My wife and I are both retiring in April. We want to discover the world of motorhome travel. I bought the Britstops book, joined all sorts of media clubs. All we need is the MH.
There are no caravan and MH shows when we want them!
We are after a Bessacarr 599 or, which has now changed to, a Kontiki sport 599.
A new one, if anyone knows of any decent dealers doing decent deals, are the deals going to come for 2021??
Or, anyone know of one for sale anywhere about a year old?
Must be automatic.
👍😊
Welcome to UKCS.
Guess you’ll need to do what we all do - Autotrader, local dealers, Google....
Lots of folks are looking for MHs since Covid staycations became the thing. Hope you get your new MH.
I don't want to put you off. I have been motorcaravanning for almost 40 years and love the life... BUT with respect, are you maybe thinking about jumping in at the deep end and then learning how to swim ?
If you let us know your location, that might help with dealers, but in the mean time, look at Autotraders Motorhomes and do a search there. You aren't making it easy by looking for an automatic - they're like hen's teeth and finding a one year old might be difficult unless you were lucky to get an ex-rental. Most people keep them for years before changing.
Do not let this deter you - there are plenty of 20 year old vans in great condition.
Let me suggest that you don't restrict yourself to a particular model. Look around at as many different styles and layouts and refine your choices. When things get better, hire a van for a short break and make sure that's what you really want to do. It's not just a casual hobby - it's a lifestyle - and it's a great one..
People are always happy to help if you need advice or ideas.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Hi Fiona, thanks for your answer, yes I've tried all those and more. Sometimes the best way is to put a wanted ad out. It sometimes finds a variety of people, friends of friends etc. that were going to part exchange or sell to a dealer because they don't want the hassle of advertising. This way they get a better price, everyone wins. 😃
Hi Captain Lightning, thanks for your answer. I've caravaned all my life and we've had a great time. I built up to having a fantastic set up, 7.2m twin wheeler towed with a Range Rover with an awning double the size of the van (Peta with bedroom extensions).
Sold now but still have all the stuff we need.
Times change, children grown up and gone, it's our time now.
We now want to travel without having to take a day to set up and a day to pack up. We want to stay in one night stops, wild camp (particularly abroad), go to Isle of Man TT every year and not coming home for months at a time.
We hired to make sure we found the right setup and layout. We have found the ideal one that suits us and need an automatic due to arthritis.
The operations aren't forthcoming at the moment, with a bit of luck the MH might.
Cheers,
Apologies for my incorrect assumptions and you seem to have all the right ideas and great experience. I've always been a motorcaravanner and appreciate the advantages that a van has to offer.
We downsized when we retired (early) and fell for a campervan that we didn't know existed till we saw it in a dealer's showroom. Our lifestyle doesn't really lend itself to long stays away, and the smaller van is very versatile.
Interested to see that you visit the TT races. As a student (long ago) I was in N.Ireland and used to visit most of the road races there - the NW200, the Ulster GP etc.. Saw some of the 'greats' race there, but haven't been back there.
I hope you find what you're looking for, though automatics are pretty rare.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
best of luck finding the van you want but i noticed the prices are going up. a van i had in 2012 secondhand trade price £12000 tops now average selling price £ 19995. another that i could only get £18000 for in 2015 are selling for £29995. the demand is out there so you might not get the bargain you think you want but you could get the van at a higher price.
The fact that you want an automatic gearbox (very sensible in my book) might limit your choice although more dealers are stocking them. Fiat have a new autobox which will be far superior to the old Comfortmatic. One thing to think about viz a viz buying local or buying cheapest deal is the question of servicing and warranty which is a lot easier closer to home. Good luck with your search.
Have a look at Geoff Cox Motorhomes in Derbyshire I live near to his show place, it’s at Denby Pottery.I have a camper van but go for a look round, he has so great vans, a will do a deal if you push him.