Am undecided if the 300 mile round trip is worth a day out at the Caravan show in Oct?
We certainly can't afford a new caravan, but thought it might be a nice day out to look at chairs and awnings etc. Do you get any bargains and is it worth a day out? Will we save the money spent on petrol buying an cheap lightweight awning for example?
Thanks x
in my experience you wont make any significant savings on kit....and sods law dictates that they wont have what you wanted too :( where i usually find i save is buying stuff that i woudl normally have bought online anyway...and thus save on postage costs and get to stroke it before i commit to purchase.
just treat it as a day out and an opportunity to see all the kit in close proximity.
that said, there are deals to be had, but you have to remember that the traders are being charged an extortiante amount for their pitch so its difficult for them to discount heavily.
not going this year , no interest in anything new van wise and find the accessory stands packed out and no cheaper than anywhere else.been in past and enjoyed it however
we're toying with the idea, but it will costs us about £75 on train or about 5 hour round trip driving. we really enjoyed it last time we went, and I know OH really wants a van, so good place to look at layouts. Then my Mum is not well, so don't want to prebook train tickets in case we can't go.
It's a real shame they are not doing it at the Excel Centre as really enjoyed that show and only 40 minutes from us.
We went two years ago and it saved us money. We went with the idea of buying a new 'van but nobody had brought our chosen model to the show. We saw the next model down in the range, but it had a few faults - like the washroom door didn't fit - and this put us off a bit. A dealer we spoke to said he would arrange for the model of our choice to be brought to their branch closest to us and we did look at it there. The washroom door didn't fit. Nor did some of the locker lids. One of the Alde heating radiators had its fins squashed flat and the outside lockers wouldn't open (they were unlocked). All this for only £23,000 ! We did discuss price with a few dealers but there didn't seem to be much difference if any. Eventually we found the 'van we have now. Three years old, but in better condition, fitted out to a better standard with a better layout and better spec. than anything we saw at the show (or at dealers since). We were pretty disappointed at the time but should have been grateful!
I love going but not sure how I will feel this year. It is the closest my OH will let me get to looking at caravans......until he gone and done and bought one at the February show!!!!! Now what do I do???? I wouldn't change a thing on the van, it is so perfect for our needs, and OH has loads to play with so it keeps him happy.
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
Quote: Originally posted by Fee Fi Fo on 11/9/2013
We are tempted to go. Not wanting to buy anything but is good day out, looking at caravans, what's not to like?
The price of the food and drink as they charge identical to motorway services.
we're going. went last year, but didnt uy anything as I didnt find anything cheaper than in the shops
As others have said, its a day out, but dont go with any expectations of saving money. By the time yuove paid for travel, tickets, food etc, you'll have spent more than you planned to anyway
NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show October 2013 The caravan and motorhome industry’s national showcase promises to be even bigger and better than ever before – one whole hall bigger in fact! Held at the NEC in Birmingham in October, buy discounted tickets and get a chance to win some!
And,
We've got 20 pairs of tickets to to give away!!
We have teamed up with The Motorhome & Caravan Show and are offering 20 lucky members the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show
The Show is fantastic value, advance* tickets start at just £7 for seniors (60 + years) and £8 for adults. Children under 16 years are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult or senior. Parking and a Show guide are included. A £1 transaction fee applies to all advance ticket purchases..
To buy tickets call 0844 338 7799 or visit their website (a £1.00 transaction fee applies).
* Advance ticket prices apply up to 23:59 on 14.10.13 after which tickets revert to on the door prices. (£9.00 for seniors and £10.00 for adults)
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: anyone going to the NEC?
