Hi all, hoping for some advice for a newbie prior to our purchase of a van. We’re looking at buying a T6 Highline with delivery, or >5k miles, I think that now is a good time to buy because it’s before the new season kicks off and we may have better bargaining power. The husband isn’t convinced and as the van will replace his daily driver he’s keen to get the most out of his regular car before swapping. He doesn’t think we will use a van much until the weather improves so doesn’t see the point in changing just yet.
Advice from those with more experience welcome!
You can use it all year, it’ll have heating. The limitation is how you are with the short days: we go to a site near a city so it doesn’t matter if it’s dark.
As for when to buy, I’m not sure there’s ever a best time. Except when you’ve found the perfect van for you - there are so many different layouts & what suits us might not suit you. (We need a long bed, for example.) Might be a good idea to get to the big show at NEC in February & sit / lie inside the various options.
I don’t know how the chip availability is now, but friends waited almost 2 years for a new MH to be delivered. I’d go for lightly used, if it suits you.
Finally, I don’t know how high the vehicle is, but check that it can go underneath parking gantries or else it won’t work as a main vehicle.
Good luck.
I don't know whether it is the same for motorhomes/camper-vans, but with caravans now is the time when prices of used ones are heading for their peak, as everyone is starting to think about holidays. Late autumn, when people are thinking about Christmas is usually the best time, and that's when the best bargains are around.
Quote: Originally posted by BearPear on 01/1/2024
I think we just have to bite the bullet and go for it!
If I were you I'd do it sooner rather than later then as spring is usually very much a seller's market. Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.
We've had 2 VW 'vans, and loved them both, came from the same supplier who converts the vans. So in both cases he bought a used van base, and converted it for us. Or you can supply your own van if you prefer.
They are online at Leisuredrive, in Bolton. Worth a trip out to have a nosy round.
Both our 'vans are pop tops, and fit under 2.1m barriers which are common on car parks. OH uses our 'van as his regular vehicle all year round, we do have a car as well, as he takes the 'van on hobby weekends as well as our holidays.
I ought mine last month, from a converter (Needingworth Campers) who like to keep building; he said they drop by £5000 for December, then back to normal in the new year. Looking at their website, they still have some on at the lower price. Prices will go up soon as people start thinking about holidays.
Another snippet I got is that the Transporter 6.1 is being phased out but production of the t7 replacement isn’t up to speed yet, so base vans were difficult to source. The electric model, the ID Buzz, is proving unpopular because of range issues presumably. Haven’t seen anyone doing conversions on these yet; there may be bargains ahead.
Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 02/1/2024
The electric model, the ID Buzz�
Haven�t seen anyone doing conversions on these yet; there may be bargains ahead.
https://buzzcampervan.co.uk/
I have read that the E-battery is the issue because it is under the van: fresh & waste water will have to be by external containers like a caravan. The video with the website makes no mention of fresh or waste water.
And no loo. But the bed looks easy & comfy.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Ideal time to buy a van
via mobile 31/12/2023 at 4:58pm
