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Hi,

I've spotted a 'van that looks ok for it's age (1980) and at £495 is a bit of a bargain. So would anyone consider this a good idea for a starter 'van or are 'vans this age best avoided?  It's advertised through a reputable dealer so I like to think that if it was likely to collapse at first use, they would have just scrapped it.  My hubby isn't keen, so I need to make it as cheap as possible!

Hi there,

Just because it's a few years old, does'nt mean that it's not a good caravan! I am in the process of selling a caravan to buy one 15 years older!

Basically go and have a good look around it, take a damp meter with you (a few pounds off ebay) and check every nook and cranny with. Make sure all the electrics and gas appliances work (a dealer will have no problems showing you everything working) - don't be afraid to set up the bed/s and look in all the cupboards/loo etc. - lastly, have a quick look underneath to check for bad corrosion, - Also, for a 1980 caravan for £495  i would expect an old awning thrown in too!

If all seems well, then make the dealer an offer....remember, the price on the windscreen is the price they use as a guide, don't be scared to offer £400 or even less should you find damp etc!

Hope it turns out to be a real bargain.

All the best,

Grub.

Hello Angie. I think its a good idea to buy an old van as a starter. If you dont take to caravanning and you wish to sell: you will most likely get your money back. At the worst you will only lose £400. On the other hand, if you do like it...you can trade it in as a partex and probably get more than you paid for it.

We have always had a caravan and went when our three were babies. My son (married now with kids), bought caravan £3000, bigger car, awning etc. His wife didn't like it and they sold up after one trip and lost a packet. 

My first caravan was a old caravan and we loved it...we brought a newer van last year & even though its the same length & birth has the old one there dosent seem to be has much space....Theres nothing wrong with having a older caravan so long has it has no damp...I still miss ours....Im sure yourll have many a good holiday in it

Thanks everyone. I do think that it looks good on their internet site, lots of closeup pictures which I don't think they'd do if there was something to hide. They are about 1.5 hrs away, but it could be worth the trip to see it in the flesh. They also have one 7 years younger at the same price, but my instinct tells me it's not as tidy a 'van, so would prefer to go for the older one.

Hi Angie , just seen the pictures , Buy it .

atb

Wizard

I agree with Wiz on that Angie.  As previously suggested, give it a run over with a damp meter which you shouldn't have to buy just yet as I don't see any reason why the dealer shouldn't be prepared to use his one to demonstrate both the van and his integrity.

I'd give them a call to put a hold on it immediately.

At a caravan dealers i look out for air fresheners in second hand vans. if they need an air freshener why? .

My caravan was a year old and had an air freshener in it, it was a disgusting one too!

Will Highbridge put any sort of warranty on it Angie?  We have dealt with them in the past and they were brill.

I don't think you can go wrong for that kind of money, they will put a hold on it subject to viewing as they did with us.