We are in that wonderful part of buying a new van where we end up changing our minds on layout every time we visit a dealer!
We have just sold our much loved and ancient Coachman Mirage and so have cash to play with when visiting the Birmingham show next month. We are looking for a fixed bed, rear bathroom 4 berth (well at least we are this week!)
I have read lots of posts on here about the issues with damp and poor servicing from certain manufacturers but would be really interested in good news stories or experiences with brands.
Any thoughts which might guide us at the show would be really appreciated.
Just one thing. Bear in mind when buying only the dealer you purchase from is legally obliged to do any warranty repairs if required. So whatever the mileage to the dealer from your home multiply it by four each time you have to return it. Any discount can be soon used up with cost of journeys.
Have a look at the Adria. They seem to have less issues, especially damp the main van killer, than a lot of UK vans. We are on our second and as long as I can get a layout to suit would not change back to a UK made van.
They do things a little differently as well which tends to have a marmite reaction.
Enjoy the show.
------------- if your not living life on the edge your taking up tooo much room
Birdman has a very good point, choose a local(ish) dealer just in case.
All my recent products have been from Swift Group, no issues with any of them. Previously had several Baileys again no issues .... apart from one! In some cases I think it is luck.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
Was in a newly appointed Adria dealer in Norfolk last week when on holiday. They had a very good selection of models and I have to say I have never been in such a cheap looking selection of vans in my life. The only half decent van was the top of the range, but no way was it worth £29k
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 03/9/2017
Just one thing. Bear in mind when buying only the dealer you purchase from is legally obliged to do any warranty repairs if required. So whatever the mileage to the dealer from your home multiply it by four each time you have to return it. Any discount can be soon used up with cost of journeys.
Thanks for this, I have drawn up a list of local dealers and distances from home. I did read an old thread on here where someone had ended up with a drive of 300 miles to the dealer!
Quote: Originally posted by baddon on 03/9/2017
Have a look at the Adria. They seem to have less issues, especially damp the main van killer, than a lot of UK vans. We are on our second and as long as I can get a layout to suit would not change back to a UK made van.
They do things a little differently as well which tends to have a marmite reaction.
Enjoy the show.
Adria are very basic well made caravans with not even a TV aerial. We thought they looked very Spartan inside for the amount you pay for the caravan.
Always pay deposit by credit card .This makes card company equally responsible in law. There are dodgy and good dealers .In my view the main thing is how they deal with problems.We can all get a bad caravan .Quality control is not as strict as in some trades.
Our bailey unicorn 2 Cadiz is excellent. It's dry and does not have any issues. Yes I do have a protimeter(damp meter)which was essential for our previous caravan ( Elddis) watch for flimsy front windows, bailey have strong front windows. This is an issue when towing at or near 60 the window used to bow in and rub together which is a common issue on a lot of vans.
Bill, same with us, going to NEC but only to compare and choose van. i was also warned about the warranty thing and advised to maybe talk deals and then phone a local dealer to get a match (or close maybe)
We've visited some local dealers to get salesman numbers and also look at 2017 models.
Our favourite so far is the coachman, based on zero experience, they look and feel like better quality.
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Quote: Originally posted by GEORGEBB on 09/9/2017
Our favourite so far is the coachman, based on zero experience, they look and feel like better quality.
Historically they are, going by user reviews, but I have no experience of them myself.
Had Swifts and now Bailey, no problems with either.
------------- I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.
Just one thing. Bear in mind when buying only the dealer you purchase from is legally obliged to do any warranty repairs if required. So whatever the mileage to the dealer from your home multiply it by four each time you have to return it. Any discount can be soon used up with cost of journeys.
I disagree, in the past I have had a quote from my local dealer and compared it with the quote from a distance dealer at the NEC. THE DIFFERENCE WAS .........
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Topic: Good experiences of different makes
