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We went to Shepton M today for a browse and saw another possible van for us, a Devon Aztec LWB, this had similar features to other vans we are interested in, rear lounge, 2x singles or double bed etc.
just wanted your impressions on the quality of Devon vans?
so far the list is Autosleeper Warwick duo, Autocruise Rhythm, Timberland Destiny IX SB and now the Aztec. where would you place this van with respect to the others?
My view is probably 2 years out of date but I went through a similar search as yourselves with Devon high on the list. In the end I got a Possl which is really a poor mans Adria but made by the same company. But it had exactly the same things the Devon had for many thousands less.
My view was that the Devon was the most robust of all the vans and was certainly lacking "tarty" bits but that at the time made sense to me. Keep it strong and functional. My problem was that it meant paying very high prices for the luxury of no luxury. Timberland at the time were in jokesville with their prices but extremely attractive products.
In the end it was obvious to me that the only British one that really matched all my needs was the Murvi but so popular was it that even second hand ones were like gold dust and....of course put their prices up.
I have never been impressed with any marque beginning with the word Auto but in fairness, I have never given those marques a cursory look to confirm my prejudice.
In summary the Devon is or was the epitomy of skilled British workings and a British price. It reeks of Sunday afternoon tea, cricket, and long walks around National Trust gardens. It gives the impression of longevity, reliability in a no nonsense way. What price that is all worth is of course questionable in todays climate.
I noticed a lot of interest in panel van conversions at Shepton Mallet. Whereas you could gain access easily to the more conventional vans there always seemed to be an orderly queue to get into a panel van.
I looked at them all as I am actively seeking a new van.
I thought the Trigano Tribute Sport had fantastic build quality and the Autocruise vans were also well made. The Devon was almost their equal and overall I was impressed except for the exterior colour of the model on display. The lighting looked a little bit old fashioned but that was my only negative point. I loved the Autosleeper Warwick but as that does not offer an automatic gearbox option that was ruled out immediately.
The layout of the Aztec and the Autocruise Rhythm are more or less the same with the option of 2 single beds in the rear which is exellent for a panel van. I prefer single beds when in the Med and they are better in the night if you need to get up for going to the toilet. But there is also the option of sleeping across the van in a double bed.
Overall I thought the Autocruise was slightly better made but the wood panelling looked a bit tacky with artificial plastic wood inserts. My preference (just) is for the Aztec but I have to way up the inconvenience of getting warranty done at a dealer that is about 150 miles from where I live.
You may also wish to know that all the dealers I spoke to all rolled their eyes when I mentioned the judder problem on the Fiat gearboxes. Not one of them denied it was a problem and suggested that if I was concerned (as many are) to opt for the Comfortmatic (auto) gearbox but that adds significantly to the price. That gearbox does not seem to have the same issues and I have spoken to other owners also which confirm this to be the case. However, if you want that gearbox you might have to wait 6 to 7 months as they are in short supply. Personally I would not consider the manual version as you only have to read owners experiences on this site to realise its not worth the hassle or the expense when the warranty expires.
One option might be to do some research on the Peugeot base on the Autosleeper. There is a suggestion that they have modified the gearbox to lower the gear ration in reverse gear which is the cause of the judder problem. Fiat's fix is not so comprehensive. As a starting point look at the MMM forum and on this site which cover this point to a greater or lesser extent. If you are intent on buying a manual box I think I would opt for the Autosleeper Warwick if that enables you to sleep in single bed format. Its on the Peugeot base and is probably the best made of all of those you mention.
These are my initial thoughts. I'm going to the NEC in October to make a purchase whatever it is. My beloved 2002 Autosleeper Duetto (auto) might be for sale in a few months time.
We can't help you with the Devon you are interested in, but we own a Devon Sundowner so can comment on the general quality of their vans.
We bought the Devon two years ago, as it was the design we wanted and do feel that they understand campervans, use them and know what works well in one to make the most of the space.
In our experience they are not fantastic as sales people, during the 6 months of waiting for the van they never got in touch and seemed to think an extra months delay was not a problem. The after sales service is not gushing, but we have taken the van back for one problem - the glue for the roof fabric gave up the ghost - and they fixed it.
Generally, the van has withstood the knocks we give it very well, we are currently into month 5 of our 12 month holiday in it. A few little things have broken - the tap to the waste tank, odd holes in the vinyl flooring (but these will be because of sharp objects we've bought in). Really, considering the dreadful roads we've been on and the kms we've done everything has stayed together very well and nothing serious has broken - touch wood!
We would certainly recommend their vans. Good luck with finding the van of your dreams. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.
Canda
______________________________________________________________ Carol and Anthony of Salford
Smell the flowers while you can
Hi 2dogs,we took delivery of a Devon Aztec with 3 litre engine and comfortmatic transmission on Sept 3rd, so it's a little early for me to comment on quality, althouh I have been crawling all over it since I got it ,doing the detail planning of the various little modifications we (my wife and I ) inevitably make to any vehicle we buy. So far I have found that it seems to be built to a satisfactory standard. Obviously there will be the odd minor glitch which I am sure I can fix myself or get the supplier to fix. The real test will come with use and I will report further in due course. Meanwhile happy hunting!!
Hi 2Dogs, have a look at the Vantage - we looked at several makes but chose this for quality finish and design. Spoke to a couple of others on site who have them and they're pleased too.
crissy
I know the Aztec is probably the cheapest of the lot but I thought was better quality than the Rhythm.
We haven't seen a Vantage yet but judging by the price should be good quality.
Base vehicle concerns are an issue with the judder but an auto box is not for us.
We will continue our search at the NEC in October.
Dam, dam and double dam. I too went to Shepton Show and missed seeing the Aztec. This make is on the top of my list as it's one of the very few MW bases on the market. I did see the Marquis Dorset EL though but the price was a little too much for my pocket
A quick question - if the wait is about 6 months for an Auto Aztec do you have to cough up a hefty deposit? What with the economic climate at the moment I'm a little reluctant to pass over the cash and the company go down the drain taking my money with it.
A totally negative attitude I know but......
Looking forward to the NEC. Letting the train take the strain as it took 6 hours to get to Shepton from Kent!
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