Message Forums

for that budget you will be better off buying private  dealers have to make a profit and that equates to a 2k on the front being bought in for around 1300 and you will be lucky to get an awning etc etc in the deal.

buy private and you will be better off. now wait for the contra advice to come in Ha Ha.

but trust me I am right I search/buy for folk all the time. alas you are looking at the wrong time of year to buy but there are plenty out there you just have to do the leg work and plenty of it.

all the best

David

Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 14/4/2011

---

I agree with Tentz youl get a better deal going private than from a dealer.Look at the local ad papers and shop around,dont buy the first thing that catches your eye as they are loads of caravans out there and good bargains to be had.Personally i would keep away from ebay.

---

Jeff,

I wish I had signed on here before I bought the one we did off of eBay. I know a lot of the things going on will be comin with us but not all.But once started there was no point in going back as it would of cost us more and we had nothing to go away with then. Nothing we could use. This way we do. But never would I UNLESS I could go and see it first then you can check it our properly.

GET TO IT TO CHECK IT OUT.

If you can wait till the end of the season, you will get a better deal. 

And, (just for David )  I bought a 1997 Fleetwood Garland from Chichester Caravans in November for £1950.  It has no damp, is in excellent condition, everything works and it came with a full awning - and he threw in a brand new leisure battery!

I have to disagree about ebay.  It's no different from buying any van privately - you just have to make sure you view the thing first and go armed with a damp meter and a good torch.   You should never bid/buy anything from ebay without seeing it yourself and making the proper checks. (and there is a lot to look out for)

It is possible to buy good second hand vans from dealers but usually the warranty is very limited when you are only spending around £2,000 and presumably, buying an older type van.  You will still need to be careful and check for damp etc.   Just because the dealer says it's damp free, doesn't necessarily mean it is.  It is possible to get an inspection done by an independent expert, if you are prepared to pay, but this could save you from a whole world of pain in the long run.  If the dealer says no inspection, walk away.

Do a search on this forum and you will find a link to the pointers to look for when buying used caravans, young or old.  Even brand new ones can have damp issues or equipment/fixtures that don't work properly.

Good luck in your search....don't take anybody's word for the condition of the van, check it out for yourself or get someone who knows to check for you.

have a chat with these members you never know they may have what you seek.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/pop_up_profile.asp?profile=245938&ForumID=8

Quote: Originally posted by clbewi on 15/4/2011

---

We bought our first van, a Fleetwood Garland twin axle from ebay for £5000. We live in Essex, the van was in North Yorkshire, the man had put loads of photo's on ebay, we spoke on the phone, and he said if it's not as I say it is you can just walk away. It was immaculate, he had a lovely house too on the canal, and even said to OH, you're a big man, if you can help me knock that chimney breast out I'll take some money off the van, OH declined! We had a good few years in the van and then sold it because of rising storage costs but even now I do miss her.

---

same here drove two hundred miles round trip told them if its not as advertised wont have it but willing to pay a deposit as sign of good faith and view/collect end of week. lady was so happy with the honesty and the fact I was willing to pay her an amount that she could keep if I did not have it she said dont bother its reserved for me.

got there and had to play it cool. van as in picture, awning, awning carpets, water roll, waste master, hoover, radio/CD, pots pans etc etc.  under £ 600  more than happy that I gave her a drink for holding it for me.

I allways find that being straight is the way we should all be for a better life. had a buyer do the same with me. I was so happy with him I reduced the price by £50 towards his petrol and for being straight.

 its like letting a driver out at junction soon it will be given back and everyone wins.

just had one sent to me, its on flea bay. sent because I know this type of classic unit well, extreamly well made light (under 1000kg loaded) as a feather. well set out classics. item number 110673469917  too small for me tho but would strongly recomend  should fetch around £700 if less then a real bargain.