...until we had actually given our van it's first weekend away. Having read the horror stories here that seem to attach to new ones, what they are actually like in the field (sic) and how bad dealers seem to be, we were cautious to say the least.
The Amara was new and I'm not going to say that there weren't some issues - nothing to do with the build quality or the van per se, but from the dealers end ie the £450 you spend on the delivery. Only small things like a faulty fly screen (damaged by them), but things you expect them to pick up. Also if it had been cleaned it was by a blind man with a hangover!
Anyway armed with what I read on here I checked everything before we took her away and by being firm and clear with them got everything sorted and up to standard - oh except the roof which is still filthy but you could not see that at the dealers! You don't expect to have to do this but in reality you do. I think generally they expect to just trouser the £450.
What I've learned so far:
1) Coachman (it's our first with them) appear to be a quality builder and while you pay more you get what you pay for and talking to other Coachman owners they appear to be very satisfied in any dealings that they have had with the company.
2) I can personally vouch for the 380, it's a great van with superb build quality and good towability, but I see very few, actually no others about.
3) Barter hard for the best deal, it's surprising how far they can go after their first offer/s.
4) Don't judge a big dealer by just one of the staff, they are a mixed bunch as humans are - some were great others less so.
5) I would not buy a van new or otherwise that I have not seen. Okay it means even if new it will have been on their lot and probably viewed a bit, but you can see and test for yourself what you are buying.
6) Get the salesman to go off somewhere while you test everything in the van that you can, like how easy the bed is to make and how comfortable/useable it is. 
7) The first weekend after you get her go away and really test it and do that at a site near your dealer - be prepared after that to take her back in for any adjustments.
Above all enjoy!
We had a great weekend, the wind, cold and rain were a good test! I was most surprised at how effective the electric blown air was, but all in all the van performed well and we found nothing untoward.
Can't wait to take her to London and then over to France next month.
|
Topic: I didn`t dare post this...
