5 berth caravan purchase help

Hitby · Mar 22, 2017

Hi all,
We bought an old caravan last year (1990 Elddis Tornado XL). Unfortunately, I took it for a service last week and he couldn't pass it due to damp and various other issues. So, we're looking for another. We'd like a 5 berth and £4k is our maximum budget. We're erring towards a dealer van due to the heartbreaking issues with the last one but they are few and far between at this price range.

We've seen a 2000/2001 Lunar LX2000 525 for sale at a local dealer up for £3995. I was hoping for any input you could provide on price/value, anything I should specifically look for. We're going to be really pushing ourselves financially to replace our old Elddis but both myself and my partner love caravanning and our kids absolutely adore it - they ask to sleep in the van every weekend!

The one we're looking at is here - http://caravans.autotrader.co.uk/used-caravans/lunar/lx-2000/2000-lunar-lx-2000-redcar-cfpa-2c929b1259d03c15015a281bd128435f

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Dan

tentmonster · Mar 22, 2017

Hitby said:
Hi all,
We bought an old caravan last year (1990 Elddis Tornado XL). Unfortunately, I took it for a service last week and he couldn't pass it due to damp and various other issues.

What do you mean "he could n't pass it? It's up to you whether you use it or not.

Have you checked private sales. Plenty of caravans available for your budget - buy a damp meter or take and pay for a caravan mechanic to look at it.

Hitby · Mar 22, 2017

Thanks,
The damp has caused the front shelf to lift so the gas locker can vent into the van, the side is bowing out so there is a gap between the furniture - he said this can be from the axle dropping. High damp readings around the rest of the van. As we've two young kids it's not worth the risk and the cost to put it right would buy a newer van.

A dealer might be the only option for finance reasons although I am keeping an eye out privately as well. I've asked and it's £60 for a pre-purchase inspection which would be a definite on a private van, I'm also wondering if it would be a good idea on a dealer van.

tentmonster · Mar 22, 2017

Well, if it's not safe to tow I would n't. I bought a 4 berth 2003 Luna for less than £3k privately. But I did see a few 'vans I before that one that were a bit iffy .... one had black mould growing in the cupboards and sealer dripping down the sides from the roof joint! I did n't need the damp meter.

ProfJohnL · Mar 22, 2017

tentmonster said:
Hitby said:

Hi all,
We bought an old caravan last year (1990 Elddis Tornado XL). Unfortunately, I took it for a service last week and he couldn't pass it due to damp and various other issues.

Click to expand...

tentmonster said:

There is no set test like an MOT for a caravan or a trailer to "pass" but any service engineer worth their salt is obliged to advise the owner if they feel a trailer is unroadworthy.

Click to expand...

Mel · Mar 22, 2017

There are a couple on Caravanfinder website from dealers. Good luck with your search.
Mel

Martin24 · Mar 23, 2017

It looks a nice clean and tidy van but as you know looks can be deceptive. Any reputable dealer will be quite happy for you to have the van independently inspected. I would go for that option dealer or not to be on the safe side. Dealers often miss a lot when selling a new van so I wouldn't trust them with second hand either.

If all is well and dandy with the inspection then go for it. It's not only the price bracket that is fairly rare on the dealer forecourts it's family layouts that are snapped up quickly.

Good luck.

Hitby · Mar 23, 2017

Thanks,
I think we're going to go and have another look around at the weekend. Have a chat with the dealer about warranties and motor movers and if there could be any movement on price.

Appreciate all the input!

Parksy · Mar 25, 2017

Hi Dan
I'm sorry to read of your misfortune with the Elddis and hope that your next purchase is more successful.
Click Here for an approximate price guide which may give you a rough idea of used caravan prices, the Lunar seems to be reasonably priced.
Buying a used caravan can be a minefield, I've bought a few lemons in my time, and a little bit of research on what to watch out for might be useful.
The Caravan Buyers Guide should help you to avoid the more common pitfalls whether buying privately or from a dealership.
Click on the link text at the left hand side and most aspects of buying are covered, from how to tell the true age of a caravan to damp checks etc.

Parksy · Mar 25, 2017

Hi Dan
I'm sorry to read of your misfortune with the Elddis and hope that your next purchase is more successful.
Click Here for an approximate price guide which may give you a rough idea of used caravan prices, the Lunar seems to be reasonably priced.
Buying a used caravan can be a minefield, I've bought a few lemons in my time, and a little bit of research on what to watch out for might be useful.
The Caravan Buyers Guide should help you to avoid the more common pitfalls whether buying privately or from a dealership.
Click on the link text at the left hand side and most aspects of buying are covered, from how to tell the true age of a caravan to damp checks etc.

20170602yuanyuan · Jun 2, 2017

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5 berth caravan purchase help

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