the way to see if there is wood rot

If you poke the sides and it feels squishy there is wood rot. But it sounds simpler than it is to inspect.

[vanzyljc]

I can't comment on WeBuyCars and buying a caravan, but what I can do is share my experience with Loftus Caravans.

Bought a caravan from them second hand end of 2023. Got amazing service.

Had an issue almost 11 months later. Me being in CPT, this was always difficult to sort out. They went out of their way and arranged it to be fixed in CPT.

Buy from a reputable company like them. You won't be sorry.

[neoT]

I went caravan viewing at WBC Dome branch the week before Christmas, sales person was arrogant and couldn't care less about the product he was selling, he had very little knowledge about the stock on floor arguing that he can't be expected to keep track of everything due to the turnaround rate of stock. Sales person / WBC doesn't have a detail list of what is included with each caravan thus you have to unpack and check what is included and what not. WBC business model allows them to not provide the 6 month guarantee required by the CPA and nobody at WBC Dome could tell me if one can buy an aftermarket guarantee on caravans or not (different people had conflicting ideas on this - no one had facts/documents on hand).

[pwgg]

I would rather go to Gumtree or the forum and look there. Visit a dealer too to see what is on offer.

WBC nice to walk around kill time kicking tyres but the moment an ignoramus comes to "help" you leave.

[Makro]

Unfortunately due to the monopoly they have, and the amount of sales, they couldn't care less about customer service. The attitude is if you do not buy it, next guy probable will.

With that said, if you are willing to look past customer service, and are willing to put in some time and effort, some good bargains can be bought from them yes. Every now and then there is a real gem, clean, well looked after caravan for a good deal.

If however, you are interested in buying a solid caravan, with good service and backup, and willing to pay a little more for that peace of mind, than rather skip WBC, and have a look at the focused caravan dealers.

[cgcain]

Some seriously good deals on caravans and trailers at WBC. Just do your due diligence - make sure tents and other accessories are all there and in good working order. Also for caravans, make sure there is no wood rot as this can be a wallet killer.

Great point about wood rot and also the tent and equipment. How do you do a cursory check for wood rot?

Thank you!

[WynSol]

I went caravan viewing at WBC Dome branch the week before Christmas, sales person was arrogant and couldn't care less about the product he was selling, he had very little knowledge about the stock on floor arguing that he can't be expected to keep track of everything due to the turnaround rate of stock. Sales person / WBC doesn't have a detail list of what is included with each caravan thus you have to unpack and check what is included and what not. WBC business model allows them to not provide the 6 month guarantee required by the CPA and nobody at WBC Dome could tell me if one can buy an aftermarket guarantee on caravans or not (different people had conflicting ideas on this - no one had facts/documents on hand).

I've had the same experience at WBC. The salesmen are typical nonsense used car salesmen, when you actually have one that gives you a second look! I actually prefer doing my own thing and only when I'm interested in something, would summon one to come and move or start, or open up a vehicle to inspect further. There are exceptions and once in a while, one would stand out above the rest! I've actually looked at a BMW 1200 GS and the salesman recommended me to pass on it, as he's checked it through and there were some hidden faults the buyers missed.

Having said that, you can pick up nice bargains if you know your story. I've bought, fixed up and sold a few vehicles like that. I would usually rather pay and take a technical person with me, to do a proper check and listen, but yes, you cannot always hear or see internal abuse or faults, so it remains a bit of a gamble. The same should go with caravans, rather pay someone to double check, before you pull the trigger and compare. Sometimes saving several thousand, gives a buffer when you have to do minor repairs and you still score. As they say, caveat emptor!

[Scandal]

Hi everyone.
Whats the consensus about buying a caravan at WeBuyCars?

I recently bought an Invader Duo from We Buy Cars in Brackenfell in the WC. I live in Pretoria.

I had watched it for some months on their website and saw the price lowered twice. I took a chance and bought it without a personal inspection (albeit a detailed video from the salesman). He did point out two faults which had to be sorted out.

I paid R5k to have it transported to Pretoria where I took delivery.

I was very fortunate indeed. The "two faults" were not actually faults at all and were remedied in under five minutes.

I was surprised at the number of extras that arrived with the caravan that were no initially listed (additional full tent, bespoke caravan cover, etc) which were worth about R25k.

I took it to the local Invader Agent and it was clear that I also paid at least R40k under its current value; plus the R25k of extras.

I took a chance and it paid off. Just have your wits about you.

[Damdan]

I very recently spoke to a sales manager at a big outdoor/caravan shop in GP.
He says that wbc are killing them by taking over the used caravan market.
Difference is wbc buy and sell immediately without even washing the van.
Caravan dealers buy then fix/revamp/replace/clean and then sell with a guarantee and good after sales service.
I know where i will buy.

[miragrsa]

Good day,

I bought a Conqueror Courage from one of the WBC branches in Cape Town (N7 branch) in Feb 2024. Like the others stated on the forum: They don't know much of caravans/trailers at all. Thus the prices are really cheap. Yup, they don't wash and do any maintenance on them. You get it as is. But the other score is that they don't empty the trailer either. I got loads of "extras" inside the trailer as it was never cleaned out. I did go and inspect myself and did set up the tent on the showroom floor to ensure that there were no glaring faults. There were electrical faults that I had to sort out. But with a trailer it is easy. A caravan maybe more difficult. The point made of buying a properly restored caravan/trailer from a formal caravan sales person is very valid.

[Gooi Los]

I went caravan viewing at WBC Dome branch the week before Christmas, sales person was arrogant and couldn't care less about the product he was selling, he had very little knowledge about the stock on floor arguing that he can't be expected to keep track of everything due to the turnaround rate of stock. Sales person / WBC doesn't have a detail list of what is included with each caravan thus you have to unpack and check what is included and what not. WBC business model allows them to not provide the 6 month guarantee required by the CPA and nobody at WBC Dome could tell me if one can buy an aftermarket guarantee on caravans or not (different people had conflicting ideas on this - no one had facts/documents on hand).

Agree with the arrogant remark. wanted to buy at Centurion and the salesperson was the most arrogant person that I have ever encountered. When i complained at management, I was told that he is the top salesman. WBC will never see me again