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Hi,

Im still researching!!!!!!

Has anyone got one of these models , and if so can they comment on build quality, pros...cons etc

ta

Yes I could,

I own a Carrioca 5 53 model. It only has 7k on the clock and we have owned it since 05.  We really love it.  It is a fixed end bunk model which creates loads of space for my family of four. It's a sterdy motorhome, which is helpfull with kids bashing around.

Now then, things to consider, 1) its Italian, therefore the build quality is not as good as say an auto sleeper, but I bet you will not find an autosleeper as new as my CI for anything like the money. 2) dont trust the warranty if you buy it second hand CI are difficult to get anything out of should it go wrong.

My model is based on a 2-0 turbo diesel Fiat, it is underpowered if you want to go racing up the the motorway or away from the lights, but will cruise at 70 (and faster) but struggles a bit uphill. However as so many motorhomes are based on the 2-0 DT fiat base model you could hardly hold this against CI.

I did speak to a guy in Escosse recently that had had water ingress on his CI at only 6months old, (he had it repaired on warranty without issue). I have since found a water ingress problem on a rear garage door of my MH due to the door not being lined up correctly (now fixed by myself) dissapointing yes but destructive? no probably not.

Should you read any reviews (like I did) in magazines they basically say the same thing good solid vans  and good value for money, and I would not argue with that.

I always try and compare a M/H to a car type manufacture. Like for example I would place in the Ford/ Vauxhall type range. It does its job is very good value for money but is by no means the top of the range, (even if I feel like a king everytime I drive mine) yes there are better IE the HYMER (or lexus type car equivelent) but they will cost you for the priverlege.

You could buy a nice 8-10 year old MH for 20k plus but for me the driving something newer more modern and reliable (mechanicaly)  out weighed that option.

We are well pleased with ours (called nesse) the kids love it  and at present wouldn't dream of changing it, nut I do however believe that over the next 5 years or so I may have to become handy with a set of tools.

Hope this helps, and sorry for the long reply but thought it needed after the dismissive post above (not that were touchy or defensive of our own)

Paul

I've got a Ci Carioca 656 which we bought new for £25K nearly two years ago, after struggling to find a decent used bunk bed van at anything like that price. We've been very happy with it and so far have only had a couple of minor issues (a small water leak from the filling pipe - resolved under warranty, intermittent non-shutoff from the water pump) which haven't affected our enjoyment of the van.

We've been using it year round and have been subject to torrential rain with no sign of any water ingress. Build quality is suprisingly decent, considering the huge price difference between the CI and an equivalent UK built van. Even the equipment levels aren't bad although the cab is the basic model without aircon or electric windows. The 2.0JTD works fairly well although a bit more grunt would be nice for uphill overtakes on the motorway - the van is quite capable of holding 70mph most of the time though, and we've had it over most of the hilliest passes in Scotland and the Lakes with no trouble at all (we even overtook a car on the Lecht ski road). The latest models have the 2.3JTD so that should help on motorways.

We bought the CI as our first motorhome with the view being that we'd upgrade to a more expensive machine if we found motorhoming worked for us. In use we've found that the CI has matched our needs so well that in fact there is no real reason to replace it, although we are considering uprating the engine as we're thinking about a Germany/Italy trip which will involve lots of motorway miles there and back. Later this year we're taking it to Norway should be fun.

Ive had a Ci Riviera 181 (2001 model) for 2 years now and i must say its been a real pleasure to own and drive. The build quality is excellent (our previous one was a kontiki and this one in my opinion is better) and the 2.8jtd has never seemed under any stress in any conditions. The 181 is a 24ft 6 berth with 2 over the cab, 2 in the dinning area and 2 in the u shaped rear lounge. I cant reccommend them highly enough and to anyone that suggests that the build quality is any less that a swift or autotrail then have another look. Ive used all 3 and prefer the CI anytime.

Regards

John

Quote: Originally posted by fender_man44 on 20/5/2006

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A man of few words.

Most peculiar!!

Ali