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We're pretty much settled on the caravan that we want (a Bailey Ranger 550/6) but we are holding fire on any purchase until we've been to the NEC - just in case!

My question is this...what can we expect in the way of discount on a new van, or having extras thrown in?

I would like to know what is reasonable and what's not. Would they consider for example throwing in a full Dorema awning? Would they go further than that?

If we do decide on a new model, we would like to know that we got the very best deal possible as it would be stretching our budget.

Any experiences?

People often speak of good bargains at shows although no personal experience as I don't think I would buy at a show. It will depend whether there is a trade in involved as far as any extras are concerned. You could always chance your luck with the awning! It could just be the right time to get something like that. Just one thing to consider about buying at a show, sometimes the dealers are a long way from where you live so if you have any issues that need attending it could be a long journey back to the dealer. I appreciate that sounds a bit on the pessimistic side but worth considering.

David

hi claire,

We have been looking at new and 2nd hand at several local dealers, we like the 2009 Adria Altea 542DK and its £9704, light to tow, nice finish etc and has the layout we want (large double at the front, 2 large bunks at the back left side and a table/ 2 chairs opposite, I think its the same as the bailey you like but only 2 bunks)  We managed to talk the dealer into an awning, ehu, aquaroll, wastemaster, wheelclamp, hitchlock etc etc for the £9704.

Friends with vans tell me when you have nothing to trade in you are more likely to get a good deal and I agree with the previous poster about perhaps a 2008 model being a better deal but cant find one I like LOL.

I have my eye on a couple of vans also on ebay, all the same layout (twin dinette). We too are holding back for the NEC though.

Interesting Pager - w've actually swapped to the double bunk at the back because our eldest lad only just fits the bunks in the 540/6 - in another year or so he will be too big. So, we're looking at the 550/6 but they don't do that in 2009 model and I can't find a dealer that still has a 2008 on the forecourt.

Incidentally which dealer are you dealing with to get such a good deal on the Altea? We looked at that one too as it's light to tow - we can't go over 1300kg so that limits us a lot.

Quote: Originally posted by pager33 on 30/9/2008

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hi claire,

We have been looking at new and 2nd hand at several local dealers, we like the 2009 Adria Altea 542DK and its £9704,.

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Quote: Originally posted by generalhawk on 30/9/2008

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Ive just got a brilliant deal from white arches in rushden. £500 off list price and a bundle of extras (awning, battery, gas bottle etc etc worth about £1000 on top)

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Well done Hawk, just goes to show deals are 'out there' and everyone is feeling the bite, dealers too.

Stands to reason then that NEC dealers will be feeling it to.....

Hi,

We bought new at the NEC show a couple of years ago. We knew exactly what we wanted and had a good idea about the market prices gained before and during the show. (We bought on the last day of the show)

We are lucky because there are a number of Swift dealers in our area.

If you do not buy "local" then (never mind what they say) there will be some difficulties when it comes to warranty work and servicing as there is no goodwill floating about if you try and get another dealer interested in somebody else's problem.

We got a good deal at the show, an excellent trade in, and a free glass of bubbly.

Set your budget beforehand and try hard not to exceed it!

Mr UM

There's a 2007 Adria Altea 542UK 5 berth, for £7,995 (I think) in a caravan dealer near to us, at Idle, if anyone is looking for that particular model.  It looks in great shape and seems very light and airy inside.  It's also quite wide compared to some British caravans.

Don't forget you can get a discount for the show here

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/offers/

Cheers  Ratty