In the case of purchasing in a private sale through an advert in the press or the specialized motorhome magazines you need to take special precautions. Make sure all of the paperwork is in order, ask to see the complete service history, registration papers, any work undertaken in fact everything pertaining to the vehicle. If you find there has been work done on the engine or any of the mechanical side then it may give you an idea as to the general condition of the vehicle. Check out as much of the service history as possible and have your mechanic tale a good look over the vehicle with you.