Welcome to MHF.

I havent got any knowledge on that particular motorhome,but it does look
a nice one.Hopefully someone will be along shortly to say they do!:grin2:

 

Hi Jason.
As a Hymer owner, and I have owned a few, I do know that Lakia, is part of the Hymer stable and a reputable brand. I don't know how available parts are.
The price looks about right and the condition good, I do not like the lay out as we prefer a ready made up bed, as well as the drop bed, but that is our choice.
IF the lay out suits you, it is well worth closer inspection!
Good luck, and can I suggest you pay subs and join here!

 

Many thanks for the info, don't really want to buy from a dealer but we do like this layout as having just the drop down bed gives the van more room for living space etc. Can I ask what the advantage of paying subs on here is please?

 

You will get help advice and it WILL save you money!:smile2:

 

The only word of caution I would add is to actually get into the drop down bed and make sure it's wide enough for two.

I bought a Hymer some years ago without realising that the bed had a curved front edge (to follow the shape of the front of the vehicle) That fact meant that the bed was actually rather narrow in the area of where your shoulders are, and that made it cramped and in-usable.

So PLEASE check the available space out by BOTH lying in the bed and being realistic in regards of how much room there is. I didn't and it ended up costing me a lot of money. Also consider how you will cope with any bathroom excursions during the night (the ladder rungs can be a bit harsh on bare feet)

Be very critical and look for what's wrong rather than what's right with your prospective purchase, it's a lot of money so be ruled by your head NOT your heart.

By buying from a dealer you will get a warranty.

Andy

 

Hi Jason, if this is your first motorhome then you'll probably have lots of questions to ask. As a non subscriber you get a maximum of 5 posts but as a paid up subscriber you can post as often and as many times as you like. As grath says, in the long term it will doubtless save you money.

Regards your possible purchase, I'm not familiar with Laika motorhomes but there are a few things that you need to be sure about whatever you end up buying. In no particular order.......

Damp - this can be very expensive to rectify and isn't confined to old vans. Insist on a full damp report before parting with any money.

Payload - In (very) basic terms, this is the difference between the weight of the van when empty and the maximum permissible weight (often 3500kg). Some vans have a very small payload which gives you very little leeway to add the food, clothes and passengers you may want to carry. Ensure that your prospective purchase has sufficient payload for your requirements. If necessary ask a dealer to put it on a weighbridge for you to establish where you stand.

Weight - A van with a maximum weight of 3500kg can be driven on a normal car driving licence. If the van is over that weight then you need to make sure you are licenced to drive it. If you passed your test prior to 1997 then you should be ok but it's important to check.

There are lots of other things to consider but there's a few for starters

 

Weight - A van with a maximum weight of 3500kg can be driven on a normal car driving licence. If the van is over that weight then you need to make sure you are licenced to drive it. If you passed your test prior to 1997 then you should be ok but it's important to check.

I sussed this one out already! I'm fine but my wife's not.

 

A warm welcome to you.
Yes you should confirm with the dealer the vehicle weight and that you have C1.on your licence should it be over 3500kg.

Oh yes you could also get a 5% discount on insurance through Motorhomefacts insurance. Also as a subscriber you will get up to date info on touring etc in more countries than you could think of. This Forum has been here for over 10 years now and there are very few questions we have not been able to answer.

cabby
http://www.practicalmotorhome.com/reviews/motorhome/30141-laika-rexosline-680

 

I had a very close look at new Hymer, Laika, Frankia, Carthago and N&B vans earlier this year with particular reference to the bodywork, double floor and services for skiing trips. With the exception of N&B I found the Laika to be the equal of the others, there were many things I liked about the interior too. It was only because of the interior trim, which I decided I couldn't live with, that I discounted them. I discounted Hymers too, I like fibreglass bodywork so probably would've gone for a Frankia but we came to our senses after returning to UK and the current exchange rate has well and truly put paid to the idea of an expensive new van now.

You obviously like the van so my dislike of the soft trim is of no significance. I'm pretty sure Laika were using wood free construction in the body in 2007, a quick glance underneath will confirm if it is a grp underfloor. They are very well insulated. The model you are looking at is the first van I ever really liked at a big show when we started looking a few years before buying our first van. There aren't many in UK and so it has a sort of "ageless" appearance.

Its on an X250 and probably an ALKO chassis which is good. Whats not to like.

Kev

ps We've spent 6 months in Italy over the past 4 years, besides Laika there are a few other makes such as Mobilvetta which are excellent value for money and really nice vans.

 

I suppose then that I should count myself lucky, the boss would drive anything I turned up in. including the 28ft motorhome.All the way back from Scotland and did not want to let go of the wheel for a break, but of course did, just so she could have a coffee and a pee.>> Alas she can no longer drive.

cabby

 

My Mum passed her only driving test in one of my Dada rigid HGV's, and she could only see through one eye:grin2:
Just thought I would mention, that she was not a big hairy trucker, but was a bit of a babe!