Avondale Argente 650/6 - 2004

[GeoffH_5040432]

As anyone else suffered as we have with the Avondale Argente 650/6. We unfortunately own a 2004 model which presented cracks in both front and rear panels, the floor as delaminated and other smaller problems are too numerous to mention, inclusive of cushions at the rear end of the van. I wish I had never purchased this heap of junk! from Campbell's in Preston, but unfortunately in my wisdom I did.

 

[John_374224558]

Had the cracking panels problem with an 03 Rialto, fortunately my supplying dealer was as good as gold and they got replaced under warranty. What was interesting was that when I took the van in to have the work done, the replacement panels were sitting against the side wall of the workshop, and while I was still unhitching, a hi top transit came in with a delivery...yes you guessed it still more panels for other vans, so I am convinced it was not a one off problem. Surely your van must still be under warranty.

 

[spj]

Hi Geoff,

You are not alone with these problems, we bought a new Argente 550-4 in September 2004 which had new front and rear panels just after its first service, our dealer [Reeds of Leeds] were really good and the panels were ordered and fitted quite quickly, there was a slight delay as a couple of vans had to go in first to have thiers done, it is a common fault and our dealer told me ours was done at the right time as the new 'fix' is to fill the cracks and not replace the faulty panels. Also have a good look at your tyres as ours were cracking at 22 months old and we had to replace them, they were 'Maxmiler' which is the cheap budget brand Avondale seem to favour. Our floor has not yet delaminated but the water heater was not wired correctly, the cushions are sagging, the oven retaining screws keep falling out, the blinds fall to bits, it had a problem blowing fuses which stopped the water heater, cooker ignition, heater and blown air working. Bits of trim have come adrift, the tv aerial was another cheap n nasty which we replaced with a Status, the front locker door drops on the handbrake, and the locker fills with water [cured by me drilling a few holes in the base] We have been lucky that our dealer is helpfull unfortunately Avondale are not and so some problems are still there as Avondales warranty does not cover them which is disgusting as the van is only 2 years old. We now have no faith in the van and on Saturday at last it is going, we will be glad to see the back of it and we would buy a tent before another Avondale.

spj.

 

[John_374224558]

Geoff,

As well as the panel issue that I mentioned earlier, I also concur with spj about the maxmiler tyres. Mine have not cracked but seem to be wearing unevenly, but I have been very careful to ensure that the pressures have always been correct. I too believe that it is because of their cheapness. Apart from that touch wood I haven't suffered from the other problems in fact I think I am relatively lucky with the rest of my van.

John.

 

[GeoffH_5040432]

Thanks for the tip about the tyres, I will check as we do a long run to France every year 2,500 round trip.