and if so how difficult? we are looking for a motorhome but you dont seem to get a lot for your money in this country, with the strong euro at the moment are the savings really that big on the continent, also after looking at a lot of vans hymers seem to be the ones which offer the space we require what is the build quality like on these vans and is there anything i should be looking out for?
cheers
I think a lot of people visit the Dusseldorf motor home show if they are thinking or importing a motor home and a lot of people tend to import from Germany from what I can gather. A lot of people are of the opinion that the German built vehicles, Hymers being one of them, are far superior in quality and build than any of the UK models and another motor home forum that I am a member of has many threads relating to importing motor homes to the UK. I don’t know if putting links to other forums is acceptable on here so I wouldn’t like to include a link but if you put motor home forums into Google it may come up with something useful?
Good luck.
Sue
------------- The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
just out of interest as i am a complete novice what are the other german motorhomes? also im not looking for a new one just something decent size around £15,000
I am not really sure of the names of other German vehicles but I am sure someone more knowledgeable will be able to assist you soon but until then why not Google what you want to know and see what it comes up with?
google names like Hymer, Knaus, Defleffs, Hobby, Burstner to find the manufacturers websites, on the websites you will find links to German motorhome dealers who will also have second hand examples of all these & other makes.
If you buy from a German dealer they will put temporary export plates on the van & also get you short term insurance to drive it home.
Back in the UK you will need to get it MOTeed if over 3yrs old & make a few alterations like offside rear foglight & possibly new headlights(which wont be cheap)although you may get away with taping them up-depends on the MOT tester. You will need a personal import pack from the DVLA to register the vehicle, you will then get an age related UK numberplate.
To pay for the vehicle you can do an international money transfer, your to their bank.
Most German motorhome dealers speak English & are used to selling vehicles for export.
------------- Sell my camper? I'd rather eat school semolina!
do not think you will get new for £15K even importing, especially as the pound is so weak against the Euro.
Pilote would be one to look at, good quality, and more importantly the back up in this country is absolute excellent. Hayes Leasure was where I got mine from.
The resale is less also, but not an issue if you intend to buy abroad the 2nd time as will be able to part ex, also try Ireland for dealers of the German vehicles, might be worth a look.
there is a mega big motorhome company in berlin they will do all of the import paperwork for you they will even get you insurance to get the motorhome into uk.
------------- you may be frustrated now but infront of me there is a big incline . yeh it may be slow but it is in front
I'd be more interested in importing secondhand from Japan. It seems that they mostly go to Australasia at the moment, but may be something we'll see here.
Have a search on MOBILE.DE you can then see what you could get for £15000 or about 18,662.97 EUR at todays prices. Many Germans we have spoken to think that the newer Hymers aren't as well built as the older ones. On the Category you can select Alcoves - coach built or Intergrated - A'class'
As to wether it's worth it I don't know, we bought a new van in 2006 & sold it after 18 months for a profit intending to buy another new van but the exchange rate has now made it a difficult decision. I would have thought around 2006 we could save about 20% but now the euro is about 18% worse against the pound.
if you want one from japan you would be a bit restricted to toyota / nissan chassis that,s not your problem the problems will start with head gaskets and warped heads plus torbo seals forever blowing. This is because of all the stop starting mode of driving plus the differing grades of fuels used, the problems have always been inherent with direct imports be they cars /vans petrol or diesel .Hope this has not dashed your hopes but i was in the motor trade for many many years and to my knowledge these problems are still there with today,s imports.
------------- you may be frustrated now but infront of me there is a big incline . yeh it may be slow but it is in front
with the state of the economy in the UK and the rest of Europe you should be in a good position for a bargin, the only down side on the import is the Exchange rate against he Euro, can not see that changing much in the next 3-6 months
I imported my 9 year old toyota Estima from Japan, it's been a superb trouble-free bargain buy, as are the vast majority of imports. I know this from my membership of imported car clubs.
The problems you mention are no more common (or less common) than UK cars.
So I'd import one without a seconds hesitation.
That's why I'd recommend Sheffieldfam to look at imported secondhand ones. If he wants contacts, I'd be happy to supply some.