a very green newbie !! (1 Viewer)

[lesley v]

we are now considering buying a motorhome, but being new at it what sort of things should we look out for and what questions should we be asking, we are going to a main dealer.:helpsos:i

 

[Jim]

Hi Lesley, welcome to the Fun :thumb:

What motorhome are you buying, before you go to a dealer you should really have a good idea of exactly what you want, otherwise they will tell you what they think you need and they can be very persuasive, they do it for a living

 

[lesley v]

Thanks Jim, we have seen a Eldis Auto Stratus which meets all our requirements, size etc, its on a W reg, its the technical questions which we should be asking that we're not too sure about.

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[dylan]

:welcome::welcome:

 

[Carol]

Hi and welcome to Motorhome Fun, when you find a van you think you like, get the salesman to leave you alone in it for half a hour, see if you are comfortable with the seating arrangement, if you feel happy working in the kitchen, does to toilet apartment meet what you want, if it feels right then chances are you will be happy with it but if it does not look for another model. It is no good doing this with a salesman chatting away all the time.

 

[Terry]

Hi Lesley v and welcome :thumb: Technical questions -You need to know everything works :thumb: No damp past or present and be happy that you are paying a fair price, so homework is required on this :thumb: After that ENJOY :thumb:God you do make yourself sound green
terry

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[Brisey]

Good advice from Carol, spend as much time in the van as possible. Remember that you both have to feel comfortable with it as you will be spending many days and nights in it.
Good luck and welcome to MotorhomeFun.
Brisey.

 

[hilldweller]

we are going to a main dealer.:helpsos:i

Buy many cloves of garlic, a silver crucifix and a wooden stake. Make sure your mobile phone has at least one number for a no win no fee exorcist.

Don't rely on one dealer, try as many as possible. Really it's all down to your needs. Get in a van, assume it's raining cat's and dogs, now can you be comfortable for the days it might last ? Is the bed comfy ? Can you sit on the toilet ? It's a HOME, take ages to make your mind up.

 

[lesley v]

Many thanks for the comments posted - they are really appreciated especially the point about testing the seat on the loo!!!!

Should be viewing one on Friday will post up our findings. Whilst writing has anyone had any dealings with Marquis Motorhomes???


Thanks,


Lesley.x

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[Hayleylulu]

HI and welcome:thumb::thumb:

 

[grumps147]

Welcome, - buy this guide, its recommended by others.
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Use the search feature on here (pay the £10 subs - its well worth it), there are bound to be hints and tips for the make of the MH if not the model, and probably some info on Marquis.
Look up the engine/chassis maker as well, for example Peugot, Fiat and the rest.
Go to the dealers when its lashing down for a feel of what Hilldweller said, especially if children/pets are involved.
Go through a journey, your packing up, what do you need and what is the storage like Does the fridge have a freezer bit, do they work - you can go on and on yourself before you turn a wheel and begin to think of mechanicals.
If in doubt, come here and ask again.

 

[Cumbrian_Georgie]

Which model of Autostratus? We have the 6 berth CK (I think) but under the guise of Windward Equipe. (exactly the same but different name!)

Katie

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[chrisgreen]

w reg autostratus,on a peugoet boxer base?
right first thing to do is look under the front, under the rad you will see a cross member these are known to rust and rot out.
then have a good look under the bonnet around the battery tray another place that goes rotten due to the scuttle panel and ask if the scuttle panel drain off pipe has been extented if not water can get into the gearbox.
have a look at the injectors for rust ,again scuttle panel problems.
on the test drive make sure you go into fifth gear as there is a known proplem with this model jumping out of fifth.
dont worry about it feeling low on power in fifth they all feel like that ,i dont use my fifth gear under 60 mph puts to much strain on it.
inside the motorhome first thing you should do is take a good sniff as if it smell's damp it is damp,dont be fobed off with the dealer telling you it needs airing.
open all the overhead locker's and get your self a little torch and look for sign's of damp if you spot any sign's off damp walk away.
do the same with the under seat lockers get on your hand's and knees and with your torch look right in the corners again if it show's sign's of damp walk away.
ask for an up to date habitation certificate.
the eldiss autostatos is a well built motorhome and if you get a good one you will not be disappointed.thats why i got one
and good luck:thumb:

chris

 

[carl65]

Hi :welcome: its good to look around maybe go to a show or even hire a couple see how you feel and look at the layout ?:thumb:

 

[sedge]

Hiya - Yes - Marquis at Northampton. We were actually very impressed for a number of reasons! Let's just say they didn't turn a drama into a crisis with our van, in fact quite the opposite. They are all over the country though, which partic one did you have in mind?

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[pappajohn]

following on from chrisgreens excellent advise.....ask the seller about the cambelt history

when was it last changed ?

is there writen proof ?

not a real major expense to have it changed (£300 ish) but a serious expense if its overdue and it snaps...possibly around £1300.

 

[Gran & Rog]

My advice is if you see a Motorhome that you like ask around and try to find people who have bought from that dealer.

Ask what their after sales is like and if they are realiable and honest, don't make the same mistake as us and buy cause the dealer seems a nice guy.

You will soon find out if they are ok as when we mention the folk we bought from we are told "Oh my god, you poor things we would not touch them with a barge pole" etc etc.:Sad:

Good luck and I hope you spend many happy times in the Motorhome once you make a decision.:thumb:

 

[Reallyretired]

I bought from Marquis Southampton some years ago and was very satisfied.

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[lesley v]

Dear All.

Again many thanks for your comments and helpful advice.

The MH we are looking at is an Elldis autostratus EB2000 (6 berth) and the Marquis dealer is based at Ipswich.


Best,


Lesley