NEC This month. Worth a visit? (1 Viewer)

[TerriSpirit]

Hi everyone,
We are still in pursuit of the perfect motorhome and getting a bit frustrated with the disappointment in the ones we have seen so far.
We are wondering if we should go along to the show in a couple of weeks at the NEC.
What do you think? Is it worth the time and effort to say nothing of hotel costs etc?
What will we be able to see?
Are we likely to get any deals on new motorhomes or see some good used ones?
Your answers are always very much appreciated!
Thank you lovely Motorhomers!

 

[injebreck99]

Yes, worth a visit to see different layouts etc, but don’t make the mistake of ordering a van from a dealer miles from home, subsequent warranty issues could result in many miles being clocked up.
If you see a van you like, see if your nearest dealer will price match.

 

[funflair]

Good advice above, will add though that you won't see any used vans.

I suppose wether it is worth going or not partly depends on what vans are on your shortlist, or have you not got that far yet, either way you have the chance to see a good range of vans all under the one roof.

Martin

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[Wombles]

Definitely worth a visit if only to check all the layouts & build quality of different makes & models - have a look at this thread to get an idea of what it was like last year https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/nec-show-october-2016-new-interesting.139219/ including useful hints & tips on page 2.
The February show isn't as good for the range of motorhomes but a bit better for accessories & gadgets https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...rmingham-february-21-26-february-2017.147372/ . If you aren't in a rush to go or can't make the October one then booking a hotel far ahead for this one can be very cheap.

 

[John&Kate]

Defiantly worth a visit.

There is so much to see and with all being under one roof you will be spoilt for choice.

We're into our 3rd year of motorhoming, never bought a new one, probably never will, but we love going for the sheer fun of looking and "what if". We enjoy the day out and there is always something of interest, even if you pick up a sample bottle of Thetford chemicals

Because we have kids we only go on the Sunday, which is very busy, Im sure there will be a "budget" hotel in the area that could accomodate you.

 

[Shiny Paul.]

If you are looking for a cheap place to stay I would highly recommend Days Inn at Corley services, we stay there in January for Autosport International and far nicer than a Travelodge and much cheaper than hotels nearer the NEC, and only a 10 minute drive away.
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-...erview?CID=PS:DI:GGL:Exact:25113&iata00093096

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[jongood]

I would never buy new as a first motorhome. Even though you think you know what you want the truth really is when you start using it. The chances of getting it right first time are slim. Most people you talk to are on at least number 3 and some considerably more before they are happy with it.

The depreciation on a new MH is pretty big but steadily reduces per year until you get to the point where it still hurts but you ve had x years use out of it. It would be much better IMHO to buy at least one used one before you commit to new.

You should also be aware that no matter what the show says you will never find 'everything under one roof'. Many marques are not represented at the NEC and there are older models out there that are no longer in production but may well suit you.

I groan when people tell me that they made their first trip to their local dealer and found the perfect MH.

Jon

 

[Zigisla]

When we were looking to buy our first MH we looked at a lot of units in a lot of dealers. Eventually we forgot which unit we had seen where and our short list we forgot what one unit looked like. So we went to the show as hey were all together and it was easy to flit between the stands and compare. We did buy from the show and it will be two years this show and loving every minute of it still. Local shows are good if you aren’t going to buy new as they have a lot of used ones.

 

[Alistair33]

If you are still looking in January then Stuttgart is well worth a visit. We bought there last year see link below

(@Jim the insert link feature is hit and miss on iPad iOS 11 since the recent update, unable to click in the insert box)

https://www.tradefairdates.com/CMT-M3000/Stuttgart.html

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[Blue Knight]

It's worth visiting the show as you get to see the vans and the accessories but we would never visit again at a weekend.

We went on the Saturday last year and after the show we concluded that it was the single most unpleasurable thing that we had done for quite some years.

The place was jam packed and every van had at least 3-4 couples crammed inside. I can recall one big Hymer where the occupancy level was about 14 people, all prodding and poking at stuff they couldn't afford - "never buy a show van!!".

By all means go but it will be a much more relaxed experience if you visit during the week.

All the best,

Andrew

 

[joka250]

To reiterate the advice given by many above don't be tempted by show special offers, they usually aren't or if they are its the wrong vehicle for you. Also weekday visit, Wednesday or Thursday. Many hotels will be full or pricey, try Coventry , 10 or 15 mins drive via A45.

 

[Cooldude]

We will be going on the the first day, Tuesday and will be there early when it opens. It is so more relaxing. It starts to get more busy towards lunchtime, but by then we have had enough and after a quick walk around again, we are ready to go home! We are less than half an hour away so we are soon back home having a cuppa in our conservatory, and perusing all the brochures we have picked up!

Pete

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[Stretto Boy]

I agree with most of what has already been said. It is definitely worth going, for nowhere else will you see such a wide range of vans under one roof. The weekend (especially Saturday) can be too busy for comfort, so go in the week if you can. There is so much to see that I think you should think about going on two days. We went in February 2016 to draw up a shortlist and then spent the next few months looking at dealers in a more leisurely fashion. Went back for two days in October and finally took the plunge, on a van that wasn’t on our list until early on the second day. We don’t regret all the time we spent looking and feel we made the right choice, for us, in the end.

 

[Paul and Kate]

We normally go
Friday Saturday and Sunday
Too much to take in in one day
Great to see all different layouts and all the accessory stands not forgetting the cheese and German sausage stand
We did the nec for 3 years October and February before buying our first new to us mh
Thought the layout was perfect needless to say after 6 months it was sold as in the real world of motorhoming it didn't work for us so bought our current one which suits our needs for now
You'll never get the perfect mh just what works for now as your needs and wants will change
We bought our new mh from a dealer and got a little bit better deal than we had seen at the show
Have a lovely weekend there if you go
We can't make it this year as we are in Cornwall in the mh

 

[clanjones]

Certainly make sure you go mid-week, the weekend is just too busy. I am going to buck the trend and say if you do your research, you can get it right first time. We didn't plan to buy a new van but after a visit to the NEC did the deal in November and never looked back! That was 2 years ago.

We were pretty focused though, lots of check lists, think payload and layout! The research time period - 2 to 3 years!

I agree though, if people jump in on impulse it can be a very expensive lesson. Not dissimilar to buying a yacht!

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[TerriSpirit]

Wow... thank you each and everyone who took the time to comment! I can't tell you how informative it all is and REALLY helps with our research. We have already changed out mind quite a few times.... Now the one we think we want we cant find anywhere to check out? Hoping to buy used, but nothing of what we require is out there at the mo. So frustrating as we really want to join all you lovely people on the open road asap thanks once again! x

 

[Paul and Kate]

@TerriSpirit
I'll stick my tin hat on and say what a refreshing change to have a funster to ask a question or for advice and when their thread recieves some good quality replies
You come back to the thread and thank the posters
Hope you find the mh you desire