When it comes to motorhomes for sale in the UK the next step ought to be to decide on the size you're looking for. If there are only two of you and you don't have much parking space at home you might be able to manage with a VW Combi-sized vehicle that sleeps two and doesn't take up any more space than a family car. If you have a larger family you might be better suited with a coachbuilt motorhome with room for 2 people over the cab and a further 2 or even 4 beds in the main living area.
The best layout for you will depend on the size of your party and your style of living - whether you plan to cook a lot or whether you want to be able to sit up watching TV in the evenings without disturbing your children.

The best layout I've found for our family of 4 was a German-made LMC motorhome I owned a few years ago. This had a huge double-bed over the cab which my wife & I used. It also had a pair of bunk beds at the back which my children used. This meant that we didn't need to convert the dining table into a bed every night - something that can become a real pain, especially if you have a younger child who goes to bed particularly early.

The two dominant base-vehicles most commonly found in the UK are the Fiat Ducato and the Ford Transit. The Ducato tends to be slightly more popular than the Ford and usually commands a higher price. Both are ultra-reliable, especially in the diesel versions that are most commonly found.
A turbo is usually well-worth having. My LMC motorhome was a 2500cc non-turbo diesel and it had far less power than 1.9 turbo diesel motorhomes I've owned since. This can make a huge difference on long uphill sections on motorways where the 2.5 would run out of steam & I'd end up shifting right down to 2nd gear, the 1.9TD just romps on in 5th gear without any hesitation!

If it's your first ever purchase of a motorhome I'd strongly suggest taking along a knowledgeable friend or arranging an AA or RAC inspection. One of your main enemies is damp - motorhome bodies are prone to damage from overhanging trees or letting water in at the corner or roof seams. If untreated this can lead to huge problems so be sure to check inside and out for any signs of damage and water ingress - mould on the walls is a tell-tale sign you need to be looking for, along with any 'musty' smells.

Be sure to check that all the gas and electrical appliances are working - I've found (to my cost) problems with 3-way fridges and gas boilers not working once I got home, despite the seller's assurances that these were all working fine. Don't take their word for it - ask to see actual hot water coming from the motorhome's taps and the gas-powered fridge lit and feeling cold on the inside!

To be continued in Part II

Is anyone going to be looking for motorhomes for sale in 2011 what with all the doom and gloom around the economy - cutbacks, possible redundancies etc?

Well, the good news is that for many, particularly those with secure jobs and large mortgages taken out when interest rates were much higher than today, their disposable income has never been higher.

People such as these who have long wished to own a motorhome or camper van are increasingly realising that their motorhome ownership dreams are now well within reach.

Research amongst the UKs leading motorhome dealers has shown that, although they are not selling anywhere near as many vehicles as they were say 5 years ago, they are still enjoying fairly healthy levels of sales. Many report that whereas sales of new motorhomes have fallen in numbers, sales of secondhand motorhomes have increased dramatically. They feel that buyers are being more 'canny' and, not wanting to be the one to incur the initial drop in value that happens with a new motorhome once it is a year or two old, these switched-on buyers are looking for keenly-priced motorhomes and camper vans that are just a couple of years old but have been very well cared for.

A selection of reviews written by owners of the innovative Mazda Bongo campervan - also sold as the Ford Freeda.

"The Bongo drives like a car, can be used on a daily basis and is very versatile. We had ours converted for camping, it sleeps four at a push and two comfortably, add an awning and you have lots of space.

Bongo fury the owners club/forum is very useful for picking up info/parts, basically anything to do with Bongo's.

Once you have driven one you will be hooked."

5 Stars

"We have had our Bongo conversion for 5 years and it has never let us down. We have been all over Europe in it and driven in all weathers. Often referred to as a weekend vehicle, we are often away for 3 weeks with no problems at all. We bought it with my husband's retirement 'lump sum' and it has been the best purchase we have ever made. Minor disadvantages. 1. It is too tall for most height barriers. 2. MPG not great (20-25mpg)."

5 Stars

"We have had our Mazda Bongo a year now, and we are already looking at what we can do to extend her life (e.g. quality replacement components, waxoiling, etc).

She has a few issues, but most we can get fixed as we go.

The kids (6 and 4) both love her, and we have no problem getting them ready to go out when it is in the Bongo. Just cant imagine life without her now!"

5 Stars

"Great Vehicle

Easily adaptable

Cheap parts readily available

Loads of online support

The Mazda Bongo Friendee (also known as the Ford Freda ) is a great vehicle. It has a few quirks but the array of features far outway any of the minor issues."

4.5 Stars

"We bought our Mazda Bongo two years ago. We were looking for a people carrier but also needed something for touring abroad and with enough space to transport items to and from our holiday home. This was more than ideal its great to drive and easier to park than our car. We had some overheating problems but all it needed was a good Bongo garage. I can't praise it enough."

5 Stars

"The Mazda Bongo is great all round, would recommend to anyone camping , towing or large family with its 8 seats.

Had mine for 1 year and no problems at all. great camping or towing van for a great price. Drives like a car, easy to park."

5 Stars

"We had a coverted our Mazda Bongo in the UK and loved it, we were very sad when we had to sell it in order to go travelling. The engine was great, we owned it for 2 years and never had any problems. The rear conversion was great, and having a fridge was a really good idea as you can enjoy a cold beer with a BBQ or your dinner.

We will definitely buy another bongo."

4 Stars