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We are looking for our 1st van and are finding for our budget (7k max) the vans we are looking at are 2004/2003 ones if not older. These are Baileys, Lunars and Swifts mainly.

We have spotted a 2006 Sprite within our budget which is tempting with nearly everything we need included. Layout wise the Sprite is as good as the others and obviously the condition of the indivdual van is the most important thing. I'm sure there are older vans in better condition than newer ones so perhaps we're getting too hung up on the year of the van.

Any thoughts/ experiences much appreciated.

The Sprite is in the budget category of new vans so it does depend on what you are comparing. Within your budget I would have thought that if you went for a 2003/04 van you would be able to get one of a higher spec. It depends whether that would suit you better.

David

look here

www.caravanfinder.co.uk

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan_search_results.html?minPrice=6500&maxPrice=7000&Make=All&Berth=All&Type=All&MaxReturn=300&Location=All

I'm familiar with Caravanfinder thanks Michael. Other than budget the other hurdle we are coming up against is the max weight we can tow is 1396kgs which restricts some of the higher spec Baileys and Swifts we've seen. The Sprite attracts us as its light and has everything we need as well as being newer.

Ideally we would like a van that when we sell in 3-4 years (by which time oldest child will know longer come on holiday with us) will still be worth something as by then we hope to buy a 1-2 yr old van.

max weight we can tow is 1396kgs

you may know already to be safe on tow the van should be at 85% of kerb weight.ours is a bailey 500/5 at MTPLM of 1272 kgs.

http://www.northamfarm.co.uk/usedvans/caravan.php?id=2732

http://www.caravanpriceguide.com/index.html

http://www.c4caravans.com/touringcaravan-ace-londongreater98316.php

from these you should get an idea of whats available. 

and as to modern construction have a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G7zBTYOA8s    and notice how the walls and roof are joined a 5mm strip of sealent between you and the wet. if and its a small if it fails hope the warranty covers it.

but for your budget there is plenty to choose from.

If you're moving from tenting to caravanning you'll probably find the 'bells & whistles' of the higher spec'd vans won't bother you so much - our 1st van was more basic than the one we have now but after tenting it was pure luxury IYSWIM?  In that case the Sprite would be fine.

Either way, I'd say concentrate more on the condition of the van rather than it's age.  Especially with 'family' layouts as some families are much more careful than others with interior fittings!

As long as you get a solid, dry van that's within your weight limits & does what you need it to I wouldn't worry about the age. 

Don't discount good, older vans - if you don't like the seat covers you can make loose ones.  If you don't like the carpet you can take it up & put vinyl down.  If you haven't got an external mains socket & think you need one you can get them fitted for less than £60 etc... etc...

Quote: Originally posted by adsheadv on 09/3/2011

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If you're moving from tenting to caravanning you'll probably find the 'bells & whistles' of the higher spec'd vans won't bother you so much -

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Ha - don't be too sure!!! We wanted bells, whistles and a few extra bells on our van when we switched over - but we could well be the exception!!

Quote: Originally posted by FionaW1971 on 09/3/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by adsheadv on 09/3/2011

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If you're moving from tenting to caravanning you'll probably find the 'bells & whistles' of the higher spec'd vans won't bother you so much -

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Ha - don't be too sure!!! We wanted bells, whistles and a few extra bells on our van when we switched over - but we could well be the exception!!

 

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tango55, thats exactly the conclusion I came to that the higher spec vans are heavier.

We've been sat here tonight looking at maybe upping our budget to enable us to get a 2007/08 van. going to a big dealer on friday to compare the different manufacturers/ build quality.

Quote: Originally posted by FionaW1971 on 09/3/2011

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Ha - you will be ordering a brand new one at this rate!! 

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