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I'd go for the newer one, it's only 1.5k and the mover alone would be about £800 of that, 2009 models are in theory 2 years old now as the 2011 ones are out now.

It'll probably lose around 1k-ish a year.

Have they had it serviced & checked for damp recently? Have the owners got any warranty on it? sometimes you can pay a small fee and transfer it into your name, we've had 2 vans from dealers and never needed to use the warranty.

You definitely get a LOT more for your cash in a private sale.

As another point, the newer van I expect to be a Series 6 and the trade van I assume to be a Series 5.

The Series 6 gains ATC (like ESP for a caravan) & a tracker over the Series 5 as well as the TV.  Add that to the mover and I would certainally go for the private one.

Really what you are paying for at the dealer is the warranty - he has to allow for the fact that you might come back in 3 months time complaining about the scratched table you only discovered on your first trip out.

With a private sale, you've got very limited comeback (you might be able to go through the small-claims court but will it be worth the cost/hassle?).

Personally, I'd go private but get a pro to check it out if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Hello I'm reading this thread with interest as I would like to buy my first caravan but don't know what I'm doing. How do you find a suitably qualified person to give an opinion, I don't know anyone that has one or the knowledge.

I hope you don't mind me hijacking the discussion. Thanks

Thank you everyone.  Yes, Fiona I do know the seller your memory does serve you right!

I know it is in good condition - still has the plastic on the floor under the carpet!

I am faffing about because it is by the coast and we haven't seen the actual van so all we can go by is ones that we see here to get an idea of what it will be like.  We have looked at about 20 different makes, similar layout and price.  What surprises me is that theycan look very similar but once inside have a different "feel".  does that sound mad?  Its like buying a house you just know when you step in the hall whethr you will like it or not! I don;t want to commit to the caravan, have her tow it all the way here (Warwickshire) and then I don't like the feelof it.  Oh dear I sound like a weirdo!

Also it has been standing on site for 12 months, previous owner had it on same site and she bought it from him so it has never been towed.  She said it is due for service as i was a bit concerned if it had never been towed and had been standing for a while.  does this do any damage to wheels etc??  (Sorry if this is daft question I am so dim this is all new to me).

I guess a service would sort that out so I am nearly at the point that if the serviceis done before she fixes the sale then I think we will go with her van rather than through a dealer.

Thank you all for your help.  I am learning so much from this website and i think I have got "the bug"!!

does this do any damage to wheels etc??  (Sorry if this is daft question I am so dim this is all new to me).

the only silly question is the one not asked,

at 12 month old tyres should be ok but if the handbrake has been left on it become stuck onto the drum.

thanks i will prob ask for her to have it serviced just for my own peace of mind.

Especially as it needs towing fron Devon!

If it has been stood for a while ( how long is that)? 

The tyres have not been turned they may have flat spots and could need replacing

On the 09 model the owner/ seller  can have the warrenty transfered to you for £25 it is on page 1-4 of the owners manual

Quote: Originally posted by flip53 on 14/9/2010

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I am faffing about because it is by the coast and we haven't seen the actual van so all we can go by is ones that we see here to get an idea of what it will be like.  We have looked at about 20 different makes, similar layout and price.  What surprises me is that theycan look very similar but once inside have a different "feel".  does that sound mad?  Its like buying a house you just know when you step in the hall whethr you will like it or not! I don;t want to commit to the caravan, have her tow it all the way here (Warwickshire) and then I don't like the feelof it.  Oh dear I sound like a weirdo!

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