I would like to know if anyone has any comments about an autosleeper 2.4D 5 speed manual,2001, Rienza. I am about to make a purchase and would welcome your thoughts on any issues I might run into please.
We had a 2001 Ravenna on a 2.4 Transit base and there are not many differences between the two models.
Check the usual vehicle things such as mot history and servicing records, I can't tell you where to check for rust because ours didn't have any, it seemed to have aged very well. When checking the mot history for ours it seemed to have had a few problems with the back brakes sticking so maybe worth checking for that. Ours had also had a new clutch, if the clutch shows signs of wear you need to budget £1000 for a new clutch and DMF assembly. Check the tyres are within date, they may have loads of tread but have damaged sidewalls through being parked up for long periods, check the spare wheel is serviceable and the carrier has not seized up.
The Autosleeper body needs checking for damp but they don't usually give any problems unless they have been damaged externally. Check the window areas, you can get damp around the windows if the seals are worn or damaged.Check around the rooflights as well.
Check all the appliances work and ask when the motorhome part was serviced, there should be a gas check certificate etc. Check all the appliance manuals are present. If there is a liquid soap dispenser in the bathroom make sure the key to open it is still there otherwise you can't replenish the soap. Check the shower tray is not cracked.If the floor seems springy then it may be delaminating and need sorting out, another haggling point as it can get expensive if you can't do the job yourself.
If it comes with a bike rack make sure all the bits are there, it's quite expensive to buy all the bits that may have been lost.
Check the folding step folds properly, it's about £150 to replace a manual step and I dread to think what the electric one costs. Make sure the buzzer works which tells you that you are about to drive off with the step out.
I think the leisure battery will be under the driver's seat, make sure it is present and looks fairly new, another haggling point perhaps.
I think that covers most things. There is an owners club that might be worth joining if you need information or advice. Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.
Thank you so much for your reply Rob, I really appreciate the time you have taken to offer such a detailed reply. It gives me assurance that I (with my husbands help) have been looking at most of the right things when I have been viewing. Good point about the step, checking out the leisure battery and the springy bathroom floor. I shall consider all of your points when I go and see it. I have actually already been to see one that is a 1996 model, spent ages looking it and the documents over ; couldn't really fault it but then I saw this current one I have my eye on. Well, I guess a viewing is in order even though its a good three hours drive away. Thank you.
I realise that I didn't word my bit about the floor very well, it's the whole floor that can delaminate especially in heavy traffic areas such as the kitchen and the main walkways.
In the bathroom there should be a large plastic unit incorporating the sink with a cupboard below it. If this unit is damaged it is very difficult to repair or replace, ours had had a door repaired with glue which looked terrible.
I think I've covered most things, if you need any more information or help just ask, somebody will have the answer.
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Topic: help please
