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Quote: Originally posted by 2kias on 29/9/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 29/9/2009

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Don't you believe it 2kias, the dealerships down here are awash with people, the forecourts stripped bare of secondhand vans.

Ali

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Been to two dealers in East Angia this week. Dead as they have no second hand vans worth looking at. I pulled in with ours and they asked me if I wanted to sell it!!

New ones not going so fast apparently. I hope the show is busy for the industry's sake or we may lose more manufacturers.

 

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We went last year and show people with wheely bags and trolleys.  You wouldn't believe how heavy all the stuff you collect becomes.  We are take a ruck sack with wheels this time.

2Kias, it's the end of the season and dealers always start to wind down now. But people go to the big shows for all kinds of reasons, not just to buy. I'm planning to go, and have no intention of buying anything more than a porch awning. It's a good day out if you're into camping and caravanning.

Caravanning in general is going through a boom at the moment - that's why there are relatively few second hand vans around - and most manufacturers have had a bumper year.

I bet the NEC show will be packed to the rafters, especially on the final weekend.

Quote: Originally posted by Viggo on 29/9/2009

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2Kias, it's the end of the season and dealers always start to wind down now. But people go to the big shows for all kinds of reasons, not just to buy. I'm planning to go, and have no intention of buying anything more than a porch awning. It's a good day out if you're into camping and caravanning.

Caravanning in general is going through a boom at the moment - that's why there are relatively few second hand vans around - and most manufacturers have had a bumper year.

I bet the NEC show will be packed to the rafters, especially on the final weekend.

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Quote: Originally posted by 2kias on 29/9/2009

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Whatever you do don't buy at the show. Find what you want and go to your local dealer.

Whatever you do don't take the kids if you are serious in purchasing a van. They are a nightmare and get fed up after about an hour.

Also take your camera to record the vans you like the most and go home and think about it!!!!!!

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We found it useful to buy at a show - we got a price for the van we wanted from a couple of dealers within reach of our home and then we played them off against eachother to-ing and fro-ing from their stands, until we had the deal we wanted.

I don't think you get a better deal at a show and it can be quite difficult doing 'serious' shopping in such a bustling environment, but it is good to have all the vans and all the dealers under the one roof.

However, we had already done quite a lot of legwork and research before the show, so we already had a shortlist of vans/dealers.

We didn't take our young-un with us.  Far too distracting for us and boring for him.

Mrs U-M

We went into Somerset Caravans back in the early summer and there wasn't a Bailey to be had, brand new that is, until at least September.  They had sold everything they had and delivery dates were months ahead.  Our friends went in last week and ended up selling them their Sterling but not buying anything else.  It has been sold and left the premises already!!

Ali

Thanks for all the replies - loads to consider.   

I'm not really expecting to sign up for anything at the NEC as even though we've looked at about 4 local dealers we're still not sure of exactly what we want in terms of maker/size/layout etc - and thats without factoring in the probable need for a bigger car !  HOWEVER hubby has a real tendency to get carried away , especially if smoozed by a salesperson - so may need to 'forget' the credit cards etc.

Flat shoes - check.  Picnic lunch - check (tho Subway sounds nice, is it in the NEC?),  Rucksack - check but not got one without wheels (yet!). Car park ref - check (have made this mistake before and spent hours trying to find the car).

We'll have to take the girls as we've no local babysitters available, but they are useful to get out of situations , I've used this before to get a bit of distance.  We're also kind of tied to the last weekend unfortunately so expecting big crowds at the Pegasus and Stealth stands.

Are you allowed in the caravans on your own or do you have to be accompanied by a salesperson ? Can you kick your shoes off to try beds ? (hubbies 6ft3").

We're renowned for taking forever to make up our minds on major purchases but in doing so really try to get something that we know will suit us for a long time .... this can backfire as by the time we decide it's usually gone out of stock !

Can't wait to go & for everyones updates.  Thanks again

Most the vans are open for you to just wander in, they only cordon off some of the really expensive motorhomes and stuff, We have lay down on the bed before to check it out, Its just gotta be done

Have a lovely time, I do echo what everyone says about the majorly expensive food tho