New Flash 510 or used rapido 700f? (1 Viewer)

[Spidey]

Well i have been lurking and reading posts for a while trying to research the best MH for us. We currently have a caravan and really like it, but want to tour more and go to europe. We dont feel comfortable towing long distances.

So have decided on a Flash 10, or it is now a 510. We could get a new 510 for less than a 2 year old rapido. Or to be honest by the time we have haggled it probably would be the same price. This includes awning, back box, reversing camera. So it is down to which would be the best buy?

Any opinions?

 

[Taran_Las]

Sorry, can't help with your choice of van but

:welcome:​

 

[JeanLuc]

I have no direct experience of either van, but I have looked at both brands at shows, on the road and at sites.
Here are a few thoughts.

• Unless I was seriously wealthy, I would never buy a new motorhome. I see little point in bearing the initial depreciation and by many accounts, a lot of new vans come with 'niggles' that the first owners have to get put right.
• Rapido is a mid-upmarket brand and highly respected. Depending on model, you might get a double-floored version which can offer benefits.
• Chausson is part of the Trigano group and is positioned towards the value end of the market. Other Trigano brands include Roller Team, Benimar, McLouis, Elnagh and CI amongst others. At the top of their range is Auto Trail in the UK and EuraMobil. There have been several posts about quality issues with Auto Trail. EuraMobil is probably their highest quality brand.
• There is reported evidence that many motorhomes built since the recession are not as well constructed as earlier examples.

You mention an intention to spend more time touring. The Chausson 510 seems to me to be a bit small for that. In particular, the need to make up a bed every night would irritate me. The advantage of a fixed bed can make life much more relaxed. Also, will it have sufficient storage room for touring extras? You might do well to consider an older, slightly larger motorhome. Age is not really an issue; the base vehicle should be good for 200,000 miles and there are loads of late 80s - early 90s Hymers running around for example.

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[DP+JAY]

I have no direct experience of either van, but I have looked at both brands at shows, on the road and at sites.
Here are a few thoughts.

• Unless I was seriously wealthy, I would never buy a new motorhome. I see little point in bearing the initial depreciation and by many accounts, a lot of new vans come with 'niggles' that the first owners have to get put right.
• Rapido is a mid-upmarket brand and highly respected. Depending on model, you might get a double-floored version which can offer benefits.
• Chausson is part of the Trigano group and is positioned towards the value end of the market. Other Trigano brands include Roller Team, Benimar, McLouis, Elnagh and CI amongst others. At the top of their range is Auto Trail in the UK and EuraMobil. There have been several posts about quality issues with Auto Trail. EuraMobil is probably their highest quality brand.
• There is reported evidence that many motorhomes built since the recession are not as well constructed as earlier examples.

You mention an intention to spend more time touring. The Chausson 510 seems to me to be a bit small for that. In particular, the need to make up a bed every night would irritate me. The advantage of a fixed bed can make life much more relaxed. Also, will it have sufficient storage room for touring extras? You might do well to consider an older, slightly larger motorhome. Age is not really an issue; the base vehicle should be good for 200,000 miles and there are loads of late 80s - early 90s Hymers running around for example.

He's right, except I would regard Rapido as a better than mid range brand.

 

[JeanLuc]

He's right, except I would regard Rapido as a better than mid range brand.

I did say 'Mid-Upmarket' since Rapido offer a range of qualities - all towards the top end. I was reserving the badge of 'Upmarket-Premium' for the likes of N+B Flair and Clou, Hymer S-class, Concorde etc.

I think Rapido is a very fine brand - we just preferred the style of Hymer.

 

[slverdreamers]

Chasson or Rapido

Well i have been lurking and reading posts for a while trying to research the best MH for us. We currently have a caravan and really like it, but want to tour more and go to europe. We dont feel comfortable towing long distances.

So have decided on a Flash 10, or it is now a 510. We could get a new 510 for less than a 2 year old rapido. Or to be honest by the time we have haggled it probably would be the same price. This includes awning, back box, reversing camera. So it is down to which would be the best buy?

