Is this a good buy? (1 Viewer)

[Bepto]

Looking for an A Class and saw this
http://www.westmidlandcaravans.co.uk/motorhomes/used-hymer-b524-sl-motorhome-coventry-mk00612ea

Any thoughts good or bad appreciated. Its about 1 1/2 hours away so would it be worthwhile a trip to view?

 

[Carol]

Just wondering if you have already seen the lay out in person, have you noticed that the lounge area is right opposite the sink and cooking area, depending how you want to use it, but I would look at how that works for you.

 

[Figaro]

Handy for getting beer from the fridge
Looks good to me

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bepto]

Not seen the layout in person, looks to me like the kitchen area starts just before the end of the seating area. Was hoping someone in here may have one and give their opinion on the model. Also need to know if the rear single bed is difficult to get into (how high)

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Single bed will be high over the garage but usual they have designed steps into it.

Looks nice with what should be a halfway acceptable payload and has the desirable 3 litre engine (chain cam, not belt) well worth a look IMO.

Usual caveats apply. Damp, hab check, weighbridge check, decent guarantee........

 

[Sundowners]

If we remember rightly from your previous posts, you mentioned you were a portly fella. The shower might be a bit of a squeeze, unless someone can confirm otherwise. Good luck in whatever you buy.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bepto]

Not too bothered about the shower, I can always have a good old flannel down lol & use facilities on sites. I'm more concerned about the loo, does the sink move out of the way on these?

Also what is the cage like contraption in the garage? & why would there be 2x sockets in there?

 

[Mousy]

We've got a very similar van but ours is a king bed over the garage.

No problem with using the bathroom. The toilet swivels around. The shower tray is all in one and they are prone to cracking. They can be repaired by a coating company but to do the job properly it will cost you 1k (I know because we've done it). Check the plug hole in the sink for cracks too as that's about £200.

Sockets in the garage...we have these and use them for charging our electric bikes.

That cage thing? Looks like dog door into the van..ask them does the van stink of dog or smoke before you go over there. Either smell is extremely difficult to get rid off.

Most other things can be sorted and replaced. We love our hymer.

Oh and there was a problem with headlights exploding and costing over 1k each to replace. It was very specific to years and Base vehicle though..Can't remember the details but try Google.

 

[Mousy]

Yeah it's got a door into the garage so it's definitely had pets of some sort..or an unruly child?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Mousy]

Also the yellow discolouration on the bathroom floor is uv damage, nothing you can do about that except spray coat or replace

 

[Bepto]

Hmm the bad points are starting to outweigh the good what with smelly creatures, exploding headlights, Bathroom/shower floor problems. Also need to consider the fact that I would need to add at least 1x leisure battery + Solar Panel + Inverter etc I just may hold off a while - its been reduced by the dealer in the last week or so by 2K which also makes me wary - is he desperate to get rid?

 

[Mousy]

Hmm the bad points are starting to outweigh the good what with smelly creatures, exploding headlights, Bathroom/shower floor problems. Also need to consider the fact that I would need to add at least 1x leisure battery + Solar Panel + Inverter etc I just may hold off a while - its been reduced by the dealer in the last week or so by 2K which also makes me wary - is he desperate to get rid?

Hymer normally hold their value and sell well when priced right. I've no idea of the value of this one though. Ask about the smell. (If any)

Didn't want to be negative and put you off but we saw some right lemons. So at least you know what to look out for.

Have you looked at bundesvan? They sell hymers and good quality German vans.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[deleted-member02]

We have a B524 but a bunk model, as opposed to single at the rear.
It's a vehicle with many compromises but will suit some people (such as ourselves) very well.

The aperture to climb into the rear bed is reasonably narrow, as such you'd need a degree of dexterity for getting in and out, although the bed is of a generous size.
We have no problems with the bathroom, actually think it's one of the vans best features.
The kitchen is modest, like many other vans, so wouldn't say it's a compromise just not as generous as some.
L-shape lounge works for us (much prefer to dinette for example) but lounging space is limited and we heavily use the captains seats.
Biggest downside I can think of is no ideal position for a TV, which might be important for some.

