Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Buying advice please!

andy75

17/7/2018 at 10:01pm
Location: Dunfermline Fife Kendal Cumbria
Outfit: Lichfield Arapaho 6 DLX (one of 5)

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/8/2006

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 218

Site Reviews Total:	45

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	4

I am looking at another touring van, my last was 15 years ago and I miss it.

My budget is very small as have so many tents and will always be a passionate hill walker/backpacker, therefore can only justify up to £1400

Ideally I am hoping I'll be in 4-berth territory and up to 18 years old.

So far I'm interested in ABI as they seem solid units, can anyone add to this or recommend similar build for that sort of money please?

I have no interest whatsoever in Swift, I have a 5-year old static which has leaked from day one with rubbish customer follow up, and heard no end of Swift touring vans that leak as well.

Thanking you for any advice.

-------------
Get out there!

misterg

17/7/2018 at 11:18pm
Location: East Midlands
Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/12/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1538

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Main thing is get a damp meter.It appears to me that few vans avoid damp.

-------------
Mister G

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Grampian91

18/7/2018 at 9:12am
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6893

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Put the word out with family and friends, you may get offered something nice that has been cherished.

Otherwise its visiting lots of vans advertised as perfect and when you view them the smell of damp could be overpowering. Or they have 20 air fresheners open to hide the smell.

shaggy2000

18/7/2018 at 12:45pm
Location: County Durham
Outfit: Explore 304

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/3/2012

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 514
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The best piece of advice I can think of is to visit your local dealer.

It may be cheaper to buy private, but the chance of buying a lemon can be quite high. at least with a dealer you'll get 12 months warranty, and if anything is wrong they will be obliged to fix it.

jeff juke

18/7/2018 at 1:12pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6854

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Before you buy any thing get a damp tester and learn how to use it

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................

navver

18/7/2018 at 8:15pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4663

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If a 2 berth will do you might find them cheaper and better looked after than 4 or 5 berth. Perhaps loved and cherished by an elderly couple rather than boisterous kids.

Colin21

18/7/2018 at 10:39pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Our Elddis Wisp 450CT cost us £1,100 last July, and we have just come back from 15 days away with it. We just went into a local dealer and asked if they have any "trade-sales". Apparently they get them in all the time, but they are never advertised or shown on the forecourt. It's old, but it's obviously been well looked after, and looks like it's hardly ever been used. It's even got motor-movers on it! A great van! The last one we had (Elddis Tornado) cost us £500. Had it 4 years, used it every year, then sold it on for £550.

There are bargains out there, but take great care!

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

SamandRose

19/7/2018 at 7:23pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: 2019 VW Arteon + 2002 Avondale Dart

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/5/2016

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 557

Site Reviews Total:	27

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	3
Site Reviews 2020:	3
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	16
Site Nights 2020:	16
Site Nights 2019:	13
Site Nights 2018:	3

I believe that ABI pulled out of making touring caravans about 20 years ago but not sure of the exact date. They now build static caravans only. They sold their Elddis brand which still make tourers as part of the 'Explorer Group'.

If you're looking at caravans of that age then forget which manufacturer's name is written on it - it's condition first and whether you like the décor second. Something that was initially very well made might have been abused, whilst something that had problems earlier in life may have been repaired well by a dealer. Mechanically and structurally, all caravans are much the same (chassis by Alko or BPW and components such as fridge, heater, shower and electrics all made by third party manufacturers).

The end of the touring season (September/October) is a good time to buy as that's when some people will decide to sell rather than pay storage for the winter.

-------------
"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."

trog100

19/7/2018 at 8:05pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/6/2014

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1746

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

i would say forget age and make completely.. buy on condition and whether or not you like the layout with whatever fits in your price range that comes along during your search..

trog

ps.. also dont lose a bargain just because its a tad more than your price target..

Post last edited on 19/07/2018 20:13:29

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

8567 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder