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Subject Topic: Newbie to caravans. Need help please Post Reply Post New Topic
Personmatt-lucie
02/10/2016 at 9:29am
 Location: Oldham
 Outfit: Autotrail View matt-lucie's Profile View Profile   Reply to matt-lucie Reply   Quote matt-lucie Quote  
Joined: 07/3/2004

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Hi all. After many many many years of happy tenting and trailer tenting and then back to tenting we plan on moving to the dark side and getting a tourer. We have found a nice little site to permantly store. We won't be towing.
Our budget is about 3-6k and we need a 4-5 berth. We have been looking around now for a couple of weeks. Browsing on eBay and local dealers however apart from the obvious looking at tyres, obvious damp and obvious outside damage we don't really know what to look out for.
Been in touch with a local part time seller and he will have a compass rallye 634 4 berth 2005 coming in in a week. Now as yet no photos but we will probably view this when it comes in in a week or so. So in general what do I look for in my 2nd hand search and in particular any experiences of this model.
Thanks all I appreciate your help.


PersonOpensauce
02/10/2016 at 10:18am
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 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

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In that price range you will do much better buying privately of ebay. I'm guessing your 'part time seller' simply buys dealer's trade ins & add his mark up so cut out the middle man, I would.

You are looking for a caravan for sale by it's owner who has used it & serviced it. I would avoid Bailey as older ones do seem to have more than their fair share of damp probs, probably Coachman would be a better bet or better still a German built 'van is less prone to damp.

Dethleffs/Hymer/Burstner usually have been privately owned but other makes like larger Hobby or LMC could have been used for permanent living & may be in poor cosmetic condition but will make a good site caravan if you don't mind a bit of diy.

Check if your site has a policy of not allowing certain makes of caravan though.


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Persontango55
02/10/2016 at 11:02am
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450 View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

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I agree with Opensauce (above post) regarding Coachman caravans but some do get abused by their previous owners so it's a matter of viewing and see what's available as there are a minority of excellent older caravans that have been treated with a bit of TLC. If a caravan has a damp problem you can usually smell it depending on the severity of the problem. However, I have previously had two Coachman caravans and in the process of buying my third in the price range you suggested from a dealer as you get more buyer protection than buying privately as no warranty is given so it's sold as seen basically which can be a bit of a gamble.


PersonMick S.
02/10/2016 at 11:36am
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Joined: 18/8/2004

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Ideally you want somebody who is packing in. That way you will get all the accessories thrown in. And, these people would usually they sold to someone who isnt going to make money out of them, - like a dealer.

Winter is also a good time to spot problems, like damp etc. The seller will also likely spend a lot more time showing how things work. You will be able to tell instantly whether the van has been loved or abused, by the condition.

If it looks immaculate, with no chips off corners, no marks on upholstery, the bathroom is spotless (and doesnt smell of pee), and the outside is well maintained, you will be onto a winner.

Alternatively, if its mucky on the outside, the carpets are stained, and the kitchen/bathroom are grimy/smelly; dont accept any rubbish about them being very busy and not had time to clean it etc. They have never cleaned it. So walk away.

Good luck.


Personmatt-lucie
02/10/2016 at 2:24pm
 Location: Oldham
 Outfit: Autotrail View matt-lucie's Profile View Profile   Reply to matt-lucie Reply   Quote matt-lucie Quote  
Joined: 07/3/2004

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Thanks everyone. I will take on board what you all say.
We still still view the model I have described above but certainly keep our eyes peeled


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PersonCarlDickson
02/10/2016 at 7:47pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View CarlDickson's Profile View Profile   Reply to CarlDickson Reply   Quote CarlDickson Quote  
Joined: 17/4/2016

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Hi if you need a good quality Awning we have one . A Isabella Mistral size up to 975.
About 3 years old but good condition. Was permanently erected on our 5 berth Swift Accord until we bought bigger so had to buy new, so does look used but ideal for new starters. .
£300 if your interested. Metal poles are worth a good few quid on their own.
Live Manchester Oldsmobile way so if interested please post and could arrange something.

Good luck with Van search.



PersonCarlDickson
02/10/2016 at 7:49pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View CarlDickson's Profile View Profile   Reply to CarlDickson Reply   Quote CarlDickson Quote  
Joined: 17/4/2016

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Sorry that should read Oldham



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