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Hi Folks

We're thinking of changing our 1997 Avondale Landranger.

After quite a bit of research I have been looking at recent Bailey Senator Series 5 as heard some good things about them.  Also looking at recentPageant Monarch 2 berth and Champagne 4 berth.

We were out around local dealers today and saw 2 that took our fancy.at 2 different dealers

(1)  '2005 Senator Vermont priced at £9995 - dealer offered 4200 p/ex for our L/Ranger - Price £5795

(2)  2006 Senator Arizona (4 berth) priced at £12495 - dealer offered £5495 p/ex for our L/ranger - Price £7000

Both of the above are in excellent condition, like new, and with the optional, upgraded,

Also looked at new 2007 models of above but a well-known dealer only offered £3000 part/ex for ours off the list prices of Senators or £4000 part/ex if we went for the Pageant.

We are very interested in the 2 secondhand vans but are torn between the 2

(1)  Vermont has the advantage of being shorter length for towing we had hoped to downsize from our present 7.36 metre long twin-axle but is a year older and not brilliant part-ex price.  Don't really need any more than 2 berths at moment as kids have all grown up and don't want to come.  Of course  remaining one, 19 year old says he may come sometime and with 5 grown-up kids grandchildren may soon be on the scene.

(2)  Montana ihas 4 berths so more flexible if anyone wants to come and, also, more flexible table space,etc, inside.  Newer too and good part/ex.

I have looked on a few websites and both the above prices seem to be similar to other dealers for similar vans

ANY COMMENTS VERY WELCOME

EG

Bailey owners' experience with either of these vans regarding quality, servicing, etc

Whether grandchildren do start to come

Is the balance of the Bailey 6 year water ingress guarantee transferrable

Am I likely to be able to get any money off/ improved part/ex by haggling - not got much experience of this.

Thanks in anticipation.

Tim

Check the dates out for transferring of Bailey warranties because I think it only became possible in vans produced after September 2005 or thereabouts?  Can't remember the exact date.

We have had 2 Baileys in the family some years ago now and loved them, I know there have been a few issues on here of late but if you consider they sell gazillions of them there are bound to be faults with some.  Haggle away!  What have you to lose there are lots of vans out there so if it isn't the right deal then walk.

I know somebody, I think it was Purplehat, had problems with  a Monarch due to weight distribution of the interior equipment so hopefully they will respond and explain more.

Ali

Yoo hoo ey. Monarch series 5. I have just one word of advice re buying one - don't!!!  If you really want to be bored silly, please feel free to ask.

Have new series 6 Bordeaux which is brilliant. Have noticed that there are a lot of newish Champagnes for sale and have wondered why.

I have a bailey arizona 2003 had it from new never had any problems with it tows nice my wife and i love it especially the end bathroom 

Tim,

I traded up from a 2 berth Castleton last November, to a 4 berth Senator Indiana.

Go for a 4 berth, then at least you won't have the hassle of squeazing extra people in on the odd occaisions.

We love the fixed bed, no more making up the bed to go to sleep.

As for the Bailey quality, we were really aprehensive after the qualitity of the Castleton, yes we've had a few minor cosmetic issues, but can't fault the aftersales service from both Bailey & the dealer.