Any opinions?

We have ordered a new Flash 510 delivery end April, We had a 8 metre Deffleffs A class Which was so comfortable, but as Pete can't now walk too well we ended towing a car, which we think took the fun out of it.
We wanted a new Van, warranty etc, the Dethleffs was new when we brought it and we had it for 7 years. Don't think the quality is as good with Chasson, but we ordered an automatic which we wanted. It has a pull down bed in the middle, a good bathroom and large Fridge freezer which we know suits our needs, every one is different. We do like Rapido's but could not afford new with them.
Good Luck

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[mikebeaches]

We bought our first van in March 2010 - a used (2004) Rapido 709F.

In October the same year, we swapped it for a brand new Chausson Flash S2 - which we still own and are very happy with.

Both are compact vans - the Rapido 5.6m and the Chausson 5.99m.

Build quality on the Rapido was excellent, but the conversion to right-hand drive did not work for me - there wasn't sufficient leg room to drive it comfortably - hence the swap.

The revelation of driving a more modern cab on the new van was amazing - six-speed gearbox, super-light and powerful brakes, light steering, cruise control, cab air-conditioning etc etc. An altogether nicer drive - which is important to me.

The Chausson build quality is not QUITE as good as the Rapido, but it is much more modern and works well for us. It also has a very good load capacity.

There are a lot of folk on here that will suggest 'always buy used' for the reasons provided earlier in this thread. Their observations are valid... up to a point. But I wonder how many of the 'used' advocates have owned both - new and used?

When the time comes to changing the van, we will probably buy new again - just a personal choice. One reason - I want an automatic gearbox on our next one and I think it will be easier to find the precise layout and specification if we just specify 'auto gearbox' when we buy. Obviously, there are a few used ones around, but it restricts your choice significantly.

Whatever you decide, I hope it works out for you. :thumb:

Mike

 

[JeanLuc]

.......... In particular, the need to make up a bed every night would irritate me. The advantage of a fixed bed can make life much more relaxed. Also, will it have sufficient storage room for touring extras? You might do well to consider an older, slightly larger motorhome.

Apologies, I had not noticed that the bed came down from the ceiling. Clever, :thumb: but I wonder how much payload is taken up by the electric power system for the bed?

I stand by my other comments in the earlier post however.

 

[jonandshell]

Apologies, I had not noticed that the bed came down from the ceiling. Clever, :thumb: but I wonder how much payload is taken up by the electric power system for the bed?

I stand by my other comments in the earlier post however.

I wouldn't worry, the 510 has a 625kg payload!
Plus its got very useful diesel heating!

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[Allanm]

Used or new, go for the one that you can afford. True, new vans have their niggles, but so do older vans, and most of the time, the dealer isn't going to pick up the tab.
Mikes comments on driving a new van with all its recent additions is a good point, but you will get most of those improvements on a 2 or 3 year old van and pay far less than for a new one.
We bought new because it was the best layout and quality that we had seen in a vast quantity of vans.
And, as Mrs A pointed out, nobody had used the toilet...........:moon:

Good luck whichever you chose. If you go to France, you will see a lots of older Chaussons and Rapidos. They all seem to be going strong and still look smart.

Allan

 

[mikebeaches]

I wouldn't worry, the 510 has a 625kg payload!
Plus its got very useful diesel heating!

Ah yes, diesel space heating - very handy, especially for continental touring.

Mike

 

[Techno]

Rapidos have merit if you're good at DIY.

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[Spidey]

Ok we are going to test drive the 510, it is £39,950 and they will give 10000 for our van. Do i try and get it for less? Or does the bits added on, like awning etc do they reduce in price? In the end of the day it is a package we are after.

Awning fiama,
Reverse camera
Rack and box back
Ext gas point
Ariel tv (not essential)

What would you consider a good price also how do i know the bits they suggest are good. Do i look out for any particular makes etc. It is completly different to our caravan.

