Every backpacker hostel noticeboard in Australia has a few campervans for sale. Buying one can look cheaper than hiring, especially for a long trip. Sometimes it is. Often it isn't, once you count the repairs, paperwork and the stress of selling at the end.
Here's an honest comparison of buying vs hiring a campervan in Australia, the checks you must do before buying, and how to decide which suits your trip.
The case for hiring a campervan
- Newer, well-maintained vehicles with less chance of breaking down
- 24/7 roadside assistance included with most hires
- Insurance sorted, with the option to reduce your excess
- No registration, roadworthy or ownership paperwork
- One way trips, so you don't have to end where you started
- Nothing to sell when your trip is over
For trips of a few weeks, hiring usually works out simpler and often cheaper once you add up everything that comes with owning a van.
The case for buying a campervan
- Can work out cheaper on very long trips of several months
- You can fit it out how you like
- You may get some money back when you sell
Buying makes most sense if you're spending months on the road, you're comfortable with basic mechanics, and you have time at the end of your trip to sell.
The hidden costs of buying
The purchase price is only the start. Budget for:
- Repairs and servicing, which are common on older backpacker vans
- Registration, which is handled by each state and has to be kept current
- Insurance. Registration includes compulsory third party injury cover in most states, but that doesn't cover damage to your van or someone else's car.
- Roadside assistance membership, if you want it
- Tyres, batteries and camping gear
- Time and money to sell the van at the end, often for less than you paid
Checks to do before you buy a campervan
Run a PPSR search
The Personal Property Securities Register lets you check, for $2 online, whether a vehicle has money owing on it, or has been reported stolen or written off. If you buy a van with finance still owing, it can be repossessed and you lose both the van and your money.
Check the registration and paperwork
Registration and transfer rules differ between states. Some states require a safety or roadworthy certificate before a vehicle can be sold or transferred. Check the rules with the state transport department where the van is registered.
Get it inspected
A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic or a motoring club costs money, but much less than a blown engine in the middle of nowhere.
So, buy or hire?
As a rough guide:
- A few weeks: hire. It's simpler and you're covered if something goes wrong.
- One to three months: compare carefully. Long hire discounts and relocation deals can make hiring very competitive.
- Several months or more, with time to sell at the end: buying may work out cheaper, if you're happy taking on the risk.
Our long hire discount gives 10% off the daily rate when you hire for 21 days or more, which narrows the gap on longer trips.
Long hire campervan discount→Campervan relocation deals explained→Campervan trip on a budget in Australia→
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy or rent a campervan in Australia?
For trips of a few weeks, hiring is usually cheaper and simpler once you count repairs, registration, insurance and selling costs. Buying can work out cheaper on trips of several months.
What is a PPSR check?
A search of the Personal Property Securities Register that shows whether a vehicle has finance owing, or has been reported stolen or written off. It costs $2 online.
Can backpackers buy a car in Australia?
Yes. Visitors can buy and register a vehicle, but registration and transfer rules vary by state, so check with the state transport department.
Is there a discount for long campervan hire?
Many companies offer long hire discounts. With Australian Backpackers, hires of 21 days or more get 10% off the daily rental rate.
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