Looking at the 2007 Avondale Argente 640/6 which looks a nice van, but have read a lot of negative comments re Avondale. Has anybody that owns one have any good views, or is all the negativity valid.
Avondale Caravans
- Thread starter Adrian2
- Start date
Hi Trudy, We have had an Avondale Osprey from new in 2003. Overall the van has been everything we wanted it to be. We have travelled to Spain and Portugal for three months every year since it was new and it is stil a joy to live in.
We have had a few relatively minor problems with the van that were corrected by the dealer without any problem.
I believe that Avondale vans suffer with the same sort of problems that seem to bug all manufacturers, trying to make something as light as possible and as cheap as possible.
The result is that most vans have fittings that are not designed to last, and you look at them and think "why on earth do they fit something as naff as that". The answer of course is that it is cheap.
From our experience this malaise is not confined to Avondale.
We have had a few relatively minor problems with the van that were corrected by the dealer without any problem.
I believe that Avondale vans suffer with the same sort of problems that seem to bug all manufacturers, trying to make something as light as possible and as cheap as possible.
The result is that most vans have fittings that are not designed to last, and you look at them and think "why on earth do they fit something as naff as that". The answer of course is that it is cheap.
From our experience this malaise is not confined to Avondale.
Hi Trudy,
We have had a 2004 Argente 550-4 from new which is a nice van but it has had so many problems that we will be glad to see the back of it. Avondale have no interest when faults occur, I contacted them after the vans second service as the cusions were sagging and the tyres were cracking but these and most other things are not covered by the warranty. Other problems include the front and rear panels cracked and were replaced, the water heater stopped working which turned out to be a wiring fault [Avondale not Truma] the gas cooker became loose as screws kept falling out, the cooker ignition has stopped working, I had to replace the tv ariel as the ones Avondale fit are useless and I have had to repair most of the blinds as they fall to bits. Our dealer even stopped selling then because of quality issues, but they still do the warranty work which keeps them booked up.
We looked at the 2007 models at The Lawns this year and the badges on one of the Land Rangers was no where near straight, a small detail I know but they cant even get them right for an exibition.
I think most manufacturers suffer some problems, but the way they deal with them can make a difference, I would never buy another Avondale because of the complete lack of customer service and a very patchy warranty which is a shame as they are nice vans. Thankfully ours is going in December to make way for a new Fleetwood which hopefully will be a lot better.
spj.
We have had a 2004 Argente 550-4 from new which is a nice van but it has had so many problems that we will be glad to see the back of it. Avondale have no interest when faults occur, I contacted them after the vans second service as the cusions were sagging and the tyres were cracking but these and most other things are not covered by the warranty. Other problems include the front and rear panels cracked and were replaced, the water heater stopped working which turned out to be a wiring fault [Avondale not Truma] the gas cooker became loose as screws kept falling out, the cooker ignition has stopped working, I had to replace the tv ariel as the ones Avondale fit are useless and I have had to repair most of the blinds as they fall to bits. Our dealer even stopped selling then because of quality issues, but they still do the warranty work which keeps them booked up.
We looked at the 2007 models at The Lawns this year and the badges on one of the Land Rangers was no where near straight, a small detail I know but they cant even get them right for an exibition.
I think most manufacturers suffer some problems, but the way they deal with them can make a difference, I would never buy another Avondale because of the complete lack of customer service and a very patchy warranty which is a shame as they are nice vans. Thankfully ours is going in December to make way for a new Fleetwood which hopefully will be a lot better.
spj.
Hi Trudy,
I bought a three year-old Avondale and kept it for ten years without any problems whatsoever.
Rob S.
I bought a three year-old Avondale and kept it for ten years without any problems whatsoever.
Rob S.
Damian
Moderator
- Mar 14, 2005
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Trudy, you are right, and the same goes for anything you buy, from cars to tv,s , washing machines etc.
You will always find people who say their particular item is the best they have had, but conversely others who have had nothing but trouble.
Good luck with your van,
You will always find people who say their particular item is the best they have had, but conversely others who have had nothing but trouble.
Good luck with your van,
hi we have a 2005 avondale 556/6 dart godiva special. its okay it does the job but the quality isnt great. they are light but there are reasons why. i wouldnt have another avondale and im changing it to a sterling 620. i think there is better quality out there with the layout you want. have a look at the swift site.
I had an avondale wren for a short time, it was a great van, but only sold it as i wanted an end bathroom.
Adrian
I have had an Avondale Landranger for 3 years, we use it quite a lot and it has never been back to the dealers for any warranty repair. Only thing I have had to do to it was to replace the back section of awning rail but that was due to damage not a fault with the van.
I have had an Avondale Landranger for 3 years, we use it quite a lot and it has never been back to the dealers for any warranty repair. Only thing I have had to do to it was to replace the back section of awning rail but that was due to damage not a fault with the van.
Started out in the 90's with an Avondale Perle Orion, kept it for 6 years never had a moments bother with it. Currently have an Avondale Rialto, it took 2 years for it to be the van it should have been from new- front and rear panels cracked up near the gutter trim (replaced under warranty) one of the bunks split (again replaced under warranty) and a window leaked (guess what---that too was done under warranty) so with that lot I dont think Avondale made anything out of that sale. Thank goodness I had the backup of a good dealer who, incidentally don't sell Avondales new anymore.
Let you draw your own conclusion from that, although I must admit I have heard of worse horror stories about other makes!
Let you draw your own conclusion from that, although I must admit I have heard of worse horror stories about other makes!
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