Buying advice

[B4ssy]

Hi

We are looking to buy our first MH and are looking at the A class carthagos in particular. I have earmarked a couple of used models (chic e- line ). One is a 2015 model through a private seller ( I believe ) and the other a 2016 model (broker sale ). There is not much difference in the prices ( around 5k ) . They both appear to be in VGC. The former, which is cheaper, has higher mileage ( 18000 v 4000 ) but more upgrades and added extras.

Just looking for a bit of advice and thoughts from people with experience. I can attach the links to the adverts if it helps.

Thanks

 

[The Dudess]

What are the 'upgrades/added extras'. Some items can cost >£5K.

 

[B4ssy]

What are the 'upgrades/added extras'. Some items can cost >£5K.

Hi

Autowatch alarm system with Cat 1 tracker
Removable tow bar with electrics
Blaupunkt media centre
Satellite system with fitted sky box
Huawei MiFi system for 10 device WiFi zone
Thule-omnister 5m awning
3 new 80ah leisure batteries ( June 2019 )
SOG toilet roof ventilation system
Truma habitation air-con
Roof mounted 120w solar panel
Thule G2 elite cycle rack

There may be others as I'm not quite sure what came as standard.

 

[Lenny HB]

18000 miles on a 2015A Class is very low, A Class vans tend to do more miles 8000 to 1000 miles a year is more the norm. 4000 on a 3 year old van means it's been sitting around a lot far more harmful to the engine & running gear.

The E line on the 4500kg chassis can be tight on payload as the rear axle loading can be a problem. To upgrade the Fiat chassis to 4800kg you need to fit rear air suspension, new wheels & tyres.
If they are on the Iveco chassis they should be fine.

You need to check the chassis they are on, a towbar on a 4500 kg chassis could easily put it over on the rear axle by the time you have put essentials in the garage.

 

[AXO66]

Don’t think the milage is an issue at all.they are commercial engines , expected to do high milage . We’re 3 years old , now 17k.

Look at service records etc.

Check everything works.

Make a check list that you can tick off as you go through it.

Check mattress for lumps and cleanliness

And finally when was the last habitation and damp check carried out?.

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[Lenny HB]

And finally when was the last habitation and damp check carried out?.

Although a damp check is a requirement for the water ingress warranty it's almost impossible to do on a van with an interior alloy wall. ?
Hab checks aren't worth the paper they are written on I never have them done I can do a better job myself.

 

[AXO66]

Although a damp check is a requirement for the water ingress warranty it's almost impossible to do on a van with an interior alloy wall. ?
Hab checks aren't worth the paper they are written on I never have them done I can do a better job myself.

Ah, you learn somthing every day.
So window seals all water proof ?
Roof light seals etc.
Agree hab checks are questionable, but useful if, fridge, boiler pump etc.still under warrantry

 

[B4ssy]

18000 miles on a 2015A Class is very low, A Class vans tend to do more miles 8000 to 1000 miles a year is more the norm. 4000 on a 3 year old van means it's been sitting around a lot far more harmful to the engine & running gear.

The E line on the 4500kg chassis can be tight on payload as the rear axle loading can be a problem. To upgrade the Fiat chassis to 4800kg you need to fit rear air suspension, new wheels & tyres.
If they are on the Iveco chassis they should be fine.

You need to check the chassis they are on, a towbar on a 4500 kg chassis could easily put it over on the rear axle by the time you have put essentials in the garage.

Thanks for your reply.

This is the description of the chassis

• AL-KO Low Frame 40 Heavy Chassis plated at 4500KG GVW
• AL-KO high performance front axle spring strut

 

[B4ssy]

Don’t think the milage is an issue at all.they are commercial engines , expected to do high milage . We’re 3 years old , now 17k.

Look at service records etc.

Check everything works.

Make a check list that you can tick off as you go through it.

Check mattress for lumps and cleanliness

And finally when was the last habitation and damp check carried out?.

Thank you

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks for your reply.

This is the description of the chassis

• AL-KO Low Frame 40 Heavy Chassis plated at 4500KG GVW
• AL-KO high performance front axle spring strut

That will be on the Fiat then, depending on model at 4500 kg they can be very tight on rear axle loading. Will cost £3-4k to upgrade.

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[The Dudess]

Hi

Autowatch alarm system with Cat 1 tracker
Removable tow bar with electrics
Blaupunkt media centre
Satellite system with fitted sky box
Huawei MiFi system for 10 device WiFi zone
Thule-omnister 5m awning
3 new 80ah leisure batteries ( June 2019 )
SOG toilet roof ventilation system
Truma habitation air-con
Roof mounted 120w solar panel
Thule G2 elite cycle rack

There may be others as I'm not quite sure what came as standard.

This list works out well in excess of £5K of extras.

 

[Lenny HB]

This list works out well in excess of £5K of extras.

No one ever buys a Carthago without putting at least 15 -20k of extras on it.

 

[Lanerboy]

I looked at the E line but was concerned with the payload so I purchased a C line superior with most the extras you list plus some more on top plus I had cupboards around the cab instead of the fold down bed. Can't remember exactly but I think I have about 300kg extra payload than an E line as mine is plated at 4500kg too but is lighter to start with than the E line