 

[Wombles]

It is a whole new world & much more different from caravanning than we thought! Our findings from researching some of the items for ourselves :
Fiamma awnings are great & extra bits like panels cheaper than Thule if you might want them. If buying a new one don't forget that Fiamma do a range of colours & designs so you can pick which suits your motorhome best. Rather than panels we have Jormax windbreaks (saw them at show & loads used on sites) for privacy as can be left up if on a site pitch when you go off pitch, tough & waterproof so no wet awning to dry.The Fiamma awning can be rewound when wet too. We spent too many holidays watching the weather trying to decide when to take our caravan awning down so it would be packed away dry but no more!
We have a Vision dual camera dealer fitted but Waeco are meant to be good - dual gives you the view behind but also the downwards view so useful for reversing.
Fiamma bike racks for the rear & the special one for inside the garage are light, strong, well designed & replacement parts are widely available & good range of accessories including my favourite a drying rack! Fiamma websites are not the most user friendly so recommend picking up a free catalogue from a dealer or show - lots of great motorhome specific toys.
We bought most of our Fiamma from Johns Cross as best price online with 10% Funster discount code "funster2", free delivery if order over £150 & quick excellent service.
If the dealer has a workshop then supply & fit by them should be their regular business so cost effective. With our Chausson it was cheaper & easy to fit the rear bike rack ourselves as the fixings were already on the van done by manufacturer. Suggest contacting Vanbitz about the price of supply & fitting a reversing camera as dealer may say it's higher value than it really is & may not do a good job.

 

[jonandshell]

If you need a back box, your proposed van is too small!

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[Wombles]

Forgot to say that as a Funster you get 10% off at Vanbitz too so worth mentioning you are a member & you should get a lower quote. We aren't on commission just saved a lot ourselves & needed to as there is a surprising amount to buy when changing to a motorhome although great time to sell unwanted caravan bits.
With regard to the price for the 510 - always, always haggle! Dealers seem to be able to offer "£1000" (their price supply & fit) worth of accessories as standard plus an extra £1000 if deal done at a show. Read here somewhere that if the dealer isn't almost crying you haven't got him down to his lowest price so if he's smiling then he is making too much money! It worked for us... If you are uncertain about the value of your caravan then if you call the Caravan Club for an insurance quote for it then ask for what value they have listed for that model & age you will have the lowest you should expect although selling privately it is possible to get up to £1000 more if the condition is good. It is however easier to sell caravans under £5000 as over that buyers are more likely to go to dealers for finance & warranty.
This all just our experience & what we have learnt but hope this helps you or someone!

 

[Spidey]

Thank you everybody for all your help. It is a minefield for equipment, but it is great to have this fantastic site to ask all questions. I know there is going to be loads more.

I thought getting everything fitted by the dealer would be a good idea. Is it better to get specialist people to do different jobs?

The back box was to hold things like chairs etc, i don't want anything lying around in the van. I love the living area of the flash 510 in a compact 6m. Just hope we make the right decision.

 

[Wombles]

Depends on the dealer! We have a Chausson Best Of 04 & very pleased with it so far especially the double French bed over garage (3 bikes fit inside on a Fiamma carrier plus loads more storage space!), decent size shower cubicle/bathroom, front double (Transit Chassis so 4 berth with extra bed accessory) which sold it to us over all the motorhomes that we saw at the NEC last year especially as under 6m & a good price. Chausson motorhomes are often used for hire so I'm told that they wear well too. It took us a couple of years viewing to find what suited us best layout wise & our experience of having had caravans helped a lot.
This is a great forum whose members have a wide range of opinions & experience so there is always someone who can offer help or advice - we have learnt loads so far as we had little idea & keep on learning more!

