'Industry image
being tarnished'
Renting could take stress out of
caravanning
Have your say
TO buy or to rent ... that's the question
being posed by the Caravan Council of Australia.
Founder and general manager Colin Young believes the renting option could
be more beneficial in terms of saving money.
It also took the "stressful worry and annoyance" out of ensuring that a
bought caravan is fully-compliant, safe and of very high quality.
Mr Young points out that it allows renters to relax and forget about
caravan insurance, registration and servicing obligations.
"There are two significant factors to persuade non-caravanners to get into
the lifestyle and experience the enjoyment of travelling around our great
country," he said.
"People who simply cannot afford to buy a 'van may well be enticed to go
for the significantly lower-cost renting option.
"And those who do choose the renting path and enjoy their short travels
may well be encouraged to go for longer vacations and decide to buy a
caravan."
'Remorseful buyers
of caravans with numerous defects'
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The Caravan Council of Australia had received
many calls during the last several years from remorseful buyers of
caravans with numerous defects, including extremely-dangerous safety
issues and major non-compliances.
"In far too many cases, these highly-aggrieved owners have had
significant, traumatic and costly hassles in trying to get the supplier to
rectify them as legally required by the Australian Consumer Law,"
Mr Young said.
"Many unresolved hassles unfortunately lead to litigation."
He said unhappy owners often complained of being
sold something they did not really want, admitting they were too naive and
had not done their homework properly.
"The image of the caravanning industry is being badly tarnished by these
continuing problems despite the intentions of new regulations."
He believed caravan rental businesses "no doubt did their homework in a
meticulous manner before deciding on which 'vans to buy".
"Renters appreciably assist the manufacturers by providing constructive
comments on the usability and acceptance of their 'vans, along with
suggestions to improve any items that have any drawbacks."
Mr Young said the idea of renting before buying was "certainly an
excellent decision" for would-be caravanners.
A simple spreadsheet comparing the costs of buying vs renting is available
by emailing the Caravan Council of Australia at
caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au
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Dennis Amor All Rights Reserved
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