Me again - opinions on Pilote Reference G630?

[Sibsbibs]

Hello all,

I've now sold the caravan so committed to this Motorhome venture - yikes... Having almost settled on an A class, I've seen a couple of Pilote Reference G630s for sale around the 30-35K mark for 2009 to 2012 models.

Any opinions on Pilote in general and this model in particular? Anything to watch out for or check?

Also, how do they compare to other models? Is it just me or are Hymers generally more expensive than other A classes and, if so, what extra are you paying for (in general, that is - there are no doubt a whole host of specifics, but going by general trends, they seem to be a bit more expensive)

Many thanks again.

 

[Busybeeyellam]

I used to have a Pilote Reference G730. I bought it 3 years old with 5000 miles on the clock. I liked the layout . The thing that surprised me was the excessive noise and 'squeaks' as I drove it, especially along roads that were a little worn. Much of this noise, but not all , came from the drop down bed. I don't know if this was normal for these vans or if I was unlucky. I now have a 22 year old Burstner A class which is far 'tighter' and quieter. I would certainly ask for an extended test drive over different road surfaces and speeds before parting with any money.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I used to have a Pilote Reference G730. I bought it 3 years old with 5000 miles on the clock. I liked the layout . The thing that surprised me was the excessive noise and 'squeaks' as I drove it, especially along roads that were a little worn. Much of this noise, but not all , came from the drop down bed. I don't know if this was normal for these vans or if I was unlucky. I now have a 22 year old Burstner A class which is far 'tighter' and quieter. I would certainly ask for an extended test drive over different road surfaces and speeds before parting with any money.

I had to put some lithium grease on the drop down bed hinges on my G690. When MMM road tested the same model they found the same. It fixed it - certainly on mine.

 

[Sibsbibs]

Well I had to look up what lithium grease is - thanks for the tip - will definitely listen out for the issue on a test drive

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Well I had to look up what lithium grease is - thanks for the tip - will definitely listen out for the issue on a test drive

Other products are available. I used that as I had some already

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[ABZSteve]

Is it just me or are Hymers generally more expensive than other A classes and, if so, what extra are you paying for (in general, that is - there are no doubt a whole host of specifics, but going by general trends, they seem to be a bit more expensive)
Many thanks again.

Hymers explained.
1. They never leak
2. New Hymers are so much better than your motorhome
3. They never leak
4. Old Hymers are so much better than you motorhome
5. They never leak
6. If you don't own a Hymer, you are a moron
7. Those that never leak that do actually leak will never be discussed.
8. They have so much more garage space than your motorhome
9. They never leak
10. Owners will never buy British again
11. They never leak
12. They never leak


Oh, almost forgot, THEY NEVER LEAK, THEY ARE BETTER THAN WHAT YOU HAVE AND IF YOU DON'T OWN ONE, YOU ARE A MORON.

Good luck

 

[Lenny HB]

it just me or are Hymers generally more expensive than other A classes

Hymer are only a mid range van not particularly expensive unless you pay silly UK prices.

Hymer's have been hyped up in the UK with importers and dealers trying to brain wash you into thinking they are an upmarket van so command upmarket prices.

On our 3rd Hymer they are OK for what they are but nothing special. If I'd paid UK prices I would be 50 grand poorer.

 

[Sibsbibs]

Thanks very much everyone - and there was me, thinking there was something special about Hymers...! Still torn between too many A class options, so do let me know if there are any particular brands you especially recommend or suggest are avoided. Or attributes that are particularly worth paying extra for (aside from it having been well looked-after, of course). Or even things that might not be ideal but which are surprisingly easy/difficult to remedy?

Now if only the ones I've got my eye on weren't littered all over the country, it mike make easy comparison a bit more do-able, so any thoughts you have that might help me knock some brands/issues off the list would be marvellous.

Thanks again for all your help

 

[Lenny HB]

Still torn between too many A class options, so do let me know if there are any particular brands you especially recommend or suggest are avoided. Or attributes that are particularly worth paying extra for

Avoid cheap Italian brands, Germans still lead the field with A Class's.
Hymer's always command good residential value and always easy to sell, so if you plan on changing your van regularly they are a good bet.
Carthago a bit dearer than Hymer but very well built. We would love a Carthago but can't get on with their cramped lounges & poor shower designs.

 

[Sibsbibs]

Thanks a lot Lenny - so which are the cheap Italian brands to avoid? There's a Laika Rexusline going, just around the M25 from us - now wondering if it's worth the trip? Laika is Italian isn't it? Pilote and Rapido seem to have a lot of layouts I like - how do they compare to the German makes?