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Topic: Starter van

Message posted by Brunci01/12/2016 at 9:19pm
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Brunci

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Hi
I'm looking for my first campervan, I have reduced my list to the following:

Renault trafic rapport auto sleeper, 1993, 1.7l petrol, 89,000, advertised at ï¿½4800

Or

Talbot express 1000 p, 1991, 2l petrol, 6500, power steering, advertised at ï¿½4000

Both van private sales on gumtree so may get cheaper than advertised. Both vans look good for their age, no rust or damp, both have mot and some form of service history!

Anyone got any advice on what might be the better option? I am looking to go up north in Scotland and the west coast. Am I wasting my money on scrap metal or could these vans still have some life left in them?!

Thanks

Message posted by marg601/12/2016 at 10:01pm
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marg6

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please tell me that these vans aren't in north Scotland? if so run away fast! its more often than not a scam, one of the more famous ones, they try to get you to pay and then claim that as they are working away they will have it delivered and if your not happy you have 7 days to return it, they will also tell you that your money will be held in a safe account with paypal, none of which is true, there is no such facility with paypal or any other "bank"

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Message posted by Brunci01/12/2016 at 10:10pm
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Thanks for your advice, no I have viewed both vans and both seem legitimate, exchange money for the van there and then.

Message posted by Opensauce02/12/2016 at 8:04am
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The biggest potential problem with buying a van of this age is non availability of spare parts. You may find yourself off the road because you cannot get a small engine part for example. I'd go for the Talbot probably.

Message posted by Capt Lightning02/12/2016 at 9:08am
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I'd be wary of a pre-facelift Talbot. They tend to be under-powered and have a terrible gearchange. The latter can be tweeked to improve it, but it's hardly ergonomic.

You will also need deep pockets to fill the tank. I'd hold out for a newer diesel. It will pay for itself in lower fuel bills.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.

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Message posted by Greg M02/12/2016 at 10:48am
Outfit: Elddis Majestic 155 Location: South Wales
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Greg M

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Capt Lightning is right about being under powered and
the gearchange can be a real nightmare,especially when they get worn.
Another thing to bear in mind is the onboard equipment,for example, some water heater components(if one is
fitted) are virtually unobtainable.
I have massive misgivings about Gumtree.
Some months ago my wife was selling something on Gumtree
and she had a few enquiries
Gumtree then got in touch and informed her one of the enquiries was from someone known to them as having had illegal dealings on the site. When my wife asked which one they said they were not at liberty to divulge that information.Wide berth from now on.
Good luck in your search for a van.
If you are not that well up on vehicles like that I would certainly take someone who is if you look at one.
Regards,
Greg

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Growing old is not for sissies

Message posted by themarsh05/12/2016 at 8:16am
Outfit: VW T4 Location: Suffolk
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A bit late to reply, but I've been away for the weekend in our 1992 Renault Trafic ! I have had no problems with parts so far, you just have to look around a bit more & forget the ' Main Stealers' who are not interested. The main problem with older vans is likely to be corrosion & it doesn't really matter which make, they will all suffer to some degree.
I agree with other posts about going for a diesel if possible, but it depends on the sort of mileage you plan on doing. Naturally budget is going to come in to play as well. We had a £5k budget so had to look at older vans & we have been more than happy with ours. There is a useful club for Renault Trafic Motorhomes & imagine there is something similar for Talbots. Good luck with whatever you choose, but most of all have fun. Hopefully I have managed to attach a link to the club.http://www.rtmr.org

Message posted by Minoltaman05/12/2016 at 9:27am
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A Talbot with out rust. This would be a miracle. Check in the engine bay, in the front corners, also take a magnet with you to make sure there is no rust repairs been filled with filler. The reason I am saying this I bought a van that seemed OK, it had one or two rust areas that turned into a £1000 repair. They have a reputation for poor gear change which I agree have driven them when they were new and my second hand van I bought 7 years ago was the same. Another problem is as they get older the parts will get harder to find. Renaults tend to rust as well and again the parts stituation in a few years. Have you consided a Toyota Hiace? Even though most are now imports rust should not be to much of a problem and most parts are available, even through Toyota main dealers. Regards Gumtree I would agree watch for scams and check the vehicles befor parting with your hard earned cash.

Message posted by Brunci05/12/2016 at 1:44pm
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So I bought the Renault autosleeper! Managed to get it for £4,400 with a few extras thrown in. Very happy with my first campervan and can't wait to go exploring :)

My next question is does anyone know if you can still get some form of bike rack and awning which would fit this van?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Message posted by Opensauce05/12/2016 at 2:07pm
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Google Fiamma bike rack. They should have one suitable for double door vans. Unless there is a towbar already fitted to van in which case you can use a towbar mounted bike rack.

Any sort of campervan tunnel awning should be suitable.

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