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Subject Topic: Help with buying first van Post Reply Post New Topic
04/4/2013 at 11:40pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Hi Gear Zenobia
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Hi all,

Today we went caravan shopping - wow! Who would have known they could be so luxurious?!?! Anyway back down at my end of the budget we looked at an old but ok condition van.

I'm so new to caravaning and so lost!

My question is how do I know if what I am going to pay is right? I haven't much to compare it to. Have seen some private sales but would like the backup of buying our first from a dealer. The dealer will provide a 3 mth warranty and clean and service van. Also put down new carpet and include an awning (basic one) and starter pack.

We were looking at a Sterling Europa Classic 450C. Are there some brands at 20 yrs old better to stay away from than others?

All in he would like £2150. It was on the website for £2995 and board today wanted £2675. He said it had been there about 3 months. Would like to get seats recovered and new curtains.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Christie :)


05/4/2013 at 12:20am
 Location: Leicestershire
 Outfit: Vango Icarus 500
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As long as the van is damp free. That is the main thing and make sure your car is able to pull it. Good luck.


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05/4/2013 at 12:39am
 Location: Stockton on Tees
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento
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When you say Dealer do you mean someone who sells new caravans as well? If the dealer is someone who only sells used vans then be very careful.As previous poster said the most important thing is it must be damp free, if the dealer says it is then get it in writing.Have a really good inspection inside all cupboards,lift all seats etc. Look ,sniff and poke.Check the floor to see that it feels fairly solid .If in doubt you can find your local mobile caravan service man and ask him/her to check it over,might cost you £30 or so but well worth it for peace of mind. You will love your hols/ short breaks in your caravan no matter what the weather is doing.Let us know how you get on.I hope someone on here can give you some guidance on price,perhaps you could give more details of the van ..year etc.


05/4/2013 at 12:47am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Hi Gear Zenobia
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It appears to be damp free and my car can tow it :)

The van is a 1994 sterling Europa Classic 450C. It's a 4 birth and has a middle wash room.

The dealer does only sell second hand vans but I found him through a local caravan club and he does a lot of insurance repair work and is a mobile service / repair man. I'm having to make a leap of faith in trusting someone so that's why I went to him.

I know £2k isn't a lot for a caravan but its a lot of money to make a mistake with!

Decisions, decisions....... Lol

Thanks for your advice :)


05/4/2013 at 12:59am
 Location: Leicestershire
 Outfit: Vango Icarus 500
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as previous post a thorough damp check maybe £40 + but post sale is so so annoying as I know from experience so please do take your time for the sake of one week checking it out spares you months of restless nights reflecting on mistakes - I leant my lesson ( see previous posts ) & now walk away if not sure. However this time next week might have dived onto a caravan again. Good luck . Happy vanning.   


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05/4/2013 at 7:13am
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002
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That seems a awfull expensive for a 20 year old van ,gut feeling says you would get a better deal .i.e pricey extras by buying private .dont rush there are more sellers than buyers out there .for an example we bought our 1998 2 berth eldiss last year for £800 and it came with so many extras we promptly made £250 by selling unwanted bits .

Take your time ,try to find someone local who has a van already to go with you even if it means knocking on there door and asking for help .we hear so many disaster stories after sale on here that's why I advise caution


05/4/2013 at 1:40pm
 Location: Hinckley
 Outfit: Elddiss Typhoon GT
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Hi we spent nearly 7-8 months looking for a damp free van, about same age as yours. £2000 is prob about right from a dealer maybe to cheap?

Private they all seemed to be between £1000-£2000.

We only found 2 damp free vans. One right at the beginning, that was from a dealer £1500, it had 1 owner, but it didnt come with anything.

We wish we had that one as it was mint, but thought we could find one at a better price.

Anyway we paid £1500 with everything from a v small local dealer, he was helpfull and honest.

Maybe follow your gut feeling on a van, as it saves wasted time travelling.

Good luck!




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