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I would prefer a German van and someone pointed me at a German site (thanks) which is very useful.

Has anyone bought second-hand from Germany and can explain the process or is it pretty straight-forward? Can you claim back the VAT (or German equivalent)? Any modifications needed?

(I realise there may be issues with the spec and servicing and insurance over here but not too concerned about those for now).

Finally, there seems to be a fairly common layout in German vans, with bunks at the back, fixed bed up front and seats in the middle - seems a great layout to me (no UK equivalent) but am I missing something? Is there a downside to it?

Many thanks for any comments/advice...

Thanks Kabbes - I asked about the VAT because several of the adverts I saw said 'VAT eligible' on them, or something along those lines, so I thought that might mean you could claim something back...

Fortunately, my wife speaks German, which should make things easier

Thanks for that - I've looked on that and another german site and they don't seem to list Geist as a manufacturer - are they called something else in Germany?

Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 19/6/2009

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'VAT eligible'    You should declare the caravan being bought abroad and pay VAT on it.

nothing to declare?   

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I don't know if Geist is available in Germany as threy made under the LMC umbrella I believe,

However we have  just ordered a geist from elite caravans in northampton, Brand new, £3000 under what geist are selling them for, Got the exact van we wanted for just over 10k, they have loads in stock, it depends on your budget but may save you the hastle of going to germany