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Subject Topic: Looking for a decent starter van Post Reply Post New Topic
via mobile 21/7/2023 at 7:39am
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Hi. Looking at viewing this caravan. Is there any big alarm bells here ! Not got a very big budget, so I am realistic as to what is available for the budget. I know that damp is a bit of a caravan killer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/796592355249592/


21/7/2023 at 11:56am
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View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
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Only problem is not everyone uses Facebook, so can't see it.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


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21/7/2023 at 1:03pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524
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I'm a cynical old so and so, the 'refurbishment' would concern me, bit like buying a freshly repainted car - WHAT'S IT HIDING!

If it's all original or an ancient refurb, you can assess the underlying condition a lot better and get a measure of how it's been looked after, not so with a fresh refurb, AND you can't tell how well the work has been done and how it will stand up over time!

For a first van and without knowledge of caravans it's a potential minefield over and above the already but normal risks of a s/h van IMHO! With a private seller, it's a Buyer Beware transaction with no comeback for anything you subsequently find wrong after you've parted with money! At that price/value, there is NO scope to put anything right that may need fixing (caravans are VERY expensive to fix if buying spares/paying someone to do work) that will enhance the value or be recouped if sold on.

As a general rule, although it applies less and less as vans get older as inevitably they've been 'worked on/upgraded', any deviation from stock spec devalues them, this one is nudging top price for age perhaps even if in good condition stock spec. Refurbishments are usually undertaken by people who wish to keep the van but want to improve it for themselves, not to enhance sale value!

Personal feeling, I'd be happier with a slightly worn/scruffy near stock van that I could better assess and judge it's 'honesty', than gamble that the refurb isn't hiding a multitude of sins! I may be wrong, it may be a gem, but gut feeling from a great distance.


21/7/2023 at 1:11pm
 Location: Staffordshire
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If I was you, I wouldn't go for a van which has had a makeover like that, I'd want to see it in its original condition so you can see what's what and IF you still like the lifestyle then either trade up in time or do it yourself.

Do you know anyone who's had caravans to go look with you?

club help Have a read of this, make sure it is roadworthy (new tyres?), get someone to check the electrics/gas if not been done recently.


21/7/2023 at 1:12pm
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well i can see it and it rings alarm bells the way they described "fixing" the damp, so i have sent him a message to see if he will tell me about that.

the other worrying thing is the way they have painted just about every surface in it, you have got to ask why? and to be honest, caravan surface dont take to being painted very well at all, so even with light use its going to look awful very quickly with peeling paint.

the best advice i would give is to go buy yourself a damp meter and use it to check absolutely everywhere, if they wont allow you to check then walk away quickly as they are hiding something.

you also need to check all 3 tyres for their age, along with the age and condition of the leisure battery, and get them to show you every last thing working on either gas, ehu or 12v.

you need to get under the caravan and check over everything down there

better still get a mobile guy around to give you a report ..

looking at his and her profile they look more like tik tockers to me! more interested in style rather than substance

i will report back once they reply to my message on facebook


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via mobile 21/7/2023 at 2:17pm
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Thanks for the comments


via mobile 21/7/2023 at 6:01pm
 Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
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Apart from the caravan itself you need to make sure that your car is compatible and able to tow it safely.

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


21/7/2023 at 7:43pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
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My advice would be to find a decent caravan dealer and ask them if they have any "trade sales". They don't usually advertise them or display them, so you have to ask. If they do have any they will usually be tucked away somewhere.

We got the one we have had for the past 6 years that way, and it cost us just £1,100. Trade sales come without warranty, but being dealers you do have some comeback if things go disastrously wrong. Don't worry about the age of the van, condition is everything with older units. Even if buying this way, do thoroughly check the van over, particularly for signs of damp.


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


22/7/2023 at 5:04am
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ok as promised here you go to his reply

" it had a bit o damp in bathroom cupboard, and bit in 2 places on one side, I replaced window frames for piece of mind, damp proofed and sealed all walls and doesn't let any water on and no damp. So should be for any more years"

so i asked him what did he mean by "damp proofed"

"New wood in walls, damp seal spray before and damp coat on new wood, external has been silicones also"

so our advice of stay well clear of this has been proven to be correct, this bloke hasnt got a clue what he is doing, by the sounds of it they bought it very cheap due to having damp and thought they could hide it and make some money out of it








22/7/2023 at 7:54am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser
View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
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When my daughter was looking for a caravan off FB, all the ones within 50 miles of where she lived that were at about £1000-£2000 were riddled with damp or had other major issues. I had a damp meter to check and on some occasions the wall board was so soft that pressing a finger on it left a fingermark.

I am now very wary of anything that is sold on FB especially caravans. There are obviously so good ones, but by the time you have spent money on petrol driving around to find the right one you might as well have gone to a dealer.


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23/7/2023 at 8:27am
 Location: South Northamptonshi
 Outfit: Delta-Freelander
View JoannaLesley's Profile View Profile   Reply to JoannaLesley Reply   Quote JoannaLesley Quote  
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Be very careful. We have just been scammed over a motorhome purchase on FB.

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Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.



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