Thinking of purchasing a Hymer B564 2007

[Hymer Newbie]

Hi. We are thinking of purchasing a Hymer B564 2007 end washroom model, 6m long. We have never had an A Class before and are just wondering what to look out for while considering the purchase. It has had low owners and only done 30k+ mileage. What are they like to drive? What are typical insurance costs? What are they like to sleep in an A Class bed? Are any things we should look out for? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[Jamesh]

Cambelt comes up alot, as does windscreen glass prices so check both.....

Other than that check the usual things damp, habitation items work etc.

 

[KUSKUS]

Check all the multi point locking works on the windows , expensive repair at £60 plus per window for parts alone, Check wood under the rear of the Hymer prone to rot if not looked after.
Drop down bed foam mattress very comfortable. Easy to drive an A class same width all the way along , just need some practice.
Check MOT history on UK gov website and check for service history from seller.

 

[csd4t]

Think the 504 is 6m, 564 a bit longer, windscreen £3k, headlights (almond shape introduced in 2007 ish) £1.5k, mirrors approx £1k. Many windscreen wiper problems including mot failure. I found my RHD 504 a pain turning right in europe.

 

[TheBig1]

To the rear of the back wheels is a notorious spot for trapping dirt and water leading to the floor rotting. A huge job to repair properly, and if done wrong can cause structural damage. Obviously also check the other regular leak points, such as the roof lights and on the wall behind the cab and dinette window. Otherwise the older Hymers were really solid, and if the engine is correctly maintained will last decades

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

 

[paddymcc]

2007 is probably on the newer fiat chassis but it's possibly one of the last of the old 2.8L engine? If so will be a chain belt. The almond headlamps indicate the newer chassis.
Agree with the points above. If it has effective rear mudguards then the rear floor extension to the chassis should be okay regards rot.

 

[Hymer Newbie]

Check all the multi point locking works on the windows , expensive repair at £60 plus per window for parts alone, Check wood under the rear of the Hymer prone to rot if not looked after.
Drop down bed foam mattress very comfortable. Easy to drive an A class same width all the way along , just need some practice.
Check MOT history on UK gov website and check for service history from seller.

Hi - thanks so much for your post. Excuse our ignorance - is it the habitation windows or cab windows that might be a problem?

Vehicle has current MOT until November 2022. It did fail before passing last time, on brakes and on the following:
"Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced cross member excessively corroded (radiator support)". The vehicle is with a dealer and comes with 12 month warranty. Last owner had it 9 years. Will check for service history from the dealer. Thank you for the tip about the wood under the rear (and also the other person who has mentioned this) - is this easy to view by looking under the rear of the vehicle? Thanks again and much appreciated. Pleased to hear that the bed is comfortable, as this was one of our main concerns!

 

[Hymer Newbie]

2007 is probably on the newer fiat chassis but it's possibly one of the last of the old 2.8L engine? If so will be a chain belt. The almond headlamps indicate the newer chassis.
Agree with the points above. If it has effective rear mudguards then the rear floor extension to the chassis should be okay regards rot.

Thank you for your post - much appreciated. It is a 2007 (07) 2.8L engine 5 speed manual. The headlamps are round not almond shaped (front and rear), so possibly the chain belt? Will try to check on this. We cannot see any mudguards on the photos we have, so this is definitely something we need to check on. Thank you again.

 

[KUSKUS]

Its the habitation windows , check they all open and close ok also check the roof windows for operation or cracks , the front roof window and the bathroom very expensive to replace.
Give the shower and bathroom floor a really good inspection look for cracks in the bit where the shower doors curve around, very prone to failure.
I would check to see if the front crossmember has been replaced if was a failure on last mot or was it an advisory ?
If you have the registration go on GOV website and check all old MOTs.
The Hymer must be the very last of the old shape. the 2.8 Diesel has a cambelt that must be changed at the approved service period Probably 5 years, check if its had one , if not make them do it for you as part of the deal.

 

[Hymer Newbie]

Think the 504 is 6m, 564 a bit longer, windscreen £3k, headlights (almond shape introduced in 2007 ish) £1.5k, mirrors approx £1k. Many windscreen wiper problems including mot failure. I found my RHD 504 a pain turning right in europe.

Thanks for the information on the costs. Definitely something for us to consider! The headlights are round not almond shaped, so hopefully not as expensive?? Will check on the windscreen wipers. Certainly the windscreen was one of our main concerns. Thank you again.

