Buying my first MH - Please Help!! (2 Viewers)

Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
Hi all,

I am a newbie looking to buy a MH and travel through Eurooe for a year on a shoestring. I have about 5-6k budget to get me on the road.

I have found a vehicle I like the look of. I know nobody here can give me any reassurance as to the mechanical quality of the vehicle but I was hoping some 'old hands' might be able to give me some pointers when going to view it next weekend (i.e what to be wary of etc.)

I will post some pics below. The info I have been given on the MH is as follows:

- Talbot Express 2.5 litre J5
- 1991 (H Reg)
- Left hand drive. Imported to Uk in 2013
- MOT until July 2018. Passed without adviseries.
- Diesel
- Manual
- 115,000 miles
- Advertised at £6,500
- Vehicle based in Lancashire

I asked for the MAM but was simply told it can be driven on a normal driving licence. This hasn't clarified the situation much. Anyobe got any idea wgat the MAM fir this model will be. Being over 3.5t would be a dealbreaker for me.

What are your thoughts based on the above info and the pics that folliw?

Thanks,

Chugger
 
OP
OP
Chugger
Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
Pics
 

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Upvote 0

JockandRita

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Aug 2, 2007
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Since May 05 (Ex Tuggers).
Hi Chugger. :welcome3:

It certainly looks like it would be a 3.5t MH, however, if the owner cannot confirm that by way of documentation, and won't provide a weighbridge certificate for it, you might have to walk away. If a search using the make and model reveals that it was initially a 3.5t model, then it might be worth a visit..........................however, make sure that you take a damp meter with you, as although it is a quality German build, she's an old girl, and may be showing signs of neglect with regards to joints and seals, etc.

If it is plated at 3.5t, but shows very little payload at the weighbridge when empty, that may be a sign water ingress or damp. use your nose too, when you walk in. The join between the cab and the body is a common place for damp, as are the corners and edges around the walls and ceiling.

Good luck with the viewing, but don't go unarmed. ;)

Cheers,

Jock. :)

P.S. I see it has had a body repair plate fitted to the rear N/S, to accomodate the flue. Check that out from the inside, for signs of water ingress.

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injebreck99

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Also check out the base of the windscreen pillars, they were well known for corrosion in that area. And Welcome.
 
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Two on Tour

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Sep 16, 2016
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Looking at the photos it looks like it has been crunched on the top rear corner in the last photo.
If that is the case then take a very close look around that area both inside and out that it is not or has not let in water.
Have a good scout around in the high level lockers with a torch for any signs of damp and use your nose as the damp usually smells, plus if it smells nice and fragrant of air freshener then it's likely that they are trying to hide something.
 
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Cleve

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Aug 27, 2015
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I was impressed with Janines advert in the classified section. I have been able to buy a number of items from other funsters and never been disappointed.

Were I looking I would very definately consider Janine's (note I have no connection with this seller or personal interest).

I like to believe that there is a spirit of all for one and one for all on this forum.

Clive

@Janine @ianthebuilder
 
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OP
OP
Chugger
Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
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Riverbankannie

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Mar 11, 2016
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I nearly put you two together when I saw @Janine ’s first post yesterday but I thought @Chugger was after a PVC.
I had a VW T4 base on my Autosleeper and would choose that over any other base any day particularly if it has the turbo diesel.
Hope it works out for you both.
 
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OP
OP
Chugger
Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
I nearly put you two together when I saw @Janine ’s first post yesterday but I thought @Chugger was after a PVC.
I had a VW T4 base on my Autosleeper and would choose that over any other base any day particularly if it has the turbo diesel.
Hope it works out for you both.


I am simply after a sturdy reliable vehicle that can do the job. I am awaiting internal pictures of Shirley with excitement!
 
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OP
OP
Chugger
Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
Having looked at the pic if the one you posted I'd agree with the other comments regarding the body damage etc.

Personally I'd be all over that vw @Janine Is selling it looks a really sound van and a good buy at that price

Thank you for the advice. Those are pretty much my thoughts at present given the great feedback the forum has given me. :)

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Northernraider

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Jul 30, 2017
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Thank you for the advice. Those are pretty much my thoughts at present given the great feedback the forum has given me. :)
I've had loads of vw vans and can say without a doubt those engines if looked after are bombproof. At that miles it's barely run in and whilst @Janine is being very honest in her description I also agree the price is a steal.
I sold my p reg vw t4 trophy back in March for 12k to the first viewer

Had I not been heading off on travels I'd have snapped that up gave it a tidy and doubled my money come Easter time.

My advice get on the next bus and go see it lol


P.s I've never met @Janine or indeed even spoke with her much online so my comments are based solely on the vehicle and description provided
 
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Northernraider

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Thank you for the advice. Those are pretty much my thoughts at present given the great feedback the forum has given me. :)
Oh and if you do find yourself over in Spain and Portugal in the next year I'll be around there too:)

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funflair

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You can check the MOT history of the Talbot and it has stood a good few years without being used, at least Janines VW has been in regular use and has had proper servicing if Dave Newell has been doing it.

Just my two pence worth.

Martin
 
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OP
OP
Chugger
Jan 1, 2018
86
77
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Funster No
51,804
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Experienced Traveller
You can check the MOT history of the Talbot and it has stood a good few years without being used, at least Janines VW has been in regular use and has had proper servicing if Dave Newell has been doing it.

Just my two pence worth.

Martin


Much appreciated. I am heading over to see Janine during the coming week and hope to be driving Shirley back!:cycle:
 
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Two on Tour

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No, neither did I. :( Well spotted @CCC

Rita and I have met Janine (& Barry) many times. Salt of the earth they are, @Chugger. (y)

Cheers,

Jock. :)

I have recently been to Specsavers for an eye test and new reading glasses so maybe the adverts are right, .......... has done bugger all for my dyslexia and spelling though. (n)
 
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