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In a real quandry...  Posted yesterday saying we've decided to change our van (don't want to call it 'downgrading' because I don't really see it that way).

I've spoken to a dealer about a van we're interested in & he's offered £9.5k for ours against his £6k van so basically we'd get the van plus £3.5k cash back.  It's a fair offer in line with current trade prices.

I've seen the same make/model as ours but 2 years older advertised privately on Caravanfinder for £11.5k.  Highly unlikely they'll sell it for that but it's got me wondering about the used market in general.

If we advertised our 2009 van (but only 14months old) for say £10,995 when a dealer would sell it for at least a thousand more, is it likely to sell reasonably quickly?  Is the market picking up ready for the new season or is it too early for that yet?

Can anybody make the decision for me before I drive myself insane?  Thanks!!

Yes, the one we're looking at is a 2003 Abbey Aventura 330 (6 berth) up at £6475 but he'd take £6000 & give £9500 for ours. 

We know we'll lose a lot on ours but that's life.  We need to sell reasonably quickly - within a month.  If we could sell privtaley at £10995 somebody could get themselves a van that's only been used for 27 nights for at least £6k less than a new one of the same model.  It's just whether there's a market for it at the moment?

We also spotted our first and present caravan on Ebay, it was local to us so we visited for a viewing, the oldish couple were genuine the man had had a stroke and so were giving up caravanning, he threw all the extras in plus porch and full awning with annexe(which we need for teenage daughter as van only 2 berth).

We made them an offer and as they hadn't had any bids we agreed on a price and they withdrew it from the auction, picked it up a week later and have been happy with it since.

It didn't cost the earth and being an older caravan the few knocks and scrapes it has aquired since we've had it and used it a lot isn't as bad as if it cost thousands and was newish, bit like having your first car, start off with an older one first till you get the hang of it.

Is that the Abbey for sale in Worcestershire?? If so we went along and saw it today, along with others we are viewing.

We hadnt thought about a 6 berth before as there is only three of us, but OH quite likes. I am still undecided.

Very nice van for the price. Really nice dealer too !

shamrock23 - yes, that's the one!  I've spoken to him a few times now & he does come across as being very genuine.  Guarantees it will be free from damp & everything works as it should.  I also love the fact they pay for a night's camping on the rally field next door so you can test everything whilst you're still there.

If you are looking for a private sale I would recommend the free ads here on UKCS. They do seem to do the job and from my experience if the van is at a fair price it sells quickly.

Hi June, yes it is.  I drove down to Worcester today to look at the Abbey & even tho it's a great van, excellent condition etc... I just didn't 'feel the love'.  Same went for another 6 berth he had that was slightly more expensive.  With dark wood, dark carpets & dark fabrics they felt really closed in.  I did fall in love with the next one up tho & the price he's offered for ours against it is fantastic - not much less than we'd get with a private sale. 

Have to say whether we end up buying this one or not, he's a great guy & has given some really good advice/pointers for potential tow cars too (we're towcar-less at the mo as OH sold his yesterday - very much quicker than expected!).

If you are happy with the deal on offer go for it.

There is always a better deal on the horizon but thats where they stay- on the horizon.

Isnt it strange, we looked around the same van and think its great. Dark fabrics would do us with a 3.5 year old.

That said timing is everything and as yet, not sure if we can stretch. Plus we have only looked in these two 6 berths and feel we would like to look in the Avondale Dart 6 berth. If anyone has any opinions on this style, that would be great. We love the Aventura because it feels spacious with the kitchen on the opposite side.

It seems that you never get 100% of what you want.