1st purchase attempt thwarted Forums

snoopstar

Hello all,

My wife and I have decided to enter the world of motorhomeing after a recent holiday in France and seeing so many about down there. It got us to thinking how we'd like it with our two young kids, 5 & 2.

Anyway, my post, my first post is in two parts.

First, our failed buying attempt. We found a Peugeot Elddis Suntor SE at a reputable dealer we liked and negotiated a great price. We paid a deposit and gave them a snagging list of bits we wanted sorted. This was agreed and off we happily went, planning out first excursion. A couple of days later, the dealer calls, they can't sell us the motorhome as they have found too many other problems with it including damp. Very sorry they say to let us down but they believe it would be a bad buy for us. Now I am on one hand annoyed they didn't know these problems before they put it on the forecourt but on the other hand pleased with their honesty. So we went back up to see what else they had. Unfortunately there's nothing else in our price range at that branch or any of their others. They'll keep looking for us and try and get us what we want. (6 Berth, rear lounge plus 2 rear seat belted seats.)

Secondly, I would like to ask what are peoples opinions on buying privately? We are now also looking for what we want privately as we don't want to wait too long waiting for the dealer to find what we want.

Thanks for reading.

GypsyRose

Seems a strange story but please don't give up ...motorhoming is just great ..... Razz

WELCOME to MHF by the way!!

CliveMott

Our Merc based Autotrail Scout should be comming up on the market within the next 9 months if we take the plunge and order a new van at Doozleforf!

maggielou

Hi There and welcome to MHF

our first entry into MH was a self build van conversion. Then I ordered a MH from a dealer who purchased a used van to convert for me.

This was for me was a disaster.

Sold said van within 4 months bought privately and I am absolutely delighted. Research has shown that I got the van for around £3000 below dealers price but it was an autosleeper Devon, (panel van conversion) not a coachbuilt which can be more likely to have water ingress problems.

Much research, common sense, HPI & RAC inspections plus a professional damp check are a must. Email and speak to the seller lot and lots of times before even viewing. Find out as much as you can and check as much of the information as you can.

If they are genuine they will be only too pleased to tell you anything you want to know. More experienced people on here will ensure that you are made aware of everything to consider when buying from the private market.

Good luck in your search,

maggie

WingPete

Firstly, welcome this this great hobby and this forum in particular.
Go around the various dealerships, to see the variety of vans and layouts, conditions and extras incorporated.
From that list in your mind, you might then think of looking closely at some private for sale ones.
Bear in mind some brands re more popular than others, but some brands are also better built than popular ones !
With private sales, as ever, check all the information available from the vendor, like title, log book, service records, and overall condition.
Be a good judge of character, and if in doubt, tke a friend with some experience of motorhomes to guide you.
Rose coloured spectacles can hide all manner of faults.
When I was looking to buy first van, I had done much research through the magazines, phoned up a few sellers, most of whom were very helpful.
Unfortunately, I found many desirable vans had sold by the time the ad appeared,but the owners offered much advice for future reference.
Check on the size and where you will be parking it, can you sit in the drivers seat comfortably. We tried many which were no good for 32/34 inch leg length. Check how bedding is assembled, and is it all clean, undamaged.
Surprising what damage is to be seen, even on dealers forcourts.
Now you can scan these pages for private sale ads, and follow up with pertinent questions, like, can I come and see it and be taken for a drive in it. What accessories are there. What condition is it in. Had a habitation check ? And so on. There's a few starters, and there are bound to be more offering their slant on your request.

eddied

Buon giorno snoopstar, and welcome, and the best of luck with your search. Continental built, LHD, may not be your cup of tea, but have a look at Chausson. I have a Welcome 5 SU, 2002 model, which are now quite cheap. It has a U shaped rear lounge which is easily converted into a double bed, it has a spacious overcab double, and a 4 seater dinette which also converts easily to a double, and with two forward facing belted seats, as well as 2 rear facing unbelted seats. Separate shower room, large under-lounge storage locker, 3 burner hob (no oven) Blown air heating etc etc.
Anyway, look long and hard before handing over your money!
saluti,
eddied

Megahayes

Clive

I know this has probably been covered in previous posts, but why are you buying abroad? Is it simply to reduce the price? What about servicing - do you use an approved agent in the UK? And what if something goes wrong - do you have to take it back to Germany?

Peter

snoopstar

Thank you all for your replies.

After plenty of scouring and looking around other dealers, we have now found a great motorhome which we bought yesterday. ticks all our boxes and is in great condition. It's a Swift 630L with loads of extras.

We can't wait to collect it now and start enjoying it. Thanks again for everyone's advice, what a fantastic forum.

Hampshireman

Good to hear you got sorted and welcome. Yes, this forum is the bees knees and the dogs whatsits. I couldn't advise on van as you were looking at something bigger than ours.