We're SO excited about going to the NEC show for the 1st time next weekend... our windy August camping holiday in Cornwall just about sealed the nail in the tent coffin ! We've quickly gone from 'no harm in having a quick look' to full on caravan searching (including the possibility of changing my car to suit), much to the amusement of our camping friends who predicted we'd have a caravan by Feb 2010.
So, the NEC beckons as we are keen on a new van to love & cherish forever. Does anyone have any top tips on what to expect at the show and how to get the best out of it ? We are taking the kids (2 very overexcited girls, 7 & 5 who already talk about twin vs single 'wheels' (axles) bless em) which may be a BIG mistake but this is a real family venture
Also - is there another caravan show early next year too? We may use this show to get to a short list , then next years to decide/sort out car/ sort out finances.
Can't wait to join this forum for real !
------------- Ignore the weather forecast and just go !
June 09 : Birchwood Farm, Matlock
July 09 : Green Hills, Bakewell
Aug O9 : Hall More, Carnforth
Aug 22 - Sept 1st : Trevornick, Holywell Bay WINDY
Sept 5th/7th : Settle
My advice would be don't be tempted to buy things like Aquarolls & Waste containers as some dealers are giving starter packs for new caravanners + vat is going up next year so you could save abit on new vans.
There are most manufacturers there - but not all their models. Some vans you'll see on more than one stand - sometimes as dealer specials, sometimes not. Be methodical and go around to them all, making a checklist of those you particularly like the look of. Pick up plenty of brochures and have a good look at them over lunch.
When you look at the caravans - look critically. It's all too easy to be overwhelmed when you first go in by the 'Ooh, this one is lovely.......', but weigh up how you would live in it, where all your clothes would go, how long the children would 'fit' in the beds, where you'd keep bedding, pots and pans, etc. Check the 'finish' - does the caravan appear well made, check that all the doors open and shut properly, and that there isn't too much debris (screws, sawdust, bits of this and that) at the bottom of the lockers. Check the bathroom door particularly - and figure out what sort of layout you'd prefer - and whether you'll be using site facilities mainly, or those in the van. Getting all this right BEFORE you sign up for a van is not easy, but believe me if you get it wrong it could be an expensive mistake. Check that the van you like is capable of being towed by the car you're looking at. Buying a new car and a new caravan is an expensive business. Also check delivery times. No point buying now if you want it for a holiday at Easter, and the earliest delivery date is June!
Some salesmen are surprisingly 'good' at getting you to sign on the line - but someone on here did this then realised it was a mistake and lost a substantial deposit. Even those people who consider that they took everything into account have occasionally admitted that they 'got it wrong' and bought the wrong layout for their needs. Just take your time and don't get carried away by the 'must buy now' scenario.
The show's very big with lots going on, so you're right to plan what you want to see in advance. If you're seriously looking to buy a new van, you need to be trying to draw up a shortlist of manufacturers and models that most interest you before you go to the NEC, and concentrate on seeing them. Use a website such as Caravan Finder to narrow down your choices.
Be aware that the most popular stands and attractions/events can get very busy, so be prepared to queue.
And don't worry - it might be expensive, but it's not a mistake!
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
Also don't choose a dealer miles from home, they are a bit precious when it comes to warranty work and servicing and most dealers won't service a van from another dealer.
Also don't choose a dealer miles from home, they are a bit precious when it comes to warranty work and servicing and most dealers won't service a van from another dealer.
I think its worth having a serious look before the show, get some prices/deals on the table, then go to the show and ask them to better the deal? Seems logical to me.
I'd suggest you try & identify dealers close to home & try & select a model from their manufacturers. Although I've been shouted down for saying this before, it's no fun having to take your caravan miles for a service & miles again to go & collect it.
Personally, I'd get firm quotes from local dealers & compare these with offers made by the dealers on the stands. That way you'll know if you're getting a show deal or not. I prefer to selct what I want at the show & buy from a local dealer, you can't buy dealer service at a show unless it's the dealer you're buying from.
Please don't be tempted to part with a deposit unless you're 100% sure of the deal, you'll be hard pushed to get your deposit back should you change your mind & the staff on the stands could sell ice to eskimos. The bulls wool they give prospective customers is the same at all these big shows, we attend commercial vehicle shows there & the salesman are all the same, simply trying to achieve targets.
The show will be a good day, lots of walking & not much choice of places to sit & rest There are seats around the shops area of the NEC so if the little ones become tired, you can always opt to pop out there & take a rest. That's what we'll be doing, we're going to eat at Subway this time instead of carrying our food with us. Food within the halls is available but you'll need a second mortgage.
Remember which car park you're in & simply catch a free transfer bus to & from the show. The bus picks up & drop off right outside each car park. I hope you enjoy your day, you'll certainly have masses of vans to choose from.
Don't you believe it 2kias, the dealerships down here are awash with people, the forecourts stripped bare of secondhand vans.
Ali
Been to two dealers in East Angia this week. Dead as they have no second hand vans worth looking at. I pulled in with ours and they asked me if I wanted to sell it!!
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: Caravan Show - Top Tips please
