Perfect Time to Buy a Pop Top Camper

Written by: Nick Hantge

Spring time is right around the corner and we have already been tempted with some 70 degree days. Soon the campgrounds will start to open and the nights won't cool off as much. The weekend traffic to the mountains will begin to slow down leaving pleanty of room on the highways for a VW camper. There could not be a better time to buy a Pop Top Camper!

If you are looking to buy a eurovan, vanagon or westfalia camper you can steal one this time of year especially with the state of the economy. I've talked to the owner for JDB Imports the biggest supplier of pop top campers in Colorado and he said sales are slightly down from the year average and now is certainly a great time to buy. "If you purchase a eurovan this time of year you will get the most use of it (about 7 months) and dealers or owners or pop tops might be willing to cut you a deal" says Mr Biglow. He also said that buyers usually wait too long to start looking for vw campers because once the weather gets nice sellers are less likely to sell at a discount because the demand is high.

Besides the economy, weather, and optimal use it is a great time to buy a vw camper because its ability to be used as a camper and a vehicle. Maybe your child is turn 16 or your family is just in the market for adding a vehicle. Have you been thinking how great it would be to be able to go camping with the family as well? A eurovan, vanagon or westfalia is great for individuals in situations like this. VW Campers are great for tooling around town for groceries or erands and always bring excitement to the weekend.

Buying a Camper in an Auction

You need to be clear on the type of motorhome or camper you need and purchasing this way is not recommended for first time buyers as you need to know how to put an accurate value on a camper in a short time. The prices in the 'Blue Book' or 'Nada' guides are not all that accurate because it is difficult to value a camper as they have the vehicle side of things and the living side as well. The book guide prices are based on the vehicle age, condition, model and mileage. The fittings and fixtures in a camper along with the overall condition of the living space affects the price to a great extent.

To find the value of a camper, the only real way to do this is to compare it with similar vehicles with similar features and fittings. You will need to check out the press and the specialized magazines in order to find similar campers to give you your guide prices.

To be able to bid with security you need to put a price on the camper you will be bidding on. When the bidding starts the opening bid is usually quite low. Often the price won't rise much more and you will end up getting a motorhome at a fraction of the price it is worth. At other times however the bidding will be fierce and the price will quickly rise up to and beyond your calculation of what the vehicle is worth. This is why it is so important to work out the value of the vehicle before bidding starts. Also bear in mind any repairs or modifications that you will need to do and remember that the auctioneers will take a percentage of the sale price too (usually around 10%)