Hi
We purchased a hymer caravan from Belgium, saved over 5000 pounds against the same van in the uk.
With regards to the door on the wrong side is has never been an issue especially as over half the holidays we have are in in Europe, we could have have had a cooker fitted as an option but didn't feel the need.
The plugs are European two pin style you can either change them to uk style, we found it easier to change the plugs on the items we use most like fans etc and we purchased a plug in 4 way adaptor from france so we can still use uk plugs.
There was no paperwork to be done when we returned to the uk and servicing was done at the dealers in Begium we just used to visit en route to France so never a big problem as the dealer is only 45 mins drive from Calais
Hi Judy very interested in your post, my wife and i are just about to go down the same route of importing. Did you ever import in the end. If so where did you buy the caravan from, not sure if you are allowed to mention the dealers name, in case it breaks some site violation but can you tell me the area of Germany. Some people suggest France as close to the channel tunnel, others Belgium for a similar reason. Did you encounter any problems with the import?
Hi, we didn't import in the end as there were a number of things that made us think again not least that any warranty work would have had to be done by the seller, we were told that the fire resistance of upholstery etc was not to the same standard as the uk, insurance would have been quite excessive in relation to a British van too. Having spoken to a number of Burstner motorhome dealers none were willing to import one for us or to undertake any work that needed doing. Went for a Bessaccar Cameo instead and LOVE IT !
Sorry I can not help any more,
Regards
Judi
Just a note to say we are doing the exact same thing at the moment, We went over to Dusseldorf in August last year and purchased a new Premio 450 TS, we had the call last week to say its ready to collect so we are off in two weeks to collect it from our German dealer, Krings in Monchengladbach.
We are going to use a GASLOW german to UK adapter and take over our own bottle on collection,
So far it has been easy and the saving to be made at the show have been substantial. The only issues have been in getting updates about when the VAN was ready, its was delayed by nearly two months be we have read this is not unusual as Burstner are quite strict on QC.
re, warranty, It is Valid in the UK and we have had discussions with several dealers about this, We will probably be going with CAMPERUK in lincoln for servicing etc. They used to import Caravans to the UK and only stopped in 2010, they still sell Burstner MHomes so have the systems acess.
If you need any help or contacts let me know, you could even save £1000 going to German dealer compared to the french dealer.
Hi Rich.
Thanks for posting this, I was originally looking at the Adria Altea Tay 432 PX, as part of my long term plan to purchase a caravan, although the model has been dropped, Venture caravans still do the model as the SportLine PX.
Anyway your post prompted me to look at Burstner, and from what I can tell the Premio 450 TS is of a similar lay out to the Adria.
But what really caught my eye was the un-laden weight of the Burstner, at under 1000kg it would be more than an ideal match for the firms VW Golf 1.6TDi BlueMotion 5dr Hatch that I drive.
I have no idea of the prices for the Burstner, so I will start to do my homework, did you strike your deal at the UK show, or did that take place in Germany.
I don't expect to be in a position to purchase for at least a couple of years, but it is always good to do the research I find.
If you buy abroad you do the deal with the dealer abroad. Best countries are northern(Dutch speaking)Belguim or Germany. Sales staff tend to be fluent in English & welcome your business. Holland speaks English as well but tends to be a bit dearer. Easy enough to find dealers from Caravan manufacturers websites, then phone them direct to start with.
German makes generally have large ranges from lightweight budget to luxury so they have something to suit all tastes.
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 05/2/2015Hi Rich.
Thanks for posting this, I was originally looking at the Adria Altea Tay 432 PX, as part of my long term plan to purchase a caravan, although the model has been dropped, Venture caravans still do the model as the SportLine PX.
Anyway your post prompted me to look at Burstner, and from what I can tell the Premio 450 TS is of a similar lay out to the Adria.
But what really caught my eye was the un-laden weight of the Burstner, at under 1000kg it would be more than an ideal match for the firms VW Golf 1.6TDi BlueMotion 5dr Hatch that I drive.
I have no idea of the prices for the Burstner, so I will start to do my homework, did you strike your deal at the UK show, or did that take place in Germany.
I don't expect to be in a position to purchase for at least a couple of years, but it is always good to do the research I find.
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Hi, do you know me ??? or have you been following me for the last two years !!!!! ha ha ha.....
I joke as this is exactly how we went about it.. We had been looking at the 432 PX and were looking for a 2011 model without the wardrobe as soon as you enter as it as we found this very annoying. my worry was that i was not going to be able to live with the size of the living area also. Burstner do a 435 also with the same layout as the Adria, the 450 is about 50cm bigger and a large sitting area (for less weight !!)
We first looked at the Knaus 450 but this looked quote dull inside and we both fell in love with the 450 TS at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf last year.After being introduced to a German gentleman called Simon who spoke very good english a deal was done for 14000 euros, (£11k) with the extras we wanted (german caravans come with the basic spec and you add what you want).
If you can afford the little trip the the CARAVAN SALON is amazing and the beer and sausages fab too.
If you looking for a caravan to start you off we also came across another great brand called CARADO and was tempted by one, check out these for less than £10k NEW !!
Thanks Rich.
I can see us following the same route as you when the time comes, my Brother lives in Berlin and has been there since 1982, and I worked for a German firm 1985 to 1994, that had it's main plant in Düsseldorf, so I do have a bit of a connect with Germany.
That price 14000€ sounds bang on the money, for our first and hopefully last caravan, at that kind of money, I would rather buy new than used.
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Topic: Burstner Caravan Import