The overriding benefits for us are sub 7m (to fit on driveway), two separate sleeping areas with permanent beds, a living area that doesn't need to be turned into a bed, a reasonable garage and four seat belts.
Having said that, if we could accommodate a longer van (say 7.5 - 8m) we'd almost certainly swap...

 

[mikebeaches]

Kitchen location looks fine to me. And the van generally appears OK, but you really can't tell without making your own inspection.

But some good points from Mousy to check. And definitely worth asking the dealer some pertinent questions on the phone before making the journey.

Hymer vans do generally hold their price well and the 3-litre engine is pretty desirable and sought after.

 

[Lenny HB]

Seems too cheap for a UK dealer they go for more than that in Germany. So I would tread carefully.
Looks like the door through to the garage is a DIY bodge, ignoring the grill the door doesn't look like the Hymer option and the sheet of ply in the garage the dealer hasn't bothered to remove it I would wonder why not.
The UV discolouration looks a bit exssive it's all round the bottom of the loo as well, wonder if it's spent a lot of time in spain without the rooflight blind drawn.

Exploding nearside headlamps 2007 - 2010/2011.

I think it might be worth a look especially if you could knok a few more grand of the price.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

That cage thing? Looks like dog door into the van..ask them does the van stink of dog or smoke before you go over there. Either smell is extremely difficult to get rid off.

I wouldn't mention it as they will put air freshens in before you arrive, best to turn up unannounced.

 

[Bepto]

Thrown a spanner in the works now because I have just found this..


Ticks a lot of boxes for us, rear bed much easier to get into for Mrs, Efoy Charging (was looking into this as we will need power at all times for Mrs oxygen concentrator). It pretty much has all the extra's we would have needed to buy Gaslow etc. It might be the one - thoughts? Only downside is Garage space, need room somewhere for Mobility Scooter & possibly e-bike/Scooter.

Plus side is they are both relatively near to each other (Coventry/Warwick) so could view both in a day.

 

[Lenny HB]

Just noticed it has a towbar that will eat into the payload as it's only on the 3850kg chassis.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

The Rapido looks a much better buy.

 

[tofo]

Looking for an A Class and saw this
http://www.westmidlandcaravans.co.uk/motorhomes/used-hymer-b524-sl-motorhome-coventry-mk00612ea

Any thoughts good or bad appreciated. Its about 1 1/2 hours away so would it be worthwhile a trip to view?

Is this it K99cnh sorry couldn’t bring across pass or fail

MOT history
Date tested11 July 2017
PASS
Mileage34,059 miles
MOT test number7294 9408 5093
Test locationELM TREE MOTOR CO
PELHAM COURT/COPES YARD
LONDON ROAD
MARLBOROUGH
SN8 2AG
Expiry date7 August 2018
Advisory notice item(s)

• Nearside Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load plastic casing (5.2.4a)

What are advisories?
Date tested11 July 2017
FAIL
Mileage34,059 miles
MOT test number8571 3384 5936
Test locationELM TREE MOTOR CO
PELHAM COURT/COPES YARD
LONDON ROAD
MARLBOROUGH
SN8 2AG
Reason(s) for failure

• Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Advisory notice item(s)

• Nearside Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load plastic casing (5.2.4a)

What are failures and advisories?
Date tested14 July 2016
PASS
Mileage30,949 miles
MOT test number8501 7387 0867
Test locationELM TREE MOTOR CO
PELHAM COURT/COPES YARD
LONDON ROAD
MARLBOROUGH
SN8 2AG
Expiry date7 August 2017
Advisory notice item(s)

• Nearside Front Seat belt flexible stalk deteriorated but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)
• Nearside Front Upper marker light not working

