I am looking at another touring van, my last was 15 years ago and I miss it.
My budget is very small as have so many tents and will always be a passionate hill walker/backpacker, therefore can only justify up to £1400
Ideally I am hoping I'll be in 4-berth territory and up to 18 years old.
So far I'm interested in ABI as they seem solid units, can anyone add to this or recommend similar build for that sort of money please?
I have no interest whatsoever in Swift, I have a 5-year old static which has leaked from day one with rubbish customer follow up, and heard no end of Swift touring vans that leak as well.
Put the word out with family and friends, you may get offered something nice that has been cherished.
Otherwise its visiting lots of vans advertised as perfect and when you view them the smell of damp could be overpowering. Or they have 20 air fresheners open to hide the smell.
The best piece of advice I can think of is to visit your local dealer.
It may be cheaper to buy private, but the chance of buying a lemon can be quite high. at least with a dealer you'll get 12 months warranty, and if anything is wrong they will be obliged to fix it.
If a 2 berth will do you might find them cheaper and better looked after than 4 or 5 berth. Perhaps loved and cherished by an elderly couple rather than boisterous kids.
Our Elddis Wisp 450CT cost us £1,100 last July, and we have just come back from 15 days away with it. We just went into a local dealer and asked if they have any "trade-sales". Apparently they get them in all the time, but they are never advertised or shown on the forecourt. It's old, but it's obviously been well looked after, and looks like it's hardly ever been used. It's even got motor-movers on it! A great van! The last one we had (Elddis Tornado) cost us £500. Had it 4 years, used it every year, then sold it on for £550.
There are bargains out there, but take great care!
I believe that ABI pulled out of making touring caravans about 20 years ago but not sure of the exact date. They now build static caravans only. They sold their Elddis brand which still make tourers as part of the 'Explorer Group'.
If you're looking at caravans of that age then forget which manufacturer's name is written on it - it's condition first and whether you like the décor second. Something that was initially very well made might have been abused, whilst something that had problems earlier in life may have been repaired well by a dealer. Mechanically and structurally, all caravans are much the same (chassis by Alko or BPW and components such as fridge, heater, shower and electrics all made by third party manufacturers).
The end of the touring season (September/October) is a good time to buy as that's when some people will decide to sell rather than pay storage for the winter.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
i would say forget age and make completely.. buy on condition and whether or not you like the layout with whatever fits in your price range that comes along during your search..
trog
ps.. also dont lose a bargain just because its a tad more than your price target..
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 please!
