Where to buy a used caravan in Australia
Buy from a dealer for consumer law protection, or privately for a lower price.
We compare classified sites, dealers, auctions and owners' clubs, with the checks to run at each.
Updated . 8 min read • Buying Guide
Buy from a dealer for consumer law protection, or privately for a lower price.
Wherever you buy, see the van in person and run a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) search before you pay.
- Dealer or consignment yard - higher price, consumer guarantees on a dealer's own stock (a business sale under the Australian Consumer Law)
- Private sale - lower price, fewer protections (you rely on your own checks)
- Auction - sold as-is (for buyers who can price repairs on sight)
In this guide
Compare where to buy
| Where | Prices | Protection | Type of sale | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan Camping Sales | Dealer and private | Depends on the seller | Dealer or private sale | Searching with caravan-specific filters |
| Facebook Marketplace | Often low | Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply | Private sale | Buyers who can inspect locally and decide quickly |
| Gumtree | Often low | Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply | Private sale | Older and budget vans |
| Used dealers and consignment yards | Higher | Consumer guarantees on a dealer's own stock | Business sale | Buyers who want consumer law protection |
| Auctions | Can be low | Most consumer guarantees don't apply | Sold as-is | Experienced buyers who can price a repair bill on sight |
| eBay, forums and owners' clubs | Varies | Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply | Private sale | A specific brand with an active owners' club |
- Prices: Dealer and private
- Protection: Depends on the seller
- Type of sale: Dealer or private sale
- Best for: Searching with caravan-specific filters
- Prices: Often low
- Protection: Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply
- Type of sale: Private sale
- Best for: Buyers who can inspect locally and decide quickly
- Prices: Often low
- Protection: Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply
- Type of sale: Private sale
- Best for: Older and budget vans
- Prices: Higher
- Protection: Consumer guarantees on a dealer's own stock
- Type of sale: Business sale
- Best for: Buyers who want consumer law protection
- Prices: Can be low
- Protection: Most consumer guarantees don't apply
- Type of sale: Sold as-is
- Best for: Experienced buyers who can price a repair bill on sight
- Prices: Varies
- Protection: Private sellers: most consumer guarantees don't apply
- Type of sale: Private sale
- Best for: A specific brand with an active owners' club
Wherever you buy, three rules apply:
- See the van in person before you pay anything.
- Run the $2 PPSR check before money changes hands.
- Never pay a deposit on a van you have not seen.
Scams aimed at caravan buyers on any private listing include cloned listings, fake deposits and vans that do not exist.
The full process is in our used caravan buying guide.
1. Caravan Camping Sales
Dealer or private saleA classifieds site for caravans and campers only.
Why buy here
- Filters for caravan details such as ATM (aggregate trailer mass), length and berths
- Dealer and private vans from across Australia in one place
Watch out for
- Asking prices are a starting point, so plan to negotiate
- Popular models sell quickly, so set up saved-search alerts
2. Facebook Marketplace
Private saleGeneral local classifieds, mostly private sellers.
Why buy here
- Many sellers are within driving distance for an inspection
- Seller profiles show account age and other listings
Watch out for
- Most consumer guarantees don't apply to a private sale, so run the three checks above
- Good vans sell fast, so set up saved-search alerts
3. Gumtree
Private saleGeneral classifieds, with many older and budget vans.
Why buy here
- Older, cheaper vans that may not be listed elsewhere
Watch out for
- A private sale, so the full set of checks applies every time
- Confirm the van is still for sale before you travel to see it
4. Used dealers and consignment yards
Business saleA higher price, with consumer law protection.
Why buy here
- Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply. A major fault means a refund or a replacement, and a minor one a repair
- A dealer can take your trade-in and must give you clear title
- Consignment yards sell private vans with dealer paperwork. Ask whether the yard or the owner is the seller, because that can change which guarantees apply
Watch out for
- The protection is built into the price
- Still inspect the van properly before you sign
5. Auctions
Sold as-isEx-fleet, ex-rental and repossessed vans, usually sold as-is.
Why buy here
- Ex-fleet, ex-rental and repossessed vans can sell under market price
- No haggling with a seller
Watch out for
- Sold as-is, often with little chance to inspect, and most consumer guarantees don't apply
- A buyer's premium and fees are added to the winning bid
- Budget for a full service on a repossessed van
6. eBay, forums and owners' clubs
Private saleA small number of vans from enthusiast owners.
Why buy here
- Club sellers often keep service records
- Other members may know the van's history
Watch out for
- Few vans for sale, so you wait for the right one
- Treat an eBay listing like any private sale online, and run the three checks above
Check the new price before you make an offer
Used asking prices vary widely. Before you offer, find what the same van, or its current equivalent, costs new. Our site has the makers' published new prices for 1,210+ Australian caravan models.
Keep reading
To find a yard near you, see caravan dealers in Brisbane, caravan dealers in Melbourne, caravan dealers in Sydney, caravan dealers in Perth, caravan dealers in Adelaide.