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

 

[Hymer Newbie]

Its the habitation windows , check they all open and close ok also check the roof windows for operation or cracks , the front roof window and the bathroom very expensive to replace.
Give the shower and bathroom floor a really good inspection look for cracks in the bit where the shower doors curve around, very prone to failure.
I would check to see if the front crossmember has been replaced if was a failure on last mot or was it an advisory ?
If you have the registration go on GOV website and check all old MOTs.

Thanks - will check the habitation windows and roof windows, and also the shower tray and bathroom floor. The cross member was a failure on the last MOT - we don't know if it was repaired or renewed but something was done to get it through its test. The only remaining outstanding advisories from the last MOT are nearside and offside front coil springs corroded. The older MOTs are mainly brake issues and tyres, although the front outline marker lamps seem to have cropped up as a recurring issue.

 

[KUSKUS]

Is the registration of PN07 VHM if so you need to check that all those MOT failure and advisories were sorted.

• Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases front pipe (6.1.2 (a))
• Offside Outline marker lamp not working centre marker light not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))
• Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced cross member excessively corroded (radiator support) (6.1.1 (c) (i))
• Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))
• Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))
• Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))
• Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):​

• Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))
• Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
• Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
• Hydraulic leak, but not excessive power steering rack slight leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))

 

[claude et maude]

We have a 2007 Hymer B664.

Have a look at fridge door hinges for signs of cracking/repair. Door locks, especially hab door to see if it works smoothly. There is an issue with reverse gear on some Hymers from that era, try it in reverse and see if you get a lot of shuddering. We had the fuel pump crack but that may be just ours rather than a general issue. Other than that it has been great…just normal niggles, wear and tear for a 13 year old van.

I have the original brochure for these Hymers but won’t be going down to where it is stored until the weekend but I can scan it and post if it helps.

 

[paddymcc]

The Hymer must be the very last of the old shape. the 2.8 Diesel has a cambelt that must be changed at the approved service period Probably 5 years, check if its had one , if not make them do it for you as part of the deal.

Sorry Hymer Newbie kuskus is correct, the 2.8L was a cambelt, it's the 3L on the newer chassis that is a chain belt.

 

[claude et maude]

I’d missed that, yes round headlights means it’s older model but registered in 2007 so my brochure won’t cover it.

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

 

[Peppadog]

We have a B654. 7m not 6m as the one you are looking at. Ours was first registered in July 07. But also the 2006 model with round headlights.

The front crossmember is a common rust problem on Fiat’s, but its just a bolt on item so should have been replaced. Other items needing attention should obviously become a condition of purchase.

I think our insurance covers £2500 for a windscreen, so shop around. We are with Comfort insurance. Yes, check for damp behind the rear wheels.

Driving it is not exactly like driving a car. Just think a bit more cautiously. After three and a half years with ours, we are very happy with it.

Happy hunting.

 

[Aspenshaw]

I'm on my third short A-Class in 22 years. My second one (2005 544) had rust problems on the rear overhang when I had it - not serious - whilst the same one had front end rust two years after I sold it after 8 years. Pros include we've had no water ingress and you get more usable space in a short space. Downside for me is getting the A classes serviced - some garages turn them down or charge more. My local independent now does the regular service and Travelworld did the timing belt (excellent job). There is a blind spot on the passenger front wing.

My wife disliked the drop down bed on all three and stopped using them after the kids flew the nest. We have a 504 now with a rear single bed and I sleep over the cab.

I could go on but suffice to say if the length of our drive wasn't an issue, I wouldn't have an A-class. They have not been worth the hassle. Then again. my wife loves them now she doesn't sleep in the drop down bed.

My advice is ensure you can live with the bed and the overall layout as well as the habitation and mechanicals.

 

[claude et maude]

I'm on my third short A-Class in 22 years. My second one (2005 544) had rust problems on the rear overhang when I had it - not serious - whilst the same one had front end rust two years after I sold it after 8 years. Pros include we've had no water ingress and you get more usable space in a short space. Downside for me is getting the A classes serviced - some garages turn them down or charge more. My local independent now does the regular service and Travelworld did the timing belt (excellent job). There is a blind spot on the passenger front wing.

My wife disliked the drop down bed on all three and stopped using them after the kids flew the nest. We have a 504 now with a rear single bed and I sleep over the cab.

I could go on but suffice to say if the length of our drive wasn't an issue, I wouldn't have an A-class. They have not been worth the hassle. Then again. my wife loves them now she doesn't sleep in the drop down bed.

My advice is ensure you can live with the bed and the overall layout as well as the habitation and mechanicals.

It’s funny how different people are, my better half will only sleep on the drop down bed, she has sleep issues at home and never gets a good nights sleep and can’t wait to go away in the Hymer as it’s the only place she does get a good nights sleep.