Hi all, been camping with our trusty Dandy for the last few years, but it's time to upgrade and get a caravan.
I really had no idea how difficult it was going to be until I started looking seriously. We have a rough idea of what we want. It has to weigh about 1220 kg fully laden, this is 85% of my cars kerb weight. The wife does not want an 'indian restaurant on wheels', so something modern. It needs to be 4 berth. It needs to be around £5000. We decided we can go higher for the right van, but not by a huge amount.
With this list in mind, we've been to look at a few places. We found a 2007 Cristall Sprint 390D with awning, motor mover and 12 months warranty for £5700. After a bit of digging it seems Cristall don't exist, and I'm not sure if parts would be an issue. But then again, are parts easy to source for 10 year old vans from companies that still exists??? I also found a chateau 400 which looks very similar by Lunar?
Does anyone know of a modern(ish) van, which is lightweight and inexpensive? I appreciate we will have to compromise a bit, in certain areas.
Just becarefull buying were ever from, use your nose for those musty smells, buy or borrow a damp test meter or if it is a dealer let him show you that it is dry, so many vans slip though the net, then weeks after finding out that you have bought a lemon. Service history is a bonus too, If it's a dealer, Squeeze as much as you can out of him, ie aqua roll, battery, hitchlock,wheelclamp they don't come cheap,or even a awning, my motto is , little proffit is better than none. They normaly snatch you back when you start to walk away,
good luck happy hunting.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
We had a cristall and it was a well made caravan and it gave the impression that damp wasn't going to be a problem, which could be a possible problem with older british built vans.
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: Buying advice.
