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When we changed to a new van in 2006, we bought a Coachman Pastiche 460/2  - 2-berth with end bathroom.  We are absolutely delighted witht the van.  Some time around the time we bought the van, an article appeared in the C&CC mag.  It stated that Coachman had the largest percentage of quality control staff in the industry for UK manufacturers.  There was also a comment that the timber framework for the roof was more substantial than other makes of van.

If we were in the market for another van, we would almost certainly go for Coachman again.

Bertie.

We were keen on the Coachman Laser but it fell short on specifications for the price and you cannot have a "L" shape lounge.

By specifications, I meant ours, not theirs but van is very well built and looks solid!

Our first van was a Bailey, (a 1992 Scorpio) and it showed us that we love caravannaning so earlier this year we upgraded to a Coachman Wanderer. At the time I didn't know a lot about Coachman so before we put down the deposit I rushed home to ask people on here that are 'in the know'.

It seemed that no-one had a bad word to say about them. While we were down south and kindly gentleman knocked on our caravan door, to explain that he had noticed we owned a Coachman and that he still owned the first Coachman off the production line from the 1980's (can't remember the year!) and he showed us his van that still looked like new.

We have a fixed bed and couldn't be happier - rock solid and quality - excellent!

The Coachman caravans were on the top of my wish list when we were buying a 2007 van this time last year.

Unfortunately, they got struck off my list because I didn't like the (cheap) ladder slats they used on the under-seat boxes.  I much preferred the sprung beechwood slats with hinged tops that were used in the Swift Group vans.  I see that Bailey have gone over to these now too.

It might sound like a small point - but the comfort of the seats/beds was a priority for me.

Maybe they've changed them for 2008?

I hope that they are ok as i've ordered a new Amara 6 berth for next year .

we origanally wanted a avante then an ace and then an abbey all 6 berths, but after 2 days of the lawns show parts of the door frame on the new avante was falling apart and the front overhead stoage box on the abbey had fallen apart and the door was on the floor (cheap hinges+ screws).   

Mr ulti-mates i'm not too sure about the slats but i was advised that the seat cushions are pocket sprung.  so hopefully they should be nice and comfy to sleep on.

I was also told that the roof is bonded and strong enough to walk on !!!! not to sure i would want to but i suppose the option is their

Bessie         

My parents had three, between 1988 and 2000 I think, the last one they had was the two berth VIP with end bathroom. After having that one for a year the back end suffered very badly from damp. It went in under warranty and the back end was fixed/replaced but it was never the same to them after that and they moved on to the Fleetwood Heritage in 2001 and they still have this. (they actually seen it with no back end on it at all when it was getting its repairs!).

Having said that the first two that they had were fine and hence they bought a third but was not the same to them after that.

Could have been a one of but they do know of two other people from C&CC that had the same issue recently.

Can happen to any van though I guess.