Rent or Buy a Campervan: How to Make the Right Decision!

Are you about to embark on a road trip and considering renting a campervan? Or have you been dreaming of owning your own campervan for a long time? We're here to help you make that decision!

Camping is trending! Motorhomes and campervans are becoming increasingly popular because they offer so much flexibility and independence for nature-focused holidays, all while providing a high level of comfort. This is why more and more people are getting interested in camping as a way to travel.

However, many people ask themselves: should I rent or buy a campervan? We've listed the pros and cons to help you out.

When should I rent a campervan?

Thinking about renting a campervan? Great idea! Here are the advantages of renting.

The perfect option for camping newbies

Renting a campervan is perfect for anyone who wants to try out camping. After all, first-time campers should test whether travelling in a campervan is really for them.

Plus, camping newbies often aren't sure what size and features they need in a campervan. Renting gives you the chance to figure out which type of campervan best suits your needs.

Ideal for occasional campers

If you only plan to travel with a campervan occasionally or every few years, you should rent one. A rental campervan can always be adapted to your current requirements.

For families with teenagers, the situation can constantly change: one year all the kids might be on the family holiday, but the next year they might have their own plans, and you'll only need space for two or three people.

Or perhaps the family grows, and more space is needed. Under these circumstances, renting a motorhome offers maximum flexibility and freedom.

Renting a campervan for more flexibility

Unlike a traditional hotel holiday, a campervan gives you much more flexibility. You can plan your road trip spontaneously and flexibly, staying wherever you like. Want to spend the night under the stars, right by the sea, or with an impressive view? No problem!

Renting a camper saves time

Why? Because owning a campervan is a real passion! There's always something to do with the vehicle itself. Plus, there's the travel time to the garage, the parking spot, and so on. Winter storage, cleaning, and maintenance also take up time.

A rented campervan, on the other hand, is simply returned when you finish your trip. You don't even have to clean it yourself.

Renting is cheaper than buying

At least in most situations! For a brand-new motorhome, you can expect to pay around €40,000. Of course, the sky's the limit from there. On top of that, there are taxes, insurance, repairs, tire changes, parking fees, and so on.

Depending on the type and travel time you choose, renting a campervan can cost about €60 to €140 per day. It's not a cheap pleasure, but generally much more affordable than maintaining your own campervan.

If you plan to be on the road for more than 6 weeks a year, you should consider owning your own campervan.

Renting a campervan – the advantages at a glance:

Ideal for testing and trying out: Which vehicle and features are right for me?
Occasional campers save money by renting.
Campervans are available for rent worldwide.
You can rent the perfect vehicle for every holiday and be flexible about the type of trip and the number of passengers.
No additional costs for maintenance, repairs, accessories, insurance, or parking.

Buying a campervan: When does it pay off?

Buying a new campervan should be carefully considered. You need to think precisely about which type of campervan is individually suitable for your intended use and what budget you have available.

But what advantages does owning your own campervan offer?

You can travel whenever you want

If you rent a motorhome, you should plan and book well in advance to ensure your desired model is available on the agreed date. Camper owners can hit the road whenever they want – for example, on a long weekend.

Custom features

When buying a new camper, you can best realize specific wishes, from the layout to the seat upholstery, the type of mattress, the slatted frame, and the kitchen equipment, right down to the navigation system, sunshade, and awning.

Everything is made to suit you. With rental campers, however, only certain features are available.

Easy to bring pets

Want to take your pet on your travels? With your own camper, that's no problem. However, if you're renting a campervan, you'll need to check beforehand whether pets are allowed.

Buying a campervan – the advantages at a glance:

You can set off spontaneously anytime.
No long loading and unloading needed.
The interior and features are tailored to your needs.
Your own mobile home is always with you.
You can take your pet on trips anytime.

Can't wait to finally sit in your own campervan? Click here to visit our partner and Europe's largest VW bus center: The Bullishow

Renting a campervan vs. buying a campervan: These are the questions you should ask yourself

How many seats/sleeping berths are needed?
Is vehicle length/height important to me?
Does the motorhome need to be agile and suitable for everyday use?
Is a bathroom including shower and toilet a must-have?
Do you need a kitchenette?
How much storage space will I need?
Rental costs: What is my travel budget?
Purchase costs: Acquisition, long-term parking, maintenance, service, fuel

What to consider when buying and renting a campervan?

