Motorhome advice (1 Viewer)

[Geoffp03]

Hi, we have been going on about how we really really want a motorhome for about 4 yrs now, and whenever we start thinking about getting 1, some other costly thing rears its head and that's it the dream goes again, so finally we have a chance to buy a Motorhome but don't know what to look at, I know beggars can't be choosers, and our funds are limited, but I feel if we don't get a chance to buy one now, we never will, and our adventures will never start, could anyone give any advice on what to look for, and is the 19td engine better than the 2.5 etc, and the best place to look for one, we haven't got dealership funds, and are looking for something below £9500 if possible, and would prefer a rear lounge, I thank you in advance for any help with my dream and advice.

 

[Kingham]

I appreciate that you're not looking to pay dealership prices, but it wouldn't do any harm to use their forecourts and start getting inside as many vans as you can, to get a feel for what you want. Once you have a better idea of what suits you, rear lounge or otherwise, then the Internet is your friend.

Best of luck with your search

 

[Littlewheels]

Ken does give good advice, however, I doubt you have enough Dealers within reasonable driving distance plus cost and time so the Internet and EBay is the easy option.

Your Budget is £9500 don't look at anything priced above £15000!! At £15k you might buy it for £9k for any numbers of reasons for the Vendor to drop. If you start looking above your budget and in particular expensive MH's it could dismay you in that your mind will not see the true value of a lower value MH.

When looking at EBay Start low to high there are some great MH's in particular the German ones i.e.: Hymer plus they will probably sell for the price you gave when you sell and buy a Gin Palace

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[Geoffp03]

Thanks for the advice, I am trawling through ebay, seen a few for around 11k but wouldn't have ever thought they would drop that far, also going to have a quick look at 1 I saw in a dealer for 13k just to get an idea... thanks very much

 

[jockaneezer]

Just watch out for the scams on ebay, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, oh and welcome !

 

[tonyidle]

Consider an Autosleeper if the size & layout suit you - especially one based on a VW. When you come to sell it will have held its value better than almost any other make at your price point.

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[Riverbankannie]

Good luck with your search. I agree with @tonyidle , when we looked for our first MH the Autosleeper's on VW base seemed to be in the best condition for age and we lost just £4000 on a purchase price of £21,000 over 8 years. However the downside is that they are more expensive for you to buy. Try to factor in ongoing maintenance costs in your decision, paying a couple of thousand more can save you money in the long term if you get a well maintained and trustworthy base vehicle.

 

[buttons]

Hi and Welcome....

 

[The Dudess]

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[Allanm]

Lots of scam motorhomes keep coming up on eBay for around £4000, so avoid any that don't give a proper item description or offer a different email address in the item description to the details of the seller.
Lots of early 90's Hymer A class vans in your price bracket that look good value for money, some even have the rear lounge you are looking for and some available from dealers, though I doubt you would get any warranty with them.
Good luck with your hunt

 

[Mickey1]

Mickey.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Just remember you can't smell a photograph.
We had a budget of 12k for our first MH 9 years ago. We saw some really smelly old sheds, that looked ok online , and they were at the dealers!
Be aware of airfreshners stuck about! Take a damp meter.
After viewing several in our price range , we raided the savings and ended up spending more than double! Our problem was at the time we'd had good quality new touring caravans and we knew what layout we wanted. We also had 3 kids we needed to cater for.
Anyway we got what we wanted right, first time . Loved , it used it , Kept it till the kids no longer came with us . Sold it for , if I remember 5k less than we bought it for.
Good luck in your search and don't rush in.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Hi and with regard to engines my last van was a 1.9td on a 7 mtr Chausson Welcome,good engine but a little underpowered,I loved the van so decatted it fitted a better breathing air filter and it was much better.It will get you anywhere but hard work on long hills if fully loaded.
Just make sure you get a decent test and as said look out for damp ours was around the gas bottle and storage doors and dealer said it was quite common,it will feel soft to the touch,worth having a good feel around the door seals in these areas,good luck with your search and enjoy.

 

[WynandJean]

Hello and welcome from West Midlands.



Wyn

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[Geoffp03]

Thanks everyone for your replies, looks like we have found a mh, had a good look around and a good test drive, seems ok, pick it up on Friday, now are there specialist insurers, or will anyone insure them... thanks for your help in advance

 

[Kingham]

I'm happy with Comfort, there are worse companies you could start getting quotes from.

 

[Spriddler]

Can anyone advise me if it is really really illegal to drive on the central European roads without a headlight beam deflectors and has anyone been fined before for doing so without one?

Why on earth would anyone do that? They cost peanuts and take 4 mins to apply.

Or have you just been caught and looking for an excuse?

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[Spriddler]

I'm happy with Comfort, there are worse companies you could start getting quotes from.

I renewed yesterday with Comfort for only £324 (£6 more than with them last year).
Good cover and knowledgeable staff. Mind you I haven't had to make a claim.

 

[two]

One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Everyone will have different values and opinions and none may match yours. I suggest you see what there is available to you and then ask about the specific vehicle you have in mind. If you want to enjoy it, make sure you live within your budget. Keep it simple and there’s less to go wrong.

There are pro’s and con’s for every engine. Accept whatever engine is available (unless it sounds like a bag of nails) as I wouldn’t expect there to be much choice. Look for something that you’ll feel comfortable in and could sell on without much loss. Your first camper is unlikely to be perfect for you but will be the one you learn most lessons from and may retain the fondest memories of.

 

[two]

Oops, I was a bit slow and hadn’t seen your last post, @Geoffp03.

Congrats on your purchse! I’d start new questions with a new thread. You may have many and their subjects could be varied…

But don’t be afraid to ask.

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