Just wondering what your opinion is on our latest purchase (first caravan we have had). We bought a Swift Charisma 550, 2006 model from a very reputable dealer and it was a bit of an impulse buy. We did not do any homework and only started looking at the caravan sections of this website once we had parted with our cash. On our fist outing a couple of weeks ago i noticed what felt like a very small spongy patch in the toilet and as we were only camping locally we decided to go to speak to the dealers. I felt their customer service was great as the sales manager said straight away bring it in and we'll investigate it and if it is water ingress we will address it. We took the caravan in and after 3 days they called to say they would be renewing the damp area. My hubby asked why this had been missed as when we bought the caravan he asked on more than one occasion whether the vans were checked for damp (we were told yes) and were advised that this would be investigated. Today on day 9 of the caravan still being in the workshop the dealers rang to inform us that as a precautionary measure they are going to renew the back wall also but only as a precautionary measure. I'm now a little worried that the caravan is riddled with damp and it's really taking the shine off our new purcase
Sounds like you have been very lucky. The dealer seems to be doing the right thing whereas a few would try to patch it up and fob you off. If it gives you piece of mind, when you get the caravan back why not take it elsewhere and ask for a damp check? If there are any more damp issues they should be discovered by that. I would then start asking for a refund.
As for the initial damp test. I am very reluctant to believe dealers actually do a damp test as part of the PDI, regardless of what they may claim. I guarantee they do one when they take it in as a part exchange though.
Logically, why would they want to do a damp test as part of the PDI? If they find damp then they have to repair it, delaying delivery and quite probably losing the sale. Once you have taken delivery, if you find damp in it then they have to repair it, but they have got your money by then. I bet a lot of people buy a damp caravan from a dealer and don't even realise it until the warranty is over.
Then if you were satisfied with the purchase despite it being impulsive, get a similar layout, if you had doubts after the event then have a more thorough look at your alternatives.
One in three caravans have damp! Many can be improved. If you think the dealer (who seems to be taking the matter seriously) can sort it, and the caravans great in all other ways, let them get on with it,,,,,,but drop them a letter now to say if the problem is not fixed and damp is found on testing, then you'll reject it.
Not sure of the leagallities of that, but seems a reasonable course of action.
Dan
If you do decide to get the caravan checked for damp once the work is finished I can highly recommend a mobile technician called John from Caravancare. He came out and checked over a new caravan we had just bought as we had some concerns about the dealer we bought it from. His charges are really reasonable and he was very thorough.
He is based in Warrington but does cover the Wirral.
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: Your opinion please
