Swift Kontiki availability (1 Viewer)

[hilldweller]

Really !!! So your saying they could Expand in the Med sunshine and Swift say its not a good idea to leave in the sun and forbid you to go abroad for more than 2 weeks, Wow glad i have a old one

I'm not quite saying that, you've taken it a step further.

Now I am confused, see this video, it seems they have just replaced wood with polyurethane on the basis it might still leak but PU will not absorb water and rot.

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[ciderdaze]

Hey Brian , I am sorry if i spoke out but i am really happy with my Kontiki, but if its true about the 90 day rule Swift will have to look into that, Not sure how they can Police it Though. Regardless of all above coments i like the Kontiki, Before i have had 3 Euramobils which were all good and i was worried about buying British but it worked out ok, I have had the Kontiki 3 years and its now time to change so i have gone for German again so we will see how this one works out, My first post was to defend the Kontiki from flippant posts base on my experience , Hope thats clear, Dave

 

[Wildman]

Swift state that the motorhome is designed for use in the UK, trips abroad for more than 90 days invalidate the 10 year warranty.
I queried it last year, told it was correct. How they would know I am not sure, but will not be buying one because of that clause.

con leakey lives, hee hee but only in the uk.

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[Deleted member 29692]

and yes the leak problem has been resolved apparently by a new body structure..

Holes in the bottom as well so that the water it lets in runs straight out again?

 

[Deleted member 29692]

yes.. 90 days

1. The SuperSure, Body Shell and Extended Body Shell Warranties only apply to motorhomes purchased and used primarily within the UK, which means that the motorhome is not used for continuous journeys outside of the UK of longer than 90 days per journey. Please refer to the Fiat or Peugeot handbook for use of the base vehicle outside the UK.

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Bizarre

 

[hilldweller]

My first post was to defend the Kontiki from flippant posts base on my experience , Hope thats clear, Dave

Of course, we do open our mouths, then think, a bit in here.

But Swift deserve stick, they grief they have caused motorhomers who have spend huge amounts of money is unacceptable. Part quality control and part bad design. So if you get a good one you can't believe the grief of getting a bad one with one or more classic faults.

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[easygirl]

We've had our kontiki 12 months now, we've had a few minor faults, but have to say swift customer service has been excellent, they have sent a technician from Derby to my home address in bolton to change a locker lock because we were going away

I'm sure if we put
Leaking swift/burstner/bessecar etc into Google we will find examples of them all having problems

 

[Theonlysue]

But to limit how much time you spend abroad is ridiculous, as you are using the van for what it is intended for.
If it was taken to court, I can't see it being upheld surely? ?

 

[easygirl]

I don't think swift could or would ever try and prove you were abroad for more then 90 days at at time, if there was a warranty claim
The explanation that they don't want them exported and have to pay big bucks to repair them seems sensible to me.

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[PaulyP]

Just been looking at tynevalleymotorhomes.com and they have an older 2005 Swift Kontiki, then I reread your first post and realise you are looking at new ones.

 

[Theonlysue]

I don't think swift could or would ever try and prove you were abroad for more then 90 days at at time, if there was a warranty claim
The explanation that they don't want them exported and have to pay big bucks to repair them seems sensible to me.

when warranty work is required, the van normally goes back to the dealer or sometimes manufacturer.
I don't think that's a reasonable excuse. You are using the van for what it should be designed for. It's like buying a pair of shoes and being told don't wear them in the rain lol
And they may check, would you want to take that risk?

 

[scotjimland]

The explanation that they don't want them exported and have to pay big bucks to repair them seems sensible to me.

Seems to me they have no faith in the product.. and or not interested in exporting..
Never heard of a German manufacturer saying that the warranty wouldn't cover exports to the UK.. Utter nonesense..

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[buttons]

You clearly have no idea what these vans are like, I bought a new one 3 years ago and have been very pleased with it and i would recommend so Barbara don't be put off by this post they are good motorhomes,

I also owned a brand new Konleaky....well that is the name a dealer gave it anyway. Always had an umbrella handy case we decided to eat inside.....

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Seems to me they have no faith in the product..

Or they know their product is not fit for purpose.

 

[buttons]

Deleted.

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[mariner]

How much????

£67,950!!!!!!

