We are looking to upgrade from our 2005 Pennine Pullman folding camper, we originally intended to upgrade to a new Pennine Pathfinder. On looking at prices and specs we realised that for the same money we could consider a caravan with fixed beds.
Once we started looking the idea was looking more appealing, the issue is going to be when to buy and where from, ideally we would like to attend a show were we can physically see and compare the different options. When a choice has been made we will be looking to buy new.
I am seeking advice on whether to wait until the next available show (appears to be Manchester in January) and if so are dealers/manufacturers likely to be offering deals or are we more likely to get a better deal going direct to a dealer.
Some good bargains to be had at this time of year on brand new unsold models of this years stock. We saved ourselves 2.5k on the list price by buying at the end of the season. One mistake we did make though was buying 70miles away from home, its a real pain havng to return to your dealer for any warantee work to be done, or to have the annual service completed in order to keep your warantee valid as per the manufactures terms and conditions.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
I have a 2014 Adria sportline with fixed bunks that I'm going to be putting up for sale soon...its in fantastic condition, we've not used it much because of hubby's illness and now he's died I won't be able to manage it on my own.
I appreciate that you probably want new though...I did.
We have just done the same wehad caravans before then we went to folding camper we were going to upgrade then started to look at caravans again. We brought used Bailey Ranger fixed bed collect it week after next so very excited.
We went to nec and looked at small fixed beds in our opinion the best were the Swift Ace range for looks.
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
We did exactly what you are planning last year ... Pullman to caravan.
We bought ours in Germany, saving some 3K on a 6 month old model.
Had a wonderful two months this past summer and no regrets about the change.
Thanks for the advice it looks like we need to start listing some dealers and and start visiting and see what is available. Hadn't considered that new models would be selling out.
Hi Veema yes a new van is the preferred route, but a good second hand could be an option, we would want a fixed double bed however not bunks. Do you have it advertised anywhere yet.
Dealers are an issue we have a Bailey dealer very close (Salop, Cosford caravans) but all others appear to be a good distance, we live in south Stafford so any feedback on dealers would be useful.
Whilst I believe from past experience that a lot of the "build spots" are purchased at or closely after the October show, quite a lot of those "spots" will be dealer speculative buying based on the actual client interest shown. Otherwise the dealers would end up with no stock for the new year and fall back on pre ordered sales.
So don't dismiss the February show as it still will have new build offers. It will however mean a bit more legwork finding those dealers who have those build spots already in place to be able offer you a delivery date and price on. Probably the available offers will be for a bit later delivery date than an October placed order.
Quote: Originally posted by Old Bob on 07/11/2016
Thanks for the advice it looks like we need to start listing some dealers and and start visiting and see what is available. Hadn't considered that new models would be selling out.
Hi Veema yes a new van is the preferred route, but a good second hand could be an option, we would want a fixed double bed however not bunks. Do you have it advertised anywhere yet.
Dealers are an issue we have a Bailey dealer very close (Salop, Cosford caravans) but all others appear to be a good distance, we live in south Stafford so any feedback on dealers would be useful.
Chichester Caravans are now based at Bromsgrove. I have bought several vans from them over the last 30 years. Also Black Country Caravans at Cradley Heath. Neither as close as Cosford I know (I live in the Park Homes behind Salop Caravans!)but possibly not too far? Might be worth a phone call to see what models they have in.
Quote:
Hi Veema yes a new van is the preferred route, but a good second hand could be an option, we would want a fixed double bed however not bunks. Do you have it advertised anywhere yet.
Dealers are an issue we have a Bailey dealer very close (Salop, Cosford caravans) but all others appear to be a good distance, we live in south Stafford so any feedback on dealers would be useful.
No, not yet, I just can't bring myself to do it, but it will need servicing in January and I've no tow bar now, so will struggle to get it to the service place...so I'll have to get a move on. It will be priced for a quick sale and I can let it go with all the kit too...I've spoken to Venture and they've been really helpful giving me a price to sell it for as there aren't many around to compare it to.
With regards to dealers, we bought ours from Venture, but if you are looking for an Adria, Stewart Longton at Chorley have them and they've given us good service when we've taken it there for a service.
Good luck with your search...exciting times...we went from a conway crusader to the van and we never looked back, it's far more comfortable and far easier, it's just too big for me to manage on my own or I might have kept it...but then it would never be the same going away in it without the husband.
Many thanks for the useful info, as a result we have had a busy couple of days and finaly decided that we would go for a new Bailey from Cosford caravans that is just 3 miles away.
Having chosen the model (Pegasus Modena) we started talking to the dealer about details and options. During the discusion he informed us that he understood that Bailey were going to introduce a substatial price increase from Thursday this week due to the falling value of the pound. He also informed us that there was currently a 3 to 4 month lead time on delivery. If we waited until the February show it is likely that delivery would be around the end of June early July.
It will be interesting to see if Bailey do as he claims (an old trick to push a sale, just as well we had already decided as I do not respond well to pressure sales) and if so will other manufacuters follow suit.
Quote: Originally posted by Old Bob on 07/11/2016
Thanks for the advice it looks like we need to start listing some dealers and and start visiting and see what is available. Hadn't considered that new models would be selling out.
Hi Veema yes a new van is the preferred route, but a good second hand could be an option, we would want a fixed double bed however not bunks. Do you have it advertised anywhere yet.
Dealers are an issue we have a Bailey dealer very close (Salop, Cosford caravans) but all others appear to be a good distance, we live in south Stafford so any feedback on dealers would be useful.
We found that the dealer you mention offer very poor trade in value on anything you trade in. After all they have to pay for their spanking new building.
We also moved from folding camper to caravan 7 years ago now, (ours was a Conway Crusader) and we have never looked back since. We insisted at the outset that we wanted a comfy fixed double bed, other than that the layout and requirements sorted themselves out when we looked at loads and loads of different vans at the NEC, by the end we knew exactly what we wanted. The show saved us ages travelling around lots of dealer forecourts. Good luck in your quest.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
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Topic: A move to the dark side
