We sold our last van about a month ago, I made sure that my advert was very clear, it listed everything about the caravan, including any faults that we had come across (all very minor in my honest opinion) but we thought it was best to mention them anyway in the advert. You mention Cris documents, although we were the registered keepers (had been for over 2 years) I had forgotton to send the payment off as I had done our registration by an email, and therefore did not have the paperwork to prove this, I did speak to Cris when I realised my stupid mistake and they said just a phone call doing a Cris check would of proved this to a prospective buyer, I did have the last owners Cris document and the receipt of payment we had been given so we could of shown this if asked. Having said that the buyers did not even do a Cris check which I was very surprised about, maybe we are just too cautious when we buy a caravan (I don't think so).
With regards to any extras, we were going to buy a S7 Bailey Provence, when we called to find out more we asked what was included in the price, the answer was nothing - no ehu, no leisure battery, no awning, no water pipes that connect the caravan to the aquaroll, no waste pipes, they were keeping everything all they were selling was the caravan on its own. In the end we did not buy this one, but for £250 more we found a S7 Bretagne with all the 'missing' items plus a lot lot more . It just goes to show that some sellers do try it on. Good luck with your search I am sure you will find the right van shortly.
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 17/10/2011
Fairly normal, I'm afraid. Before travelling you need to have a long phone conversation with the seller asking a large amount of specific questions which you can write down as a list. If the seller is unwilling or unable to describe condition of caravan in great detail then it probably ain't worth travelling to see.
While the above is not always the case I would always suspect that ads very scarce in detail suggest that the seller is protecting their own interests by not describing caravan as 'good' or 'damp free' when it is anything but.
Even this does not always work.
When the OH and myself were looking for our 1st Caravan (as a couple - he had caravan previous) we saw an advert for one a few miles away. I rang and spent ages on the telephone - I thought it was to be the 'One' and told the OH about it excitedly. He gave the chap selling it another ring and asked more questions that I could not think of. He got the impression that this was the one for us so asked if we could go for a veiwing. We met up with the chap and his wife and they were really nice, when we got to the van which was in storage we had a look round the outside all seemed well - a few dinks but it was a few years old, when we went inside the OH went through everything - when he came across some damage the owner said it was nothing it was a minor repair that he could do himself but did not have the time and the reason for the damage - It had been blown on its side during high winds!!!! I whispered to OH that there was no point looking at it any further as I was not going to buy it cos who knows what else had happened to the van.
The chap really thought he was going to get a sale but left out the major bit of info - he probably saw it as we had travelled to view we would probably buy. Fortunately he did not realise that we only lived just down the road and so it was no loss to us.
------------- Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x
Another viewing and another pile of poo. Asked every question, saw all the pics before hand but still given false info.
Something wasn`t right but all was revealed at our viewing, we waited 6 days to view a well looked after ABI Jubilee Herald 1998, interior had been looked after but the owners let slip that it had, had a tyre blown out and they had had two new tyres fitted and a new carver heater fitted.There was no hot water so we doubted it had the new heater after all and guess what the heated was at the same side as the damage cause by the blow out. I felt the ceiling around the ceiling join, no sign of any damp but guess what 5 mins latter the ceiling was bowing. I only poked slighlty honest.
I don't blame you for being hacked off. We went to see a van described as immaculate but was anything but. In the end we caved in and bought a new one. I appreciate we are very lucky to have that option. I'm sure there probably good buys out there, hope you find a good one soon.
I agree with Mrs Mop, that's why I always buy from a dealer and always on finance too if possible. The reason is because if your caravan is not fit for purpose then the finance company that lent the money will get involved to get the repairs undertaken even if the warranty has terminated. I found this information out from the Trading Standards and this also applies to motor vehicles and other leisure goods such as boats whilst under finance.
If you don't like buying from private sellers for reasons you have stated, then go and buy from a dealer, and get a guarantee with it! Simple.
We had similar problem with dealers as well. Asked all the questions before we travelled and when we checked the caravans we found major problems that were not pointed out when we asked.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 24/10/2011
I agree with Mrs Mop, that's why I always buy from a dealer and always on finance too if possible. The reason is because if your caravan is not fit for purpose then the finance company that lent the money will get involved to get the repairs undertaken even if the warranty has terminated. I found this information out from the Trading Standards and this also applies to motor vehicles and other leisure goods such as boats whilst under finance.
Good point.
Not ruled out dealers at all just can`t seem to find what were looking for.
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Topic: Is it me or am I talking another language
