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Topic: Ideal time to buy a van

BearPear

via mobile 31/12/2023 at 4:58pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi all, hoping for some advice for a newbie prior to our purchase of a van. We’re looking at buying a T6 Highline with delivery, or >5k miles, I think that now is a good time to buy because it’s before the new season kicks off and we may have better bargaining power. The husband isn’t convinced and as the van will replace his daily driver he’s keen to get the most out of his regular car before swapping. He doesn’t think we will use a van much until the weather improves so doesn’t see the point in changing just yet.
Advice from those with more experience welcome!

Fiona W

via mobile 31/12/2023 at 5:26pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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You can use it all year, it’ll have heating. The limitation is how you are with the short days: we go to a site near a city so it doesn’t matter if it’s dark.
As for when to buy, I’m not sure there’s ever a best time. Except when you’ve found the perfect van for you - there are so many different layouts & what suits us might not suit you. (We need a long bed, for example.) Might be a good idea to get to the big show at NEC in February & sit / lie inside the various options.
I don’t know how the chip availability is now, but friends waited almost 2 years for a new MH to be delivered. I’d go for lightly used, if it suits you.
Finally, I don’t know how high the vehicle is, but check that it can go underneath parking gantries or else it won’t work as a main vehicle.
Good luck.

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2024 = 18 sites / 38 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

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Colin21

01/1/2024 at 10:43am
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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I don't know whether it is the same for motorhomes/camper-vans, but with caravans now is the time when prices of used ones are heading for their peak, as everyone is starting to think about holidays. Late autumn, when people are thinking about Christmas is usually the best time, and that's when the best bargains are around.

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Colin

BearPear

via mobile 01/1/2024 at 11:19am
Location: West Yorkshire
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I think we just have to bite the bullet and go for it!

Colin21

01/1/2024 at 11:29am
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Quote: Originally posted by BearPear on 01/1/2024
I think we just have to bite the bullet and go for it!

If I were you I'd do it sooner rather than later then as spring is usually very much a seller's market. Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.

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Best Regards,
Colin

franbee

01/1/2024 at 12:05pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan

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We've had 2 VW 'vans, and loved them both, came from the same supplier who converts the vans. So in both cases he bought a used van base, and converted it for us. Or you can supply your own van if you prefer.

They are online at Leisuredrive, in Bolton. Worth a trip out to have a nosy round.

Both our 'vans are pop tops, and fit under 2.1m barriers which are common on car parks. OH uses our 'van as his regular vehicle all year round, we do have a car as well, as he takes the 'van on hobby weekends as well as our holidays.

Post last edited on 01/01/2024 12:10:21

birdman101

via mobile 01/1/2024 at 12:08pm
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

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From last September dealers were reducing prices to clear stock. Any left now will be increasing weekly. So if you re definite what you want act ASAP

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2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.

morepints

02/1/2024 at 2:30pm
Location: Dartford Kent
Outfit: VW T6 conversion

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I ought mine last month, from a converter (Needingworth Campers) who like to keep building; he said they drop by £5000 for December, then back to normal in the new year. Looking at their website, they still have some on at the lower price. Prices will go up soon as people start thinking about holidays.
Another snippet I got is that the Transporter 6.1 is being phased out but production of the t7 replacement isn’t up to speed yet, so base vans were difficult to source. The electric model, the ID Buzz, is proving unpopular because of range issues presumably. Haven’t seen anyone doing conversions on these yet; there may be bargains ahead.

Fiona W

via mobile 02/1/2024 at 6:51pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 02/1/2024
The electric model, the ID Buzzï¿½
Havenï¿½t seen anyone doing conversions on these yet; there may be bargains ahead.

https://buzzcampervan.co.uk/

I have read that the E-battery is the issue because it is under the van: fresh & waste water will have to be by external containers like a caravan. The video with the website makes no mention of fresh or waste water.
And no loo. But the bed looks easy & comfy.

Post last edited on 02/01/2024 19:00:09

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2024 = 18 sites / 38 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

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