Message Forums

We have just part-ex our 1992 bailey majenta cd, 20 years old and flly loaded.

Things to look for when looking for an older van, obviously damp.... thats not always apparent, and can be a very costly fix.

Wheels, i think i'm right in stating that age plays a part, as well as tread.

Spongy flloor, evidence of delamination, again a nuisance and another cost.

Brakes, bearings and drivetrain, any problems again could incurr significant cost.

So yes you can find a bargin with an older van, and there's some good examples out there, but if you go for trade rather than private, try and nogoiate some kind of warranty, just for peice of mind.

Just an example of my 20 year old caravan..... Bailey majenta cd 1992, 2 berth 460, fully loaded with most mod-cons etc, motor mover, isabella awning... 10 years old, but still like new, with very few minor dents and still looking quite fresh. Bought for £2000 some years ago, part ex for £1000 last week.... though the sales man advised there was some damp lower down on the offside of the van, which could be easily remidied. So yes you can rely on some vans aging well. The only reason we changed this van was to downsie to a 380, having always toured france with our canvass tent.

Our old van will apparently be ebayed next week on the traders return from hols.

john

hey mark be carefull if your going to a dealer, some are just sold straight on from part exchange, i had a 1990 abi marauder which had damp but had a good 12 months out of it and could easy get another year out of her, i have just bought a 1998 elddis mistral vogue which is in fantastic condition cost £1990 just shop about and have a good luck never buy blind and take you time (i visited the one i just bought three times before doing the deal) and ask plenty of questions after all its your cash and if they have nothing to hide they wont mind

I bought a 1969 Fisher Holivan and think she is great!
I only paid £450 for her almost 2 years ago.

We spent 6 months doing her up but she was solid and dry and I have had some lovely trips away in her.

Buying second hand also means there are extras often included in the sale such as leisure battery, waste and water containers, awning etc...

As others have already said, there are plenty of good quality, older vans out there. Just be aware of things like damp, delamination of the floor, damaged trim that may be difficult to source etc...
If possible, take a caravan savvy friend with you when you go and look at a potential purchase.

My 1990 Abi is still lovely and has features thats a modern van with the same layout doesn't--namely the lovely drinks cabinet with matching glasses.

My advice get a Haynes caravan manual and a damp meter so you can have a read on what you need to check on an older van. Go around a few dealers with older used vans,  check each van going through your check list so that when you find your perfect van your ready to make sure its perfect.

We have had our van 4 years now and I can't see us replacing her yet shes perfect for us.