What are advisories?
Date tested14 July 2016
FAIL
Mileage30,949 miles
MOT test number8117 7293 0406
Test locationELM TREE MOTOR CO
PELHAM COURT/COPES YARD
LONDON ROAD
MARLBOROUGH
SN8 2AG
Reason(s) for failure

• Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
• Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
• Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
• Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Advisory notice item(s)

• Nearside Front Seat belt flexible stalk deteriorated but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)
• Nearside Front Upper marker light not working

What are failures and advisories?
Date tested29 July 2015
PASS
Mileage27,833 miles
MOT test number8366 1071 5281
Test locationREDVERS AUTOMOTIVE
UNIT 5
ISIS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
SWINDON
SN1 2PG
Expiry date7 August 2016
Advisory notice item(s)

• coolant level below minimum
• Oil leak from sump plug contaminating other componants
• 2 x exhaust rubber severly perrished
• 1 x exhaust rubber broken but supported by others
• exhaust tail pipe squashed by damage causing restricted flow

What are advisories?
Date tested16 July 2014
PASS
Mileage23,040 miles
MOT test number6883 9759 4102
Test locationMERCURY GARAGE/WARSOP VALE TYRE SERVICE LIMITED
CARTER LANE
WARSOP VALE
MANSFIELD
NG20 8XB
Expiry date7 August 2015
Date tested8 August 2013
PASS
Mileage21,075 miles
MOT test number2668 5052 3223
Test locationGEORGE WILLIAMSON (GARAGES) LTD
UNIT 84
PEXTON ROAD
DRIFFIELD
YO25 9DJ
Expiry date7 August 2014
Date tested18 June 2012
PASS
Mileage18,357 miles
MOT test number5687 4007 2131
Test locationGEORGE WILLIAMSON (GARAGES) LTD
UNIT 84
PEXTON ROAD
DRIFFIELD
YO25 9DJ
Expiry date20 June 2013
Date tested21 June 2011
PASS
Mileage17,387 miles
MOT test number2488 5217 1488
Test locationGEORGE WILLIAMSON (GARAGES) LTD
UNIT 84
PEXTON ROAD
DRIFFIELD
YO25 9DJ
Expiry date20 June 2012
Date tested20 June 2011
FAIL
Mileage17,387 miles
MOT test number7299 4107 1125
Test locationGEORGE WILLIAMSON (GARAGES) LTD
UNIT 84
PEXTON ROAD
DRIFFIELD
YO25 9DJ
Reason(s) for failure

• Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

What are failures?

 

[two]

Towbar could be useful for a trailer to take the scooter. No obvious garage.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bepto]

Don't have a scooter yet so not a deal breaker, looking on youtube seems the Rapido does have a small garage to the rear but looks very limited for space.

Also noticed the Length is around 8M so might have to measure the drive again.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Towbar could be useful for a trailer to take the scooter. No obvious garage.

Agreed with the towbar but there is a garage. Not good for scooter though.....

 

[gus-lopez]

+The Rapido states that it has had 4 previous owners not including the current one. So you'd be owner no; 6 ?
in 8 years ,seems a bit odd

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Armytwowheels]

The Rapid has a Funster sticker on the drop down bed.

 

[johnandi]

Hymer normally hold their value and sell well when priced right. I've no idea of the value of this one though. Ask about the smell. (If any)

Didn't want to be negative and put you off but we saw some right lemons. So at least you know what to look out for.

Have you looked at bundesvan? They sell hymers and good quality German vans.

We bought our Hymer from Bundersvan about 3 years ago. Been very happy with it after some initial teething problems which I sorted myself. Nick (Legg?) I think has since sold out, not sure who owns the company now?

 

[Allan & Loren]

The Rapid has a Funster sticker on the drop down bed.
View attachment 190101

Well spotted. I'd post the registration on the forum and see if you can find any info on it.

Going back to the hymer the gate thing over the door in the garage doesn't necessarily mean they had a dog. Our friends motorhome had something similar and it was all to do with security along with locks and extra bolts fitted on every locker. Previous owners were paranoid about break ins and theft.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}