The Short Version
| Channel | Prices | Protection | Scam risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan Camping Sales | Highest private prices | None (private) | Low | Serious searching with filters that actually understand caravans |
| Facebook Marketplace | Cheapest (private) | None (private) | High | Bargain hunters who can inspect locally and move fast |
| Gumtree | Cheap (private) | None (private) | High | Older and budget vans that never make it to the paid sites |
| Used Dealers & Consignment Yards | Highest | ACL guarantees | Low | Buyers who want consumer law protection and will pay for it |
| Auctions (Grays, Pickles, Manheim, Lloyds) | Cheapest overall | None (as-is) | Low (but as-is) | Experienced buyers who can price a repair bill on sight |
| eBay, Forums & Owners' Clubs | Fair | None (private) | Medium | Specific brands with active owner communities |
Whichever channel you use, the same three rules apply: see the van in person, run the $2 PPSR check before money moves, and never pay a deposit on a van you haven't stood next to. The full drill is in our used caravan buying guide.
1. Caravan Camping Sales
Scam risk: LowThe biggest dedicated caravan marketplace in the country
Why buy here
- Listings are paid, which filters out most scammers and tyre-kickers
- Search by ATM, length, sleeping capacity — filters built for vans, not furniture
- Mix of dealer and private stock in one place, Australia-wide
Watch out for
- Sellers who paid for a listing price ambitiously — expect to negotiate
- Popular models get snapped up; set alerts and move quickly
2. Facebook Marketplace
Scam risk: HighThe biggest volume and the best bargains — and the most scams
Why buy here
- Free listings mean the widest selection and the lowest prices
- Local-first: most sellers are within driving distance for an inspection
- Seller profiles give you some history — age of account, other listings
Watch out for
- This is where caravan scams live: cloned listings, fake deposits, ghost vans
- Zero purchase protection — Marketplace is a noticeboard, not a marketplace
- Good vans sell in hours; you need saved-search alerts and a fast yes
3. Gumtree
Scam risk: HighThe long tail — older vans, older sellers, occasional gems
Why buy here
- Free listings attract sellers of older, cheaper vans
- Less competition from other buyers than Facebook
Watch out for
- Same scam profile as Facebook — every red flag applies double here
- Declining traffic means stale listings; many vans are long gone
4. Used Dealers & Consignment Yards
Scam risk: LowYou pay for the safety net
Why buy here
- Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply — major fault means repair, replacement or refund
- Trade-ins accepted, finance arranged on site, title guaranteed clear
- Consignment yards sell private vans with dealer paperwork — a useful middle ground
Watch out for
- The protection is priced in — typically thousands over the same van privately
- No car-style statutory warranty on caravans in most states; your rights are the ACL, so still inspect properly
5. Auctions (Grays, Pickles, Manheim, Lloyds)
Scam risk: Low (but as-is)The cheapest vans in the country, sold as-is
Why buy here
- Ex-fleet, ex-rental and repossessed stock regularly goes under market
- No haggling, no seller stories — the hammer decides
Watch out for
- Sold as-is with limited or no inspection and no comeback whatsoever
- Buyer's premium (usually 5–10%) plus fees on top of the hammer price
- Repossessed vans can come with unhappy history — budget for a full service, minimum
6. eBay, Forums & Owners' Clubs
Scam risk: MediumSmall volume, well-loved vans
Why buy here
- Club and forum sellers are enthusiasts — vans tend to be maintained and documented
- Brand-specific knowledge on tap; someone will know that van's history
Watch out for
- Tiny selection; you wait for the right van rather than choosing
- eBay caravan listings are sparse and the usual online-scam rules apply
Before You Make an Offer: Anchor Against the New Price
Used asking prices in Australia are all over the place — some sellers still want 2021 COVID-boom money. The antidote is knowing exactly what the van (or its current equivalent) costs new. We keep verified manufacturer pricing on 130+ Australian ranges for exactly this.
Buying Privately? Sort Finance First
Private sellers won't wait for a two-week bank approval, and a secured loan adds a real safety layer on a private sale: the lender verifies clear title and pays the seller directly at settlement. Our finance partner Jade Finance handles used and private-sale caravan loans, and a quote doesn't affect your credit score.
Get a Used Caravan Finance Quote →Jade Finance is our finance partner — we may receive a referral fee. It never costs you more. How we make money