"A" Class vans - specific issues to be aware of? (1 Viewer)

Candapack

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Thinking about changing to an A class. Apart from hugely expensive windscreens, are there any issues which make them any more expensive to run than a coach built?
I'm thinking about servicing, repairs, insurance, and anything else you know about. Eg, I seem to remember seeing that servicing can be an issue as it can be more difficult to get at parts of the growly bits (engine).
Apoogies if I don't respond for a bit, WiFi a bit intermittent at the mo.
 

DuxDeluxe

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Thinking about changing to an A class. Apart from hugely expensive windscreens, are there any issues which make them any more expensive to run than a coach built?
I'm thinking about servicing, repairs, insurance, and anything else you know about. Eg, I seem to remember seeing that servicing can be an issue as it can be more difficult to get at parts of the growly bits (engine).
Apoogies if I don't respond for a bit, WiFi a bit intermittent at the mo.
Yes, the engine can be difficult to access for major jobs but routine services should be OK. One thing I had to do was to use a funnel and a bit of hose to refill the screen washer bottle (......and some water as well). No problems really with our Piote.

Insurance was the same price as our Autosleeper despite the higher value
 

Mel

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Oct 6, 2012
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Yes fiat chasiss Rapido A class.
The heater controle fresh air/recerculating air
Simple job on a fiat
Extra 6 hours labour on Rapido A class.
Mine was warenty so not my problem.
Rapido paid the Fiat Garage the extra.

But the plus points outway the rest IMO

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scotjimland

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I have an A class Hymer..

Windscreen is covered by insurance.. ensure you have up to £3k cover

Body panels may/will be expensive to replace / repair .. but again, covered by insurance

Routine Servicing is no more expensive than a C class,

Insurance about the same
 

funflair

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I have an A class Hymer..

Windscreen is covered by insurance.. ensure you have up to £3k cover

Body panels may/will be expensive to replace / repair .. but again, covered by insurance

Routine Servicing is no more expensive than a C class,

Insurance about the same

Sorry Jim, but £3k would not cover our A class screen, you would need to double that.

A class for us, can't imagine going Coachbuilt, some A class have double glazed cab side windows so when the front screen is down or silver screens on it is lovely and warm.

Martin
 

DuxDeluxe

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Sorry Jim, but £3k would not cover our A class screen, you would need to double that.

A class for us, can't imagine going Coachbuilt, some A class have double glazed cab side windows so when the front screen is down or silver screens on it is lovely and warm.

Martin
Ah yes.... But you have a really posh van ;)

You are right, though. It is a risk that we are happy to take for all the internal space advantages that an A Class offers. We would never go back to a coach built.

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Candapack

Candapack

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OK, thanks for that. Apart from the cost of a windscreen, how quickly can one be replaced, and how dependent are you on where you are at the tome
 

Judge Mental

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windscreen and headlights can be a real expense so get quote from insurance....

have heard of people being stuck for weeks waiting for a screen...not to bad if at home but when travelling? I'm prepared to risk it for a biscuit as fancy a lightweight A class :)
 

TheWM

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Side mirrors too can be expensive.

Only had mine for a while, but it's been a dream of mine to own an A Class, which I didn't think would be a possibility. If you get the chance, do it - you won't regret it. And get a European one,

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funflair

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When we needed a windscreen it was in stock and all covered by the insurance at about £6.5k, sure they don't cost that when they come out of Turkey, somebody said only £4k if you go to the factory in Germany. Windscreens only crack rather than shatter these days as they are laminated not toughened so a little damage is not usually the end of the world.

Martin
 

DuxDeluxe

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OK, thanks for that. Apart from the cost of a windscreen, how quickly can one be replaced, and how dependent are you on where you are at the tome
To be honest, I wouldn't worry about it. Same as the mirrors - yes, expensive but life is too short to spend the whole trip fretting about it all
 
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We wouldn't having anything other than an 'A class' now, easy to use bed ready made above driving seats, just pull down and climb in.
I've found servicing is easy enough, had a cam belt kit fitted a couple of weeks ago and only cost around an extra 1 hour to do (4 hours) at a local garage-that on a fiat based Hymer, others may differ.

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Lenny HB

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On our first A Class now wouldn't consider any other type of van. Hymer headlamps a bit expensive at a €1000, risk you take.
Insurance was cheaper than our last Low profile Hymer, but my mates Carthago was double, depends on how popular the van is.
 

Mr Mousy

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We have had a British Coachbuilt (Autosleeper) for 13 months which we enjoyed as our first van, we now have a A class Hymer which we love. In the scheme of the world any cost differences are irrevalant for the benefits gained (in my opinion).
 

Mikey RV

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Don't worry about the windscreen cost. Ours got a crack last year in the MOT zone, they crack now not shatter so not a problem still usable. Got the screen done on the insurance £70 the fitter said the screen would have cost £2000 that's why you have windscreen cover. Servicing the same really as it's only a engine like the others, mirrors and lights a bit more expensive but the good outweigh the bad every time. Enjoy.
 

bubble

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just got an A class, oh my god its lovely, it feels so much better, we have not been far in it but it was worth the wait to find the right one. Good luck with your search you will know when you find the right layout. For us A class is perfect.
 
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Robert Clark

Deleted User
Our first van was a coachbuilt Bessecarr - the view from the front of the van was restricted by the height of the windscreen. At times it was like viewing the passing scenery through a letterbox
Our new A class has a much bigger windscreen, which was improved the view beyond compare.
It has improved our touing enjoyment enormously
 
Jun 22, 2012
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Our Rapido is an A class, before that we have had 6 Coachbuilt Mh's now we will never consider having a Coachbuilt, but it's up to you it's your money and you'll need to buy what suites you and you're pocket.
Regards
Ray

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Judge Mental

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Glad I tried driving one when at Carthago city this summer. as I had a hang up re the large ledge instead of dash and driving position, but it was a joy to drive and manoevre to be honest:)
 

Tootles

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Problems to be aware of are jealousy from coach built owners of the space you have
Not sure if that is correct. Amazing how much travelling kit, (plus washing awaiting recycling) you can get into an unused for sleeping Luton.
My main thing with most 'A' class vehicles is the amount of wasted space between the dash and the screen. Some of the ones I have seen have huge amounts.
On saying that, it wouldn't put us off having one, if the right one came along. :)
 
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Candapack

Candapack

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Thanks all, just what I was looking for. Wife is on board with this, so might be in with a chance. Touring in Germany and France just now, eyes peeled for dealers.
Cheers,

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Judge Mental

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Thanks all, just what I was looking for. Wife is on board with this, so might be in with a chance. Touring in Germany and France just now, eyes peeled for dealers.
Cheers,

let the fingers do the walking and look online to ID dealers and stock....
 
R

Robert Clark

Deleted User
As luck would have it, we got s chip in the widescreen of our A class today
Phoned our insurers NFU mutual who confirmed that there is NO limit on the value of a windscreen on a MH insured with them
They may not be the cheapest cover, but their cover could save you thousands £££ compared with others
Luckily ours can probably be repaired, when we get back to UK

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