Can't make the choice Forums

Carl

Hi all im a brand new member who cant make his mind up.
I own a 2001 model caravan and cant decide if to sell up and buy a motor home or keep the van.The van we have is an end bathroom 4 berth.We have been looking at £25,ooo+ motorhomes with fixed bedroom something like the kon-tiki but havent the balls to decide.Do dealers take on car and van together in P/X.I know owers here will be biased here but is this a wise choice.We are a young family with a 6yr boy whos already decided hes sleeping over the cab and he will go on the roof if
needed.How do members get about? is it awkward parking?are the m/h economical?can anyone lend me some money lol?
Sorry for rambling but its such a big investment i just want to make the right choice.
Thanks in advance
Carl Question

Anonymous

Hi Carl and welcome to the site.

Decisions, decisions! Most dealers will take just about anything in part exchange. From what I know (which isn't that much) you will generally get a better deal for cash. However part ex is probably more convienient.

Some dealers will allow you to hire a van, such as RDH in Nottingham and if you decide to buy within a certain period they will refund/discount the hire fee paid.

Generally we don't find it difficult to get about. It's all a question of getting used to the size etc. It is a big investment and although it's easy to get carried away with all the excitement be careful as you only have to look at the classified ads in the mags to see new low mileage 'vans for sale.

Get into any potential 'van and 'pretend' to live in it. Any decent dealer won't mind how long you take, imagine cooking a meal, getting changed, making the beds, whatever. Don't be afraid to ask for a test drive - you may not go out in the exact 'van you are looking at but at least make sure it is the same size/engine etc.

What part of the country are you in? I'm sure if you let us know someone can point you in the direction of a decent dealer.

Probably given you more questions to ask, so ask away.

Raine

Hi and Welcome Carl, We have a tremendous search facility on the site, and one of the threads is about different vans, and such, there was one that showed you the interiors as well, if i find it will post it for you! happy hunting! Rolling Eyes

hymmi

Hi Carl,we had six caravans and never got full use out of them,all the loading and extras wheelclamp,awning,staberliser everywhere everything was an effort,(said this before on this site),after sitting in the car for half hour in pouring rain on site,we came home and sold our lovely almost new caravanand brought our first motorhome.Fantastic.We have never regretted it,did have to borrow some money,but quickly made it back buying and selling,you won't loose money if you are carefull.We avoided dealers,on our seventh van now looking for number eight.
Not sure what you mean how do we get about.Keep under 20ft and you will get in parking space.Depends what van you have average 25 to the gallon.

I don't think you would regret it,if you do sell it and get your money back.

dodger148

Dont think anybody could have put it better hymmi
Dont think you will have a problem with the dual trade in, if you do go further afield dealer wise

twooks

Welcome to the site Carl, and the tantalising prospect of freedom.
A lot will obviously depend on the size of your m'home, but they are really great for short spontaneous trips, no planning, just takes a matter of minutes and you are off - for a day, weekend, or whatever.
Great for day trips - especially with children - you take your loo with you, can stop at a moments notice for food drink whatever - easier to keep them amused on long journeys.

good luck

Cool

BarryandSue

Welcome, Carl.

I can only speak for us, but I made my decision to get a coachbuilt when my two children were just a couple of years older than yours, and it was the best decision I ever made!

Motorhomes are made for families!

On days out, everything needed was already on board, like swimming things (inc snorkels, flippers and other essential apparatus to allow small boys to swim!), toys/games, books/magazines, hot water, toilet, clean clothes, sunloungers, food/drink, etc. Some of our best times were when we went out for the day, but we'd had such a super time that we stayed on. One memorable half-term break of four days turned into a mini-holiday of over a week! We never booked summer holidays - we just drove to "Europe" and the boys had a fabulous time. And so did we...

There are downsides to a motorhome, but on balance, provided you choose the [u:f5aed322cf]right one for you[/u:f5aed322cf], the advantages are overwhelming for a family.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but strive to make the right [u:f5aed322cf]choice[/u:f5aed322cf] of m/home, as it can make or break the experience. Where are you? Perhaps a face-to-face meeting with one or two of us could help?

Barry

Anonymous

Carl, we changed from caravan to motorhome in july this year. We looked at many to decide what would suit us best.
Went for a 6 berth ( 2 fixed beds ) with a garage to store everything.
We have 2 children a 5 & 2 yr old, they love it.
Buy a nearly new 1 or 2 yr old van, this will have lost the vat and save about 15% on new.
If you hire a motorhome x 2 wks, expect to pay about £1,500 min.
Buy one, keep it a year. Use it most weekends and for your main holidays, and lose maybe £1,000 or poss get back what you paid for it.
Our motorhome is 24ft long, not had a problem parking it yet.
Ins = £360.00 This includes full euro breakdown.
25 mpg ( min )
Good luck Very Happy

Frank !!!!!!!!!!!

twooks · Last edited by twooks on Sun Nov 21, 2004 7:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hi Frank and welcome to the site.
That's a very interesting costing you mention, makes it cheap by any standards ???

it's how you tell 'em

Cool