Looking to buy a new caravan very soon. We originally were going for the 6 berth, fixed bunk at the back and decided that the Bailey Bretagne was the one for us. Then we spotted a Avondale Dart 630-6, this is 6 berthand has a fixed bunk aswell as an end bathroom. The Dart is twin axle but our car can pull it as it not that much heavier than the Bailey.
We know the Bailey has better spec than the Dart, but were more worried about build quality and reliabilty etc.
So if anyone out there has owned both makes of caravan and could give us there views we would be very gratefull. Or if you have thought about buying one of these caravans and decided not to, please let us know why. If you have bought one of these vans and love it, lets us know.
We have the Dart 556 which we bought new last year. We are really pleased with it and love the fixed bunks for the kids. We bought ours mainly due to the light weight considering it's a 6 berth. No reliability problems yet. Sorry cannot comment on the comparison though.
Check out the length of the bunks on the Bailey, the lower one is only about 5'6". We were going to go for the Bretagne, but in the end switched to the Sterling for the longer bunks.
Sorry can't comment on the Avondale.
Steve.
------------- Some days I am the statue - others the pigeon.
Quote: Originally posted by stevewils on 29/3/2008
Check out the length of the bunks on the Bailey, the lower one is only about 5'6". We were going to go for the Bretagne, but in the end switched to the Sterling for the longer bunks.
Sorry can't comment on the Avondale.
Steve.
That did cross ours minds, kids are only young, would like to think we could change van again if they got that tall. Love the Sterlings, Swifts etc. but too heavy for us.
Hi..we have a Dart Mayfair 556/6 2004 with fixed bunks at the back and a side dinette bunks set. We totally LOVE it!! We swapped it for our old coachman a couple of years ago and have never looked back! We only used to go away for a couple of hols in the old van..but in "Annie" our Avondale we've been up and down the country a few times and all over inbetween!
Can't comment on the other van you are thinking of, but the Avondale gets a big thumbs up from us.
Hi we have just gone for the Bailey Paegant Bretagne which we pick up tomorrow. Decided on comparison this had better spec and would work better for our family of six. Got the kids to try out the length of the bunks first!
As the Paegant is now launching the series 7 you can get a really good deal on the series 6.
Can't comment on the interiors but we have the same layout as the Avondale and love it!!!!! I'm sure your wife would appreciate the end bathroom as well!!!
Quote: Originally posted by linda sutton on 31/3/2008
Can't comment on the interiors but we have the same layout as the Avondale and love it!!!!! I'm sure your wife would appreciate the end bathroom as well!!!
Trouble is, she's just trying to keep up with the posh gits we go away with and its costing me a fortune, she'll want a big 4x4 next, no thats me. LOL
In my opinion, I personally think the build quality of the Avondale is very poor, I've recently bought a Compass from Birtley and had a good look around there, the layout you're talking about seems very good, it's really nice in Discover's 'mere' range, seems very classy aswell, the Bailey is by far the better quality of the two, but it depends on what drives your decision the most - budget, car weight, quality, I based my decision on quality because I need it to last me maybe 8 or 9 years without major problems. A friend of mine bought an Avondale last year (2007 model) and has had nothing but bother with it ! The supplying dealer has even admitted to him they've stopped selling the brand due to quality issues and parts backorders !
''You only live once - get the best you can afford !'' A wise man once said that to me and that's the rule I normally follow.
As you can probably tell from my message - I spent months looking at all sorts of layouts before buying and believe the search is the best part of buying - so enjoy !!
Quote: Originally posted by sarahs2048 on 31/3/2008
Hi we have just gone for the Bailey Paegant Bretagne which we pick up tomorrow. Decided on comparison this had better spec and would work better for our family of six. Got the kids to try out the length of the bunks first!
As the Paegant is now launching the series 7 you can get a really good deal on the series 6.
If you dont mind me asking, what did you pay for the Bretagne, we been offered £1000 off and no £495 delivery fee if we pay cash, with no part ex. We were very pleased with this, but didnt know series 7 was out soon, now wondering if we could do better.
We got the series 6 Bretagne in February 2007 and apart from a sticking door lock, which was easily sorted out, we have not had any other problems. The more we use the van, the more we like it.
another thread on here regarding the series 7 bailey - faulkner ( the old gal) has also ordered one and now wants a 7. I've got the ranger 550/6 very happy with it - but bunks are really only for kids, unless adults are short - this could be a way of meeting new friends - if you don't want them to come ask tall ones, if you do want them to come - ask your short friends!!!
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Topic: Avondale dart 630-6 vs Pageant Bretagne