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[Spidey]

My head is spinning:Sad: My head says go for the rapido, better quality, slightly more storage etc. But i love the modern look of the 510! Also not sure what to believe with some dealers. I contact several for quotes. Some responded quickly others said they would and didn't bother phoning back. One dealer told me that i would have to spend £300 on a leisure battery as it came with none and it was difficult to fit! Another dealer said that was nonsense they were trying to rip me off! I said to my OH we are not 100% certain then we walk away and cool off. I don't want to get caught up with frenzy of a limited edition special offer, it will never be this price again event!

I have to tell myself there is no rush, it is a LOT of money and i really don't want to make a mistake. We do this though we get all caught up tents, folding camper and then a caravan. But, tough wood, we have not regretted our choices. After a. Decent length of time we changed the way we holidayed. But this is the most expensive holiday kit we have bought.

I am going to look at all the kit we need, price up individually, so i can understand the pricing and kit on offer etc..

Wish me luck

 

[Puddleduck]

Also not sure what to believe with some dealers. I contact several for quotes. Some responded quickly others said they would and didn't bother phoning back.

If they don't phone back they either think you are a time waster or they can't be bothered. If that is the service pre-sale then think what it could be when they do have your money?

I walked out of one dealers when he told me a blatant lie. Maybe he thought I was an easy target being female and would be more interested in the colour scheme than the emulsion on the oil filler cap?

walk away and cool off.

That's my mantra as well. When I have bought anything expensive in a hurry I have always regretted it later. If it's for you it won't go by you. Buy in haste repent at leisure.

I don't want to get caught up with frenzy of a limited edition special offer, it will never be this price again event!

You have to see what is so special about the "special edition" and if the "added extras" are actually of any value to you. A fancy paint job on a motorhome does not add any value to me even if it looks smart or a bit different. Some extras may even be of no use to you at all. We had air conditioning in one van and never used it. The one time it would have been useful the electrics on the site wouldn't handle the power draw.

I've heard the "never be this price again" so many times .... I often find that it isn't that price again, it is cheaper! Most dealers will hold a show price for a few days or weeks after a show. Remember they are still making a profit (okay a smaller profit) even at show prices. They are in business to make money after all. Nothing to stop you offering the special price at a later date.

I have to tell myself there is no rush, it is a LOT of money and i really don't want to make a mistake.

Yes, the money is in your bank account earning interest (okay not a lot of interest at today's rates) so right now you have everything on your side. There is no rush, you need to be as certain as you can be. My OH would have bought the first van we saw as he hates going to see one van after another but we now know that would have been a dreadful mistake. I have managed to get him to agree to wait until after Harrogate after which I will make a decision. That decision may be to wait and look for longer of course.

Wish me luck

I wish you luck - please wish me the same.

We are looking for a Flash 04 with the silver pack or a Welcome WS.

 

[g8ysn]

new or old

we have had 2 chausson,s 1st flash 08 found it not suitable toilet shower 2 small have to climb over partner 2 get out of bed [wife dissabled] bought new allegro 96 now 5yr old it suits us fine ,large shower room/toilet, 2 single electrick bed,s ,[wife has 2 have her head raised due to sleep apnia/] automatic/comformatic autcruise ,electic table,we have had fitted 3 in line leisere batteries ,to drive ann,s machine,s when not on ehu as with all vans few niggles but either sorted mysele or the local garage [who looks after it 4 me]troy, if u r registered dissabled u can claim vat back so new is a viable option,would i buy another chausson [yes] but at the momment there is nothing wrong with mine ,it,s what suite u :thumb:

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[Wombles]

I agree with Puddleducks comments - don't rush it as especially if buying from new you could be considerably out of pocket if it doesn't suit you layout wise & you have to change. Dealers are sales people & often don't even know their products that well so if you have done your research & have the funds then you have the power! The more motorhomes you view the more you learn what suits you - we thought we wanted a van conversion but completely changed our mind. We were told by all the dealers at the NEC that there were no more Chausson Best of 04 (like Flash 04) on a transit chassis only 04 layout on Fiat chassis (which would be 3 berth not option of 4 with extra bed accessory) but looks like Highbridge Caravans now have one coming into stock although could be a cancelled order?! None of the dealers knew that the Best Of 04 being on a Transit chassis could be a 4 berth with the optional accessory as they have it listed as 3 berth so lucky that we did or we would have ruled it out! Don't forget to have fun & if you can get to a show where all the models in your price range are available to view in one place it makes life a lot easier - you might be surprised which one you like best as we were.

