Buying a hymer b634

[kurvengeisst]

Hello all, Im thinking of buying one of these hymers. We think the layout will be great
for just the two of us. But I'm worried about how well these older Vehicles do with some heavy miles around Europe. I see a few folks on this forum have one, if you do, could you drop me a note on what it's like? Any thoughts on this MH or Alternatives before I dive in greatly appreciated.

 

[Figaro]

No problem, is it a 2.8 jtd ?
I have a 2003 B544, just come back from 4k miles around France, Spain and Portugal and never missed a beat.
Only problem I had was the air con system had an un-scheduled dis-assembly moment coming out of Porto and dumped all the freon gas.
Had an advisory for replacement lower ball joint on MOT, got that done so all good for another year.
Looked after they are very reliable and easy to do diy oil and filter changes.
Plus no sensors to put you in limp home mode



Edit : if it's for sale with an advert, put a link up here and you'll get some useful input

 

[kurvengeisst]

Ah cheers my friend I’ll do that in the am x

 

[kurvengeisst]

B634 Here's a link to the van we're looking at, I believe it is the 2.8 JTD. I'm not adverse to doing a bit of work on it, it needs a new fridge and a good scrub, the white plastic is yellowy, some Plasticy paint is peeling off the bumper. The man said it will get a service and MOT.....

 

[EuroTrotters]

3 mercedes sprinter based motorhome. 2 nearly new and one brand new. No end of trouble.

Our 4th and current motorhome is a 2000 Fiat Ducato Hymer B654.

It’s the older 2.8 TDI Iveco turbo diesel.

It’s just clocked 150,000 Km after covering 5,000km on a euro trip this year.

We rescued it in 2016.

Apart from it suffering from a covid layup , 2020 for 18 months off little use , no issues. It’s been brilliant.

Fitted underbench A/C
Solar
New batteries
New Oven
Added a Freezer
New roof vents
Made some new windows
New winter tyres
Victron inverter with auto switching

Averages 28mpg

They suffer from damp around the rear high up brake lamp, which leaks down into the rear furniture and around the floor of the habitation door.

If you have any questions or need help, please ask.

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[Figaro]

The yellow plastic is a common feature on hymers, I've got rid of it by careful prep and spray painting with off white plasticoat paint.
Have a look underneath behind the rear wheels, some models have chipboard panels that get soggy and rot. Quite an easy repair if your handy and may give you some negotiation ammo.
The grey lacquer peeling off the bumper is also common, respray only option there.
Other than that it looks ok, top price I'd say so try a haggle

 

[scotjimland]

Also have a 2003 2.8 JTD panel van conversion.. .. agree with the previous comments.. serviced and maintained they go on for ever .. and also economical, I use mine as a daily driver and get 30MPG ..see signature. done just over 10k miles this past year .

This year it required brake discs and pads all round,
new sump pan ( they are prone to rusting and leaking oil) and new radiator .. both replaced by dealer.
Rear wheel bearing replaced
Cam-belt replaced
Aux, belts replaced

Front chassis cross member prone to rusting.. again a relatively cheap repair .. check using a torch ..

Take it for a drive, check gears are easily selected.. 5th gear is prone to whining, if so it needs replaced..

Take it up to 70 and try the brakes.. no shuddering on steering wheel.. and should pull up squarely

From service handbook "Replace timing belt and various control belts (or every 48 months)"

so check service history and when cam-belt was replaced.. replacing costs about £700

 

[kurvengeisst]

Wow that’s Awesome, some great insight and advice thank you all very much. It’s a two and a half hour drive up to Liverpool from here, but I think I’ll have another look and take it for a spin/ check out all these points, thank you. Last weekend we made a day of it in Liverpool, - nice town, currywurst and a stein in Albert schenken helped make it all with while…

 

[scotjimland]

Last weekend we made a day of it in Liverpool, - nice town,

good luck.. we also love Liverpool.. lovely city and warm friendly people ..

 

[kurvengeisst]

3 mercedes sprinter based motorhome. 2 nearly new and one brand new. No end of trouble.

Our 4th and current motorhome is a 2000 Fiat Ducato Hymer B654.

It’s the older 2.8 TDI Iveco turbo diesel.

It’s just clocked 150,000 Km after covering 5,000km on a euro trip this year.

We rescued it in 2016.

Apart from it suffering from a covid layup , 2020 for 18 months off little use , no issues. It’s been brilliant.

Fitted underbench A/C
Solar
New batteries
New Oven
Added a Freezer
New roof vents
Made some new windows
New winter tyres
Victron inverter with auto switching

Averages 28mpg

They suffer from damp around the rear high up brake lamp, which leaks down into the rear furniture and around the floor of the habitation door.

If you have any questions or need help, please ask.

3 mercedes sprinter based motorhome. 2 nearly new and one brand new. No end of trouble.

Our 4th and current motorhome is a 2000 Fiat Ducato Hymer B654.

It’s the older 2.8 TDI Iveco turbo diesel.

It’s just clocked 150,000 Km after covering 5,000km on a euro trip this year.

We rescued it in 2016.

Apart from it suffering from a covid layup , 2020 for 18 months off little use , no issues. It’s been brilliant.

Fitted underbench A/C
Solar
New batteries
New Oven
Added a Freezer
New roof vents
Made some new windows
New winter tyres
Victron inverter with auto switching

Averages 28mpg

They suffer from damp around the rear high up brake lamp, which leaks down into the rear furniture and around the floor of the habitation door.

If you have any questions or need help, please ask.

I’m Sure I’ll be in touch, thanks very much for the advice

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[namwaldog]

Just noticed in the description it is 3900kg so PHGV Classisification so cheaper road tax (£165 pa) BUT you'll need a C1 on your drivers licence.

As you're retiring next year that shouldn't be a problem...( if you passed your driving test before 1.1.1997 then you will have classification C1 which allows you to drive vehicles up to 7.5tons known as 'Grandfather rights')

Good Luck

 

[kurvengeisst]

Cheers Barry, yes I spotted that and I’ve got granddad rights.I did not know the tax was cheaper, - more dohrayme to spend on accessories!