Campervan Inspection Checklist — New Zealand

Follows a real viewing in order, from the night before to the handover. Full explanations: kiwivanmarket.com/guide/campervan-buyer-checklist

1 · The night before (from your hostel)

• CarJam run (plate) — owners, odometer history, WOF record
• PPSR run ($3, ppsr.govt.nz, VIN) — no finance owing on the van
• Price compared to similar listings — under-market = a question, not a win
• Two messages sent — service record photos? + no engine warm-up before I arrive
• Viewing booked in daylight, dry weather if possible

2 · First five minutes on site

• Stance — van sits level, no sagging corner
• Tyres — matching brands, even wear across all four
• Smell test inside — no damp odour on first opening
• Ownership story asked — to match against CarJam dates later

3 · Walk-around: body & rust

• Panel gaps & paint tone even — no hidden accident repairs
• Magnet test on sills/arches — sticks everywhere (no filler)
• Underbody with a torch — rails, floor pans, sills: no structural rust
• Window rubbers / roof seams — no bubbling paint around glass
• Under carpets/mats — floor solid, no rot

4 · Bonnet up, then the test drive

• Bonnet cold before start — genuine cold start, clean idle, no lasting smoke
• Oil cap & dipstick — no creamy residue; coolant clean, never oily
• Cambelt history — replacement date/kms known (receipt ideally)
• Motorway at 100 — no shake through the wheel
• A real hill — temperature steady, power holds
• Speed bump slow — no clunks; corners settle after a push
• Firm straight brake — no pull, no squeal; radio OFF while listening
• All gears twice incl. reverse — no crunch, no hesitation

5 · Camper kit: test, don't admire

• Self-contained certificate sighted — valid, matches THIS van
• Water in / water out — tap runs, drain flows, wood under sink firm
• Phone charged from every 12V/USB socket
• Fridge + lights on battery 10 min, engine off — battery age known
• Solar numbers — panel wattage + controller brand given
• Gas locker — no smell; compliance certificate if cooker/heater
• Mattress lifted — no brown rings on the plywood

6 · Money & paperwork (last 15 minutes)

• WOF + REGO labels current, months from expiry
• RUC label covers odometer (diesel)
• Receipt written & signed ×2 — price, date, names, passports, plate, VIN, 'sold as seen'
• Ownership transferred together, same day (nzta.govt.nz, ~$9)
• Insurance active before driving away