 

[Wombles]

By the way a new Chausson will come with a fitted Leisure battery, fire extinguisher, & full bottle of gas at no extra cost so dealers saying otherwise are incorrect at best! We had a tyre repair kit too but no spare wheel.

 

[ShiftZZ]

Is the Rapido this one?

Broken Link Removed

Drop down bed in a low profile?

A bit small if it is 5.99m....

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[Spidey]

Thank you again for your useful info. I am getting armed with info as though i am going to battle.

Just a thought do people get their extra stuff put on by the dealer or use a mobile fitting service? There seems to be a big price difference to dealer fitted items and mobile ones. I would assume a dealer would have a better warranty?

 

[Spidey]

Good luck Puddleduck :thanks: for your good wishes

 

[MHVirgins]

Thank you again for your useful info. I am getting armed with info as though i am going to battle.

Just a thought do people get their extra stuff put on by the dealer or use a mobile fitting service? There seems to be a big price difference to dealer fitted items and mobile ones. I would assume a dealer would have a better warranty?

Hi Spidey
Just make sure that any mobile fitter you intend to use is authorised to carry out warranty work on the van. We bought a new Elddis a few years back, but Elddis would not allow the mobile service guy to carry out the warranty work.
But he was authorised to carry out the habitation inspection/service.

Bill

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[Minxy]

Thank you again for your useful info. I am getting armed with info as though i am going to battle.

Just a thought do people get their extra stuff put on by the dealer or use a mobile fitting service? There seems to be a big price difference to dealer fitted items and mobile ones. I would assume a dealer would have a better warranty?

It depends what extra stuff you want really, some can be fitted yourself such as a bike rack where the fittings are already put on by the manufacturer (such as Chausson), but putting on a wind-out awning is more tricky! You don't have to use a dealer (who will often charge a 'premium' for their service against someone else, but whoever does it should know what they're doing, if whoever you use is NCC accredited they should be competent to do it correctly.

Personally, I'd hold off putting on any accessories straight away and see if what you think you need you in reality actually need! Also don't forget that everything you fit will eat into the payload so make sure that what is left will be sufficient for your needs.

 

[daisy mae]

I had a Fiamma awning fitted in the colour of my choice for under £300, by the dealer as I knew it would probably be nearer the £800 mark if I had it fitted afterwards . I went for it.

Good luck, exciting times ahead.:thumb:
Margaret

 

[Spidey]

Just an update. We went for the test drive of the Flash 510. My OH really liked it and wasn't too nervous driving it. There was a lot of rattling, not sure where that came from though. We looked at the 700ff but decided it wasnt for us, it seemed a bit old fashioned. The flash maybe a more budget range but seemed to be nice a modern. We speant a lot of time in each and deciding whether this is sensible purchase. Then looked around cheaper second hand vans which were very sensible. Well we went with our heart and put a deposit down on a new one to pick up in May

Sitting at home thinking OMG it is a lot of money and we can only holiday in this from now on. :Sad: As that was main arguing point for getting one. But i think it is just nerves. We love camping and want to goto Europe with it, something we would never do with our caravan. My OH hates towing and we have exhausted everywhere within his 3 hour towing limit!

We got a good px price for our caravan and the extras we wanted were cheaper than other places. We like Highbridge it is our local Dealer about an hour from home. So it is coming with awning, bike rack, box and reverse camera. Decided against ariel and gas point. He did say i sounded very knowlegable, thanks to this site

We have one last holiday coming up with our caravan in April, so that will be nice.

Does anyone know what the socket in one of the kitchen cupboards is? It looks like a 12v?

I will on here pestering with loads of questions now