You can buy a real motor home for less than that!!!!

 

[Theonlysue]

Barbara, as you said in your initial post, you are new to this.
Some people commenting on here are seasoned motor homers, including myself, and we comment with your best interests at heart.
You are committing a huge amount of funds, that would buy you a luxurious second hand one, in A1 condition.
Given the choice between a new UK manufactured or a second hand European van, I would say go European.
Generally they have huge pride in their product.
Also, many find that what they thought would be their ideal layout changes when they actually use the van.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
It's a great way of life

 

[Theonlysue]

Vehicle offer: Hymer-Eriba B-Klasse StarLine 690 for 98490 EUR
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You could get this for the same price

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[hilldweller]

when warranty work is required, the van normally goes back to the dealer or sometimes manufacturer.

It seems, on the forums, all too often it goes back to manufacturer which is criminally stupid in cost terms. £2 of sealent missed at manufacture, £2000 to rectify 2 years down the road.

 

[Lenny HB]

Elsewhere on the Forum I published a response I had from Swift to my request for justification of the 90 day rule.

They said it was to avoid people permanently exporting the unit then expecting Swift to cover the warranty.

The UK is in the EU, the EU is a single market so I don't see they could enforce it. No wonder people vote with their feet and wont buy British products.
Hymer and I believe most German manufactures have a pan European warranty, you can take your van to any dealer in Europe to get warranty items sorted.

 

[maison]

@lennyhb
That is exactly what I asked them. Why should anyone choose to buy from them when European manufacturers operate no such restriction.

I got no answer.

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[easygirl]

Just been looking at another forum and found this thread about the quality of new hymers
I do hope this is not going to annoy those people for whome Hymer can do no wrong Broken Link Removed. It's a genuine personal take on the subject.

I've run motorcaravans for some 20 years or so now.

When I started, my aspiration was to own a Hymer A-class, probably at the time a B544.

They always appeared to be well-designed, comfortable and bullet-proof, and even when they were supplied by Madisons, they were an aspirational brand which commanded both a dedicated following and a premium price.

I remember calling in at Madisons on passing once, simply to drool over what they had in stock.

Time passed, Brownhills came along, and Hymer UK was formed. They started to stock them at Newark, which meant I could inspect them more often, and they became a viable proposition without travelling over-far for service. (Brownhills and myself know each other, and I've never been put-off by their reputation, after all I'm close enough to send the boys round Broken Link Removed ).

When I finally some years ago decided on an A-class, however, it was a Rapido. IMO after looking at both brands, better-built, better-equipped, and in many ways more attractive than the Hymer, at a better price.

I found myself looking much more critically at the Hymer build quality, the options and base chassis, and came to the conclusion that style was beginning to triumph over substance.

On my most recent change, I specifically wanted a Ford base, and looked at both the Exis-I and the Hymer Van. Again, I was disappointed with both the build and the general user-friendliness of them. I then looked at the Hobby van, and though it had a bit more "bling" as standard than I would normally choose, it ticked a lot more boxes than the Hymers - better built, better equipped, nicer environment, and, for what I wanted, cheaper (though not cheap!).

Frankly, I'd reached a point where I wasn't seeing Hymer as anything that I had 20 years ago! (other than still attracting a premium on price, and apparently still a dedicated following).

On Monday, I had a look round Brownhills in Newark (who have quite a lot of stock at the moment), and found myself looking at this and last year's Hymers.

The build quality of the new models was (IMO) absolutely appalling, with badly fitted parts, veneers not properly applied, everything lightweight and far from hard-wearing, and on the first 'van I tried, the bathroom door was solidly stuck shut (not with the catch, simply interfering with the frame), on the next two, I manage to get the door open with difficulty, but could not close either, due to the interference with the frame. It was symptomatic of the fit and finish everywhere.

Not only that, but at least last years B-class model had the smart and archetypal front looks, this year's model is simply plug-ugly (especially from the side - a bit like the low-selling Pilote City-van).

