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Hi Carol,

We have a 1990 Avondale Perle which still does everything we need it to. We have been on club sites (both Caravan and Camping & Caravan Clubs) and general sites and have never encountered any problems or snobbery. My brother has a much older van and as far as I know has had no problems either - we are a friendly bunch!!

As to buying an older van their is a dealer in Weeley nr Colchester that seems to have some older vans otherwise your best bet is to look in the local paper.

Check inside cupboard in the corners have a good sniff everywhere for musty smells and make sure the floor is solid (not bouncy) all over.

We changed from a trailer tent to a caravan 10 years ago and have never once regretted it - good luck

Lesley

Hi, you're on the wrong side of the country for me to help, but could I endorse what Leslie said, both about lack of snobbery amongst caravanners and about the Perle. Older Avondale perles and Adrias can well be good buys, as can Marauders and Monzas, so look in the small ads. Take a friend who knows a bit if you are unsure. Damp is the enemy, otherwise you'll get a good feel for the van by the way it's been cared for (or not). The major plus with older vans is that they are light and therefore easier to tow.

Best wishes and good luck

Allan

I paid £500 for my Compass Vantage off of ebay. I admit I was lucky as it's worth twice that. Serves the seller right for setting his auction to finish on Christmas day at 3pm LOL

Snobs will be snobs no matter what ou turn up n  but they are few and far between.

As timid says Damp is the enemy. My advice is always ask the seller if damp exists. If they say no and you turn up to buy with cash. you have the option of walking away if it is damp, all you have lost is your travelling.Never use paypal for cars or caravans.

If you need any help while buying email me I'm an ebay trading assistant no charge 

worth a read...... and a big welcome too

 Buying Secondhand

Hi Carol,

Welcome to ukcs.

We bought our caravan for an amazing £500 about 4 years ago. We needed to get away in a hurry (long story). We knew it was a good sound van  but we thought we`d have our holiday in it then sell it for a newer one for £2-3000.

Well this little van was immaculate and the inside was like new. I`m sure in its day it must have been the height of luxury caravanning. Anyway we are so fond of it we`ve still got it,it must be about 23 years old. It looks very modern for its age I saw one exactly the same at a dealer recently for £2000! Whether or not he got that for it is another thing, but I was dead chuffed.

Anyway you wondered if there is any prejudice against older vans, well the answer to that is no no no no and no! And we stay at at some of the poshest caravan sites. We often see vans older than ours too, so don`t you worry.

I`ve been looking at some Eldiss Hurricanes recently as I do like the idea of an end bathroom with a bit more room for dressing. But we`re so fond of our van and have had some wonderful holidays in it  I don`t think I could part with it yet.

                hope you find a nice van

                                            Sue

Hiya

I have just visited White Arches to buy a wheel rim They have dozens of new and second hand caravans for sale from £1500 to you name it! What caught my eye was the finance they are offering. £99 down and £99 a month on selected vans. For anyone on a limited buget this must be worth a look.

As some of you know I buy and sell the occassional van, I get all my bitz and bobz there. they have a massive shop selling everything caravan, at reasonable prices.

Take a squint at their website www.white-arches.co.uk