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Subject Topic: Buying advice Post Reply Post New Topic
Person3 tibbies
11/4/2015 at 2:44am
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Hi Folks

I'm considering importing a used 4 berth Caravan from the Uk for shipping to New Zealand and would appreciate some advice as to which of the following Caravan makes would perhaps stand out above the others:

Abby
Lunar
Swift
Coachman
Elddis
Bailey
Stirling
Compass
Fleetwood
Sprite

The year I would be looking at would be from 2006 - 2010.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Cliff


Personbilly
11/4/2015 at 7:59am
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Some you mention are higher spec models than others so better equipped. Fleetwood are no longer made but no UK built caravan has much difference in build quality, if you read this forum you will see some threads which question the build quality of some Baileys so maybe one make to avoid?

Are you actually coming to the UK or buying one from NZ? If you are coming here to look at caravans you need to check they have a service history of damp checks & get them checked for damp. Also now is the start of our summer season so most expensive time to buy, you may find better prices in October.


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Personcheckley1973
11/4/2015 at 8:12am
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At least Bailey operate over there so parts etc are available.

We've had many Bailey vans and all have been good. Remember you see more complaints as they sell more vans than any other brand.


Personbilly
11/4/2015 at 8:21am
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Dunno, just going on the anecdotal evidence as posted on here over the yrs. Certainly all makes have their problems but if the op is buying here to export to NZ he needs to get the caravan checked very thoroughly by somebody independant who knows what they are doing.


Person3 tibbies
11/4/2015 at 8:23am
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Many thanks for the advice, particularly re the service history of damp checks etc and also the best time to buy. 

There are some UK dealers that export to NZ & Australia and so we've been having a look at some sites including Glossop etc. We're endeavouring to gather as much information/knowlege as is possible prior to making a decision. 

Cheers

Cliff


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Personbilly
11/4/2015 at 8:25am
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Hmmm, again read the threads on here. The dealer you mention might be one to avoid.


Personcheckley1973
11/4/2015 at 9:42am
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Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 11/4/2015
Hmmm, again read the threads on here. The dealer you mention might be one to avoid.


+1


PersonBaileyjake
11/4/2015 at 11:49am
 Location: West Midlands
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Why do you need to buy in uk and export to NZ?
You could buy from anywhere in he world.

I think all uk made vans can have issues. My 2007 bailey ranger certainly has had damp issues.

One brand you mention is fleetwood which is American, however in the uk I think (and may be wrong) these are rebadged Adria caravans.

In hindsight I would have bought an Adria rather than my Bailey.


Personbilly
11/4/2015 at 12:03pm
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I think you may find in Oz & NZ they are rather more strict about everything being 'right hand drive' than UK & caravans must have left hand doors. Oz built caravans are designed more for off road, heavy & expensive.

UK Fleetwood are nothing to do with US Fleetwood. Fleetwood were UK manufacturers that were bought out by Adria. Some of the last Fleetwoods were rebadged Adrias but other Fleetwood 'vans were built up to '08 & then discontinued with the company becoming just Adria importers.

The op can also consider the Adria brand as current models sold in UK are all left hand door, I think.


Person3 tibbies
11/4/2015 at 12:09pm
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Buying in the UK and exporting the Caravan to NZ saves a considerable sum compared to buying in NZ.

Yes, it appears that most of the brands are much of a muchness for the most part. Although, from what I can gather, the Bailey seems to rate a little lower than the others perhaps.  I've also read that the Adria are a well built van built by a Slovenian manufacturer.

Cheers

Cliff


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Persontrog100
11/4/2015 at 12:35pm
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people post about problems.. i think its worth taking this into consideration with forum comment or anecdotal evidence..

in simple terms the more popular (sales in greater numbers) will produce the most negative comments or complaints..

Glossops and Bailey wuuld be examples of this..

trog   


Personbilly
11/4/2015 at 1:07pm
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If left hand entry door is essential in NZ then ensure any Adria you consider is UK spec with lh door, some models sold by Adria UK have had European rh side door. If you are ok with rh door then you can consider German makes like Hymer. A few of these have been built with lh door & sold in UK but most will be rh door even if for sale in UK.

German dealers will mostly speak English but it depends on € or £ rate against your currency for best deal for you I guess.



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