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Hi All,

Have finally persuaded the OH to try caravanning and after visiting a local dealer have fallen in love with the layout of the Abbey Spectrum 620 (2006).Having two kids 10 and 4 we like the idea of the fixed bunks with the additional single and us sleeping up the other end.Also like the folding door so we can stay up later with a bottle of wine!Problem is this van is up for £13,295- bit more than we were looking to pay.Can anyone suggest where we might pick one up for less,or is this reasonable?Also any suggestions for a similar first family van would be appreciated!

Ps We have Mitsi Shogun to tow.

Thanks Sam

Sounds about the right money.  We paid over £18k for our  2006 model.  The dealers are selling them for considerably more, but I've seen a few privately for around the £14k mark.   If you like the layout however, why not have a look the other models in the Swift family.  They do exactly the same layouts across the range, with the Bessacarr being the most expensive. 

Jenny

Forgot to ask, what area are you, as there has been a 2005 model for sale on our storage site in Devon all last year, he was asking way too much for it - somewhere in the region of £16k !!  He might be selling now at a more realistic price.  Its had almost no use at all.

Jenny

Hi Jenny,

Am just done the road! We live in christchurch (dorset)! The Abbey is a lovely looking caravan,you lucky thing!Thats something else I need to ask advise on-storage,there's no way we could have it at home.Would be interested in this other caravan,especially if he is selling any bits with it,as will end up costing loads from a dealership.

Thanks Sam

If you ring Kings Down Tail Caravan Park 01297 680313 they can give you more information about it.  I'm not sure what model it is, I know its not the 540 like ours.  If Sue and Ian are still on holiday, then try Swordcrown Caravan Services · Caravan Services, East Devon, 01297 553264 - I have the feeling they were advertising the van at their premises on commission.

Like you, being in a flat, we have absolutely nowhere to keep a caravan here.  We keep the van all the year round at Kings Down, as we spend most weekends there.  Its about 3 miles out of Sidmouth.  Charges are £260(ish) for the summer storage and £130(ish) for the winter.  There is no charge for towing in/out of storage, normal pitch fees apply when occupying the van.  I seriously doubt if you would find anywhere Xchurch/Bournemouth/Poole areas for summer storage.  Quite a few do winter only though.

Jenny

Thanks Jenny,

Have phoned,owners back tomorrow so will try then.Also thanks for info on storage,will let you know how I get on.

Regards sam

Hi Sam

Check here: http://www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk/usedcaravansdetails.php?SN=00015716 looks like the van is due in soon and if layout is the same - should be cheaper. Highbridge are a very good retailer and I can recommend them.

I assume this is the one you have seen: http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan_abbey.html

At this time of year and with no PX I would offer £12500 and be prepared to walk away. You can check valuations here: http://www.caravanpriceguide.com/id31.html

I would also recomend Highbridge, I know Swordcrown Services and think you will find them expensive, they sell all of thier vans from sites.

We used to live in that area before moving up to Lincolnshire.

Hi Thanks bowler70 for the link above to the price guide very interesting reading ....

Cheers Bob

Thanks Bowler70,for info.

Yes,was looking at the one in wimborne with the fixed bunk beds,will contact highbridge and see what they can do.Cheers for the links!

Sam

Thanks also Deltaman for recommendation!