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Hello all, our caravan was stolen last september and although we were gutted we have decided to buy a new one for the coming season. We are limited by the fact our car is only able to tow 1400kgs and our drive being only 7m long, and we would like a fixed bed model.

We have noticed the Charisma 535 and the Bailey Pageant and would welcome any toughts on which is best.

Also we are looking at buying at the show in Birmingham does anyone know what sort of deals we should be asking for?

Thanks

I would not buy at the show. Get some deals sorted there and then go to your local dealer with the figures.

I have only bought at the show once many years ago and ended up with a dealer 150 miles away!!!

My choice would be the Swift everytime as their after sales service is excellent. Yes, I am biased !

Hi

We've got a Swifit Charisma 535 2006 model and we love it altho it is our first caravan.  There's 3 of us and a batty dog and we all seem to fit into it quite comfortably.  I tow it with a 2.0 litre diesel Mondeo no problem. I don't actually like the Bailey's much.  My experience, altho limited is that you get a better spec with the Swift.  Hope that helps,

Alison

Hi deallyboy

I would rule out the Pageant and look instead at the Bailey Olympus or the Swift. We got a fantastic offer at the October show so if your ready to buy I would do it there. But I would search out a local dealer within whichever make you decide on. Don't be afraid of going more than one even within the same make. We decided on the Bailey Pegasus, but even so we spoke to three dealers within the Bailey enclosure all gave different deals. (All good) In the end we chose a local dealer.

Got say that Bailey service (from Chichester Caravans, Birmingham and Bromsgrove is very good.  I once had a Swift - and never again, shoddy service, poor parts backup and damp.  I think it's all down to the dealer and I can't praise Chichester enough.  Russell Innet at Bromsgrove has done us excellent deals on our last two vans -  a very very nice man who looks like a schoolboy! Worth seeking him out!

As above if you consider Bailey look at the new Olympus rather than the Pageant As they seem to be on the way out.