The Benefits of Buying a Used Airstream

All motorhomes, campervans and caravans have their appeal – but Airstream is one of the select handful of leisure vehicles which has crossed over into being truly iconic. This hand-built brand is always stylish and always smart – beautiful but practical. That evocative ‘chrome bullet’ is a design classic, instantly recognisable across the word. Airstream is highly desirable, and it’s a genuine game-changer for many owners.

There’s the key word: Owners. There’s no getting around the fact that owning an Airstream means quite a sizeable investment on your part. It is entirely worth it, of course, but ownership is likely to come with quite a financial commitment – and for some people this could be that just one step too far.

However, there is a way to reduce costs, and that is to opt for a used Airstream…

1. Condition

They often use the term “pre-loved” these days when referring to anything used, don’t they? But in the case of Airstreamsthat is going to be entirely accurate! Motorhome, camper and caravan owners tend to really look after their vehicle as it was expensive to buy new and is, to all intents and purposes, a second home. It will have been given the same pride and attention that their actual home will have been given. In other words, it’s likely to feel close to new, even though it’s not box-fresh new. Wear and tear isn’t likely to be off-putting either – realistically, people don’t spend 24/7 for 52 weeks of the year using their leisure vehicle.

2. Extras

If the pre-loved Airstream you’re looking to buy has a host of extras over and above a brand-new model – such as a TV, a fridge etc – then it’s probable that these will be included in the price. If that’s the case it means you’ll be getting ‘more for your money’ as you won’t have to fit these extras in yourself at an additional cost.

3. Stretch Your Money

Even without loads of extras, buying a used Airstream is a smart move because it will ensure you make the most of your budget. You’ll buy a new-to-you space at only a fraction of the price you’d have paid for a brand-new Airstream straight off the production line. These vehicles tend to retain their value much more strongly than others, but you are still going to see some benefit in buying a used model.

Making a sizeable purchase, even though the vehicle is used, and the price is highly reasonable, should always come with a few ‘thinking points’ attached. Here are the things you ought to consider when buying a used Airstream.

1. Interior

Check all the hardware. Check the doors and cupboards and make sure all of them open and close correctly. You don’t want anything to compromise or spoil the functionality and convenience of your Airstream, despite it being used and not brand-new. Check the water systems and the heating etc. Consider whether this particular Airstream has a kitchen that will function the way you need it to. Are there going to be enough beds for all the family? Does it have a TV, enough seating, enough windows? Only you will know for sure what your exact requirements are – but they are worth considering as you check out your potential purchase.

2. Exterior

The exterior of the Airstream should be relatively easy to inspect and assess. If it’s a quite old model, vintage let’s say, then there is likely to have been some oxidation on the vehicle’s shell. This doesn’t necessarily mean the structure of the Airstream has been compromised, but the ‘look’ can be slightly off-putting. It’s possible to strip down and polish an Airstream to restore that familiar look, but this is an extremely time-consuming process. It’s also possible to remove any dents or bruises from the shell of the Airstream. It’s also always worth checking the windows. More miles on the road means more opportunity for stones to have caused cracks or breakages. Window repairs to an Airstream are expensive. Check seals, too, and check that the doors open and close without issue. It’s not always the case, of course, but as a general rule if the exterior of the Airstream is impeccable then you can guarantee that the interior has been well kept too.