Looking for a new 6 berth family caravan, going to the NEC in October is it a good place and time to buy ? Thinking it will be a good place to compare our shortlist at least
The other options would be nearly new or new from local dealer
Nearly new from private
I don't like buying new cars because of depreciation - I know how to buy a straight used car., not got clue about caravans
Lastly is there brand that would come top in a reliability survey, ? Current shortlist is Bailey Pegasus Eld Avante 17k type range - basic 6 with the safety features and reasonable spec, open to any advice or suggestions
George
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
Go to your local dealer as it would be a long way to get any warranty work done as your nearest dealer would not like to do the job of another dealer Get him to price match
Thanks Kenles, so if there's a good deal on at the show I should call the local dealer and discuss price match, sounds like a good plan
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
We bought our palermo last oct at the show....Got an amazing deal in the end, with a trade in too....plus they had it on order already, so were able to quote precise delivery date....we got it at end of november
It is the best place to compare every available optition...plus you cna usually find someone that owns one already to have a chat.
But do find a local dealer, which is what we did fairly quickly. We were offered a good deal on our alternative choice, but as the dealer was 300 miles away our choice was made for us.....but we didn't say that to our salesman, so was able play the two off against each other with many vists to both stands and lots of playing with beds and cupboards!
Just a thought...ask your local dealers if they have anyone at the show, as the big marque's are manned by dealers, so you might just have to find the right individual on that stand
Thanks Jasie, I'm in central Scotland, less dealers around but that's great advice. I'll start the dealer research soon ;-)
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
Thanks Alan, there's one in Glasgow too in the new year, I was thinking the Birmingham one would be a good start because its big with perhaps more to see than others. This issue of having to buy local for the servicing sounds like a big deal. We are aiming for our first caravan holiday Easter 2018, Glasgow would be too late for that. I don't know about delivery times with vans. Newbie to it all, camping is a lot simpler. Living in Scotland means lots of rain on school breaks ...
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
I've been watching YouTube reviews of our favourites - boys go crazy when they see the bunk beds, Shirley is feeling sorry for our tent, ;/0)
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
Glasgow show does in no way compare to Birmingham, have tried both and don't waste your time with Glasgow.
You can get the van serviced by any approved workshop or mobile engineer, it's the warranty work that's the issue.
------------- 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 GEORGEBB on 15/8/2017
The other options would be nearly new or new from local dealer
Nearly new from private
I don't like buying new cars because of depreciation - I know how to buy a straight used car., not got clue about caravans
Lastly is there brand that would come top in a reliability survey, ? Current shortlist is Bailey Pegasus Eld Avante 17k type range - basic 6 with the safety features and reasonable spec, open to any advice or suggestions
George
Firstly, depending on the car you buy, this depreciation thing is nothing like you think. In the last 10 years of new small SUVs, my depreciation has been less than £2.5k a year, with no repair bills and just one set of tyres in that time, and 10 years peace of mind.
Caravan reliability. You are joking of course? I've had 4 new caravans, and only one - a French Trigano - was damp free at the first service. My current bailey had water pouring through the roof join after just 10 months. Sadly its a very common problem with new Baileys.
Also, something else worth considering is if you just want a brand new caravan is to ask about any remaining 2017 models in stock as they will quite often sell them off at knock down prices. Okay, it's a year older when you come to sell so the trade in price is not so good but if you calculate what you save from new and what you lose at trade in you will find that the bigger saving will be on the purchase price. Dealers will always want to sell their old stock to make way for the new which is why you can often strike a good deal.
Can I recommend Duncan Caravan and Camping near Wishaw, they have looked after me very well for many years.
The family themselves all own and use their own caravans which I think shows in their knowledge compared to their competitors.
The big shows are a great way to see lots of stuff under one roof, I would always buy locally though for easy access for servicing and any warranty work you might need.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
FAL, that's disappointing to here about water ingress, as for cars, I've just bought a 4 year old SD4 LR for 16k. Started life at £40k. Agree dpnd what you buy.
Tango: I may well buy one that's sitting discounted. I'll probably keep it so year not critical in the long run as you point out. Thanks
Iain, cant beat a recommendation, I'll add them to my list for quotes.
PS does that mean I should shove the Eld Avante to top of the pile --
A big thanks to everybody, its invaluable advice for a newbie.
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020
Can highly recommend Knowepark, excellent service and that includes after care.
------------- 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.
Have a quick look at Adria ALtea ...or even better, a dealer special. We have a sportline, but I think they are only available from Venture in Daventry. We love it. It is a bit IKEA, but easy to keep clean, and fairly light weight.
We got it at the show in Birmingham, but as others have said, it really is worth checking out what servicing is needed to keep up the warranty.
We were tempted by an end of season offer, and this was our "one to beat" when we were at the show. It was weight hthat ruled them in or out for us. Enjoy the tyre kicking!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Bmhm NEC show, good place to buy?
