Dusseldorf Motorhome Show

[seakay22]

Flights/entry tickets booked and I'm thinking of maybe buying a new van.

Looking for a bit of advice really from those that have been and maybe bought from Germany before, as this is all very new to me. Am I likely to get the best deal if I buy at the show or am I better off speaking to a German dealer? And how much assistance am I likely to receive regarding importing the vehicle into the UK - or is this all down to me to sort? I'm looking at a Malibu GT 600 LHD if anyone's had any experience of dealing with Carthago. And finally, any pointers towards guidance or other threads on importation would be much appreciated too.

Thanks!

 

[Lenny HB]

Often get the best deals at the show as manufacturers throw in extras that you would normally order anyway.
Importing is down to you but it's easy. You will have to drive it back from Germany on third party insurance, we buy in Belgium and our dealer drives the van van to the port.
Not a lot of discount to be had on Carthago/Malibu so may not save that much compared to other makes.
If you search importing it should throw up loads of threads.

We will be at the show on the Mon & Tues if you want a chat.

 

[TheAleMan]

Flights/entry tickets booked and I'm thinking of maybe buying a new van.

Looking for a bit of advice really from those that have been and maybe bought from Germany before, as this is all very new to me. Am I likely to get the best deal if I buy at the show or am I better off speaking to a German dealer? And how much assistance am I likely to receive regarding importing the vehicle into the UK - or is this all down to me to sort? I'm looking at a Malibu GT 600 LHD if anyone's had any experience of dealing with Carthago. And finally, any pointers towards guidance or other threads on importation would be much appreciated too.

Thanks!

We hope to be there too, if our passports turn up in time. We to will be looking for our next van, although no decision will be made at the show. I am all ears though as to what deals can be made, and whether to go through a dealer, or deal with the factory direct. Will keep an eye on this thread with interest.

 

[bellabee]

We ordered our van at Dusseldorf, but had visited the dealer beforehand in order to discuss the deal. By ordering at Dusseldorf, Hymer themselves (not the dealers) provided an additional 5000 Euro discount. I don't know whether Carthago do the same, but it would be worth your while speaking to some dealers before you go to the show.

 

[olley]

We're there from the Wednesday but no nothing as never been before.

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[seakay22]

Just a couple of more questions.. If I buy at the show am I buying from the manufacturer direct or are they represented by a dealer (or several)? And is there a rule of thumb for what deposit might be required?

Thanks again.

 

[Lenny HB]

You buy from a dealer be aware once you start talking to one dealer the others will leave you alone, so best to research dealers before you go.
A deposit should be an amount you are prepared to lose we normally give about a £1000, certainly not much more.

 

[seakay22]

Thanks Lenny, so that I understand.. Do you mean that once a dealer has my details they claim selling rights in the same way that an estate agent does once they've logged you as a potential purchaser?

I emailed 4 dealers this week saying I was interested in purchasing from them and if they could help and got no responses at all, sent another (polite) follow up email and one responded pointing me to the show, no other interest shown otherwise. I'm wondering with the impending B####t looming if they've washed their hands of us Brits.

 

[Rob Hammond]

Are they not in the business of selling,regardless of nationality?

 

[bellabee]

I emailed 4 dealers this week saying I was interested in purchasing from them and if they could help and got no responses at all, sent another (polite) follow up email and one responded pointing me to the show, no other interest shown otherwise. I'm wondering with the impending B####t looming if they've washed their hands of us Brits.

I don't think they'll have washed their hands of us - a sale is a sale. From the importing point of view, though, things might be more complex post-Brexit - and there may be extra duty to pay. Unfortunately, the exchange rate is very poor, too - so you will not be saving as much as you would have a few years ago. (We were lucky enough to buy a van in Germany in 2015 when the exchange rate was 1.42 Euros to the Pound ) Gone are the days, I'm afraid . Still, if I was buying now, I'd be trying to get everything done and dusted before the end of October - but that'll probably only work if you're happy to take a van from stock.
You may have a better response from dealers if you phone them. Some are very poor at replying to emails. You'll find that most of them have someone who speaks good English.
Good Luck.

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[sallylillian]

Are they not in the business of selling,regardless of nationality?

Probably a language issue. If you want a Carthago, go to the manufacturers web site. Review all their dealers, particularly those nearer to the UK. Then look at their stock holdings on maybe mobile.de to get a feel for a dealer whose stocks are substantial and likely have orders for stock vehicles in the pipeline that can be modified by your request rather than a new order being placed. You will then start to build a picture of a few dealers that are targets. Look for those promoting language skills. If you have a specific model and a list of options (does not have to be accurate) then send them an actual enquiry for a proposal sounding hot to trot. Target a base discount of 12% off list in your mind and work from there.