Our Super Sirocco is due for change later this year, and I've come across the Swift Charisma 610. The same size and layout as the Conqueror 645, the price of just under £15000 is a real saving against the Conqueror or another Crusader! The weight reduction is also significant, raising the possibility of downgrading from a mainstream 4x4, with further potential cost savings.
As our vans get a fair bit of use, I'm just a little concerned about the weight issue, and the possibility of some compromise in the durability of a Charisma against a Conqueror. So I've already asked a couple of dealers about it and the first said he didn't know why there was a weight difference(!!), while the second said that it was down to the additional weight of the Alde heating system in the Conqueror, and a thinner wood used in the interior fittings.
Hi David, we recently purchased an omega 544 after deliberating greatly between twin and single axle caravans, we looked at the swift and ace models which you refer to above and didn't find much quality difference between the charisma and conqueror models, I think you pay the extra for the painted exterior and the central heating amongst some spec upgrades ! A friend of mine bought a new conqueror 645 in December last year and wished he hadn't ! He absolutely hates the alde heating system as it seems to zap the power when he runs self-sufficiently ! So much so that he's now having to fit solar panels just to keep it powered up on rallies ! Plus the main control unit is awkwardly situated - he has to get on his knees to be able to see the digital screen properly and it's really complicated to set up aswell !
I suppose it's all down to spec's and colours really, I'm fairly confident that the charisma is as durable as a conqueror, at the end of the day they're made in the same factory on the same production lines with materials from the same suppliers (I think !!) so that wouldn't worry me at all !
If you're getting no joy from your local dealers then give my local dealer a try - Discover Birtley, the lads there are really knowledgeable (in particular - Andrew who sold us our van - I've never felt so well looked after !). I know from secondhand info that they'll deliver to your door at competitive deal prices but more importantly are trustworthy dealers ! I know about this having been messed around previously by some nasty dealers who shall remain anonymous !
I hope you find this info of use and enjoy your search and ultimately your new van !
We have a Charisma, and are thoroughly pleased with it, after much deliberation over the Charisma, Challeger and Conqueror we decided the charisma with a few extras, Microwave, Outside BBQ point and outside electric etc would suit us rather than paying the extra £1000s+ for the next models up, Also we negotiated all the freebie extras into the deal, Now comparing the spec of ours with the challenger there is little difference, I think the Conqueror is a nice van, however I think for the price we find the charisma superb!
Just our opinion.
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
I don't want to sound snooty, but our recent vans have all been 'top of the range' ones; Crusader, Conqueror, Senator, Spectrum. I've been in both a Charisma 610 and also the 620 and they seem to be pretty well screwed together, and well specced. And yet in the present Swift range the Charisma is at the bottom end!
I'm also aware of a widely held opinion, and I'd probably agree with it, which queries whether 'top of the range' models are particularly good value for money.
Comparing the 2 caravans, and even adding some extras with the Charisma, it's still over £3000 cheaper and 90kgs lighter than the Conqueror!
I don't think there is much difference in the construction ot the two, so the difference must be in the equipment. The Conqueror has a microwave, TV provided, alarm/tracker, different fridge, different shower enclosure, thicker matress, different heating, and the ubiquitous Alko wheel locks. Bound to add a bit of weight.
We are picking up our new Searcher (at last!) on friday, looking forward to trying out all the different stuff. We bought it specifically for the big fridge/freezer and the Alde heating. Having sold our own van ourselves, we got a good discount on the new one.
gaz!! I forgot you had a charisma - hey - we was soooo nearly there, just the tight road and drive put us of the twin axle. We looked at the 590 - god it's lovely - the end washroom is a dream. We spent 1 and a half hours, going from van to van until we decided on the Elddis Avante.
Hey! We've still got almost all the same bits including the twin tub! Nice to hear from you..!
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Topic: Charisma 610 v. Conqueror 645
