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We're having to wait to get the 'van/layout we want and its killing me!

But i'd rather wait and get what we want than just change for anything. We know our current 'van and its paid for and still very usable even though we no longer use the fixed bunks at the back of the caravan. We're now using them as storage while on site. At least we have a caravan to use.

We changed our 'van about 3 years ago to an older one.The main reason was that our kids were rapidly outgrowing the 'van we had at the time-we had a Fleetwood Colchester and changed it to an Abbey Spectrum which was 3 years older but a lot more robust.Although in the summer my son uses a pup tent, when we're away in the winter he has to sleep in the 'van so we wanted something with long seats at the front to use as 2 singles(he's 5'5'' and only 12 years old!) and a double bed that can be made up at the back.

I've never regretted doing it-we wouldn't have got as much use out of the Fleetwood as we do the Spectrum.

By the way, you may get a better deal if ou buy privately than at a dealers.

I suppose it really depends on just how 'wrong' your current layout is for you.  If you can manage with it then you could wait & save more for a newer van. 

We've recently changed to a lovely van that's exactly the right layout for our family group but I have to admit I'm not 'in love' with it.  Having said that we've only spent 1 night in it so it may well grow on me.  I reckon we've got 2-3 years until the layout we really want (but isn't practical for now) is on the cards & at that point we'll hope to have saved enough to get an almost new one.

I'm not very good at waiting either and we know what 'van we want but just haven't got the funds for it yet! We've had our current 'van (also our first) for 3 and a half years and, like you, it doesn't stop us using it. But i so want 'our' new 'van, its agonising and everytime we see one i plead with OH "can't we get it now?" and the answer is always NO! I can't stand it!

One day ...

If only i could!

Hi Alison

Wait until you are in a position to 'UPDATE'. Your present van is sound and reliable - you may change to something older and end up with a problem van.

My advice keep saving your money and meanwhile be positive, enjoy your Charisma. 

Just an update - we recently purchased a Bailey Pageant Vendee, same year as my Swift.  We had to pay £1300 but this included moving the mover and 3 new tyres(which was a cost that I was considering this year, anyway).  We've been away in it over Easter and we all love the new layout.  I'm still not totally convinced that it all made financial sense but we are so much happier with the "new" caravan.  Incidentally, the dealer we went to has now got out old caravan on the forecout for £1400 more than we paid for it 2 years ago, amazing!!

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.

Alison