Message Forums

Well after a day of running round the show between stands things took a really wierd turn. We went to the show to look at a 545 Swift Charisma believing it was the van we wanted and we ended up hating it. It took at least eight different bits of seats (one that even had to be kept in a cupboard) to make up the bed - a disaster and really uncomfortable. So what did we do - spent all day looking at caravans and always ending up back at a Swift. We really liked some of the dealer special editions so spent 3 hours trying to get the best deal. We just didn't seem to be making any headway especially as regards a layout that we liked. Eventually we were shown a dealer special version of a Sprite. Have always thought of these as being cheap and nasty but after looking at it we quickly came to the conclusion that the build quality was better than a Bailey Ranger. We loved the layout and decided it was going to be the van for us but delivery was going to be March at the earliest. Started to do a bit of dealing again, but since we had a plane to catch, ran out of time to finalise a deal - just trying to squeeze the last £50 out of it. We left feeling very sad and with no new caravan.

However ---------- we went to a local dealer this morning and guess what - he had one sitting on the lot - delivery in a week, matched the trade in price we were getting for our own van at NEC and we left there £1500 better off. Were we really glad we didn't manage to deal at the show. Now really happy campers!!!!

Quote: Originally posted by thegypsytrucker on 18/10/2009

---

So your search is finally over. Told you the van for you was out there somewhere! All the best in your new van, might see you at Deighans next year!

---

We went and looked at the Pegasus but it got an awful lot of "dont like"'s - front locker door, split front locker that won't take my sat dish, thought the interior cupboard finish was weird etc. Sorry it wasn't for us either.

There was an Adria that was a bit different, but for a show van things kept jamming, not opening and generally not working as it should. Put us off straight away.

Think we likely made the best decision for us.

Quote: Originally posted by fortracfan on 18/10/2009

---

Quote: Originally posted by thegypsytrucker on 18/10/2009

---

So your search is finally over. Told you the van for you was out there somewhere! All the best in your new van, might see you at Deighans next year!

---

Well we hope so - its hard to know if we have made a good decision or not. Still a bit worried about the range differences between the Abbey and the Sprite but since both are Swift we should be OK, Hopefully going to hit Drumaheglis next weekend for a test run. Let me know what weekends you book for deighans and we'll meet up for a beer.

---

Hi

Just heard the gossip that you fell off your ladder ??? Hope you weren't too badly hurt

Have to admit to it this time don't I. Seems like you have done a fair bit of damage to yourself. Does this mean you are going to be having a bit of a holiday for a while?? Hope it all heals up quickly. Just wait till the physiotherapy starts. Thats when the real pain starts - had a similar fall myself about ten years ago so i know what its like.

Haven't been out in the new van too much and had put it into storage but we went today and got it out as we are going to do a bit of winter caravanning over the next few weeks. Thats if OH survives the cold next weekend - a CCC outing with no electric but we are looking forward to it. Its not so far away that if the worst comes to the worst I can run home for the generator. Or run home to the fire if it gets really bad.

All the best and hope your injuries don't curtail you too much.

Gonna be off till middle of jan by the look of things, can really afford it too, this time of year. Good job we had santa sorted earlier on!                                             Do'nt forget the oul duffle coats when you's go away, slight chance you'll need them! Let me know how it goes.     Keep er lit and keep er country!