Is it just me, or have they lost their way? I just don't see them as at all desirable no

Now , our kontiki is not perfect, and has some faults, but the notion that german made vans are better quality just dosent stack up if you search around, I'm sure 10 years ago that may have nbeen true.
We did a lot of research before buying swift, and one of the reasons was the 10 year guarantee against leaks etc, and the fact it was british made.
The customer service so far from swift has been excellent

 

[Lenny HB]

I'm on my second Hymer the 1st one was a 2008 model the current one is only 9 months old, build quality and fit of doors & cabinets was/is excellent in both, yes the newer ones are built a bit lighter but from what I have seen not detrimental to the quality. With there PUAL construction closed cell foam insulation & GRP floors they will outlast any British van.

I don't understand your comment on the front end as it has not changed since 2012, when they gave them a more upright front end to improve the drop down bed which is now larger and comes down lower, which from a use point of view is much improved.

Hymer's are much better built than Hobby's, they (Hobby) still use timber in the walls & go for bling rather than engineering, I've had a Hobby caravan.
Even if the quality was any good in British which I don't believe it is, I don't like there layouts they don't have fixed tables and I think they are expensive, don't build A Class vans, Hymer and other German brands are reasonably priced providing you don't buy in the UK.

What happens if you are abroad for months & you have problem under warranty that needs fixing? With a German van you take it to the nearest dealer - sorted.

 

[Barbara Hughes]

Ok just in Prague at the moment with very little internet until a bit today , so been reading your posts hmmmm... Very interesting posts

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[Barbara Hughes]

We've looked at absolutely loads of vans euro vans and British vans too but can say that on a euro an we have never seen the layout we desire.. Esp in the lounge area.. We know exactly the layout we like ,and have found it with the 635 and I like the idea of a removable table rather than a fixed one Which is a minor point...
I'm sure swift must have done stringent tests run before they released the new models to ensure they don't run into the same problems I'm led to believe..and if swift are as good on warranty work well if we can get one I will let you know

 

[SandJ]

Barbara did you receive the Pm I sent on links?

Steve

 

[easygirl]

Just read a post on the swift forum regarding the 90 day ruling
The swift rep replied saying the wording is being changed and the 90 day limit is being dropped, and it will apply retrospectively.
So if this clause was putting anyone off, they can now rest assured

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[GWAYGWAY]

It seems, on the forums, all too often it goes back to manufacturer which is criminally stupid in cost terms. £2 of sealent missed at manufacture, £2000 to rectify 2 years down the road.

I watched the Youtube video of Baileys being mad with the new system and I watched to bloke putting a bead of adhesive along the frame to sick the side on and I was astonished to see what he used it was a thin bead of greenish stuff, I would want 4 times that little bead and have it spread out over the frame evenly, It looked totally inadequate, but no doubt it is a bit dear to buy and the men are on a time bonus to get them through. I would want better than they do but I suppose they are all like that,, Do the make vans in Poland as they seem a lot more thorough than our workers from what I have seen of them here in specialist trades.

 

[scotjimland]

Just been looking at another forum and found this thread about the quality of new hymers
I do hope this is not going to annoy those people for whome Hymer can do no wrong Broken Link Removed. It's a genuine personal take on the subject.

yes.. but it's not your take .. and from reading the rest of the thread it's just a Kontiki owner trying to justify their choice of van.. and knocking Hymers..

why anyone needs to is beyond me.. I buy what I like and don't need to justify .. why does this Swift owner ?

PS the thread is dated:

Posted: 2 March 2011 11:56 AM
Subject: Hymer Desirability?

 

[easygirl]

Scott jim
I may have confused people but the article was copied and pasted , and was not my personal take, just trying to demonstrate that there are problems with all makes
The point I am trying to make is.....
I have never criticised someone else's choice of motorhome, just because of hearsay.
Anyone can look on the Internet and come up with problems with ANY motorhome make.
I have owned a swift and a chausson, therefore I feel I am entitled to comment on the quality of both thise makes, because I've had experience of them.
As for the other models of motorhome, which I am sure are great quality in 95 % of cases, I don't make sweeping statements.
If I did comment on something I don't actually have experience of, I would feel foolish, so I keep my thoughts to myself.
If my kontiki had been poor quality, I would be the first to tell others of my experience, and warn them off.
I have found that my kontiki has been great quality, we've had very few problems, and when we have had problems swift dealers and customer service have been great.
I know sometimes it's a shame to let the truth get in the way of a good story!

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