Whether you want to rent or buy a campervan, there are a few important things you should consider in both cases.

Seats/Sleeping berths

If you're buying or renting a campervan, you should make sure there are enough seats for all passengers. Especially if you're travelling with a dog, you should factor in enough floor space for them to lie down. The same applies to sleeping arrangements.

For example, a VW Multivan has two sleeping berths, while the VW Grand California offers four. More isn't always better, but a little extra space, for example, for more luggage for sports activities, is a big advantage.

Vehicle length/height

For inexperienced drivers, it can be very challenging to drive a large vehicle like the VW Grand California. The vehicle height and driving feel are not comparable to a small "city car" and can be a major disadvantage.

Everyday usability

On the other hand, campervans like the VW Coast and VW Beach excel and particularly impress camping beginners. Small, compact, and flexible. With these Volkswagen models, it's much easier to find parking in cities, and using underground car parks is also no problem.

Caution: With additional equipment such as bike racks, roof racks, or solar panels, driving into underground car parks might not be possible.

Bathroom including shower and toilet

Is an indoor shower with hot water and an outdoor shower a must, or is a solar shower that you hang outside enough for you? Of course, this depends heavily on whether you plan to mostly stay at campsites or if you primarily want to be self-sufficient.

Nevertheless, it's a very important aspect if your travel destinations lead to colder regions. Here, showering outdoors can become a test of courage.

Kitchen

Scrambled eggs with coffee in the morning, spaghetti with tomato sauce for lunch, and freshly caught salmon trout with potatoes in the evening. Does that sound more like a restaurant visit than cooking yourself?

Before you rent or buy a campervan, be clear about whether you even need a kitchen in the van. If you don't need a kitchen, as in the VW Beach without a rear kitchen, it can provide you with very valuable storage space.

Storage space

How much storage space you need depends heavily on how many people you're taking on your future road trip. Are you alone but aiming for an active holiday with many different activities like climbing, golfing, hiking? Then you'll need just as much storage space as a family of four.

The VW Coast models have built-in cupboards in the rear area that you can fill with your provisions. Organization is half the battle.

Small tip: If there are no built-in cupboards in the campervan, aluminum crates or boxes would be a fantastic way to organize things.

Travel budget and financing

Costs don't just come from renting the campervan itself. There are additional expenses that you should include in your travel budget planning.

To get from A to B, you need to factor in fuel. If you want to reach your destination faster, sooner or later you'll be driving on a motorway, over a mountain pass, by car train, or on a ferry. Therefore, additional costs like road tolls and vignettes will apply.

You can't always count on free overnight stays. Campsites vary greatly in price depending on location and facilities. Some pitches, like those at SchauaufsLand, are free with a membership, but as a thank you, you often buy something at the farm shop or take part in a tour.

Regular purchases for food and snacks, as well as restaurant visits, should also be considered. Other activities like swimming pools, climbing parks, or museum visits should not be forgotten either.

The expenses on your trip depend on many different factors. Be aware of what you want to spend and make a list.

The purchase of a motorhome represents the largest financial burden. However, bills for a permanent parking space or any parking fees that may arise should also be considered.

Not everyone has an extra parking space in front of their house and needs to find a safe, clean, and winter-proof parking spot. Regular maintenance or workshop visits must be factored in, just like with any other vehicle.

When making a final purchase decision, you must be aware of the incidental costs that can arise. Renting a campervan can sometimes be simpler: you pick up the clean, full-tank campervan, have a wonderful holiday, and return it.

However, there are also some great advantages to owning a motorhome: spontaneous weekend trips or long-term holidays to distant places.

You don't always have to choose one or the other. There are also middle-ground options that allow you to have a long-term holiday without breaking your travel budget.

Want to stay flexible and discover nature and freedom without time limits? With myAbo, you can now subscribe to your campervan for a fixed monthly price.

Conclusion: Rent or buy a campervan

Whether you rent a campervan or buy one, the flexible and independent travel experience with a campervan is incredibly beautiful and creates precious moments. Memories for a lifetime.

Would you like more information about motorhomes and campervans? Click here to find our blog.