Bailey Seville or Swift Charisma 230

[Myfirstcaravan]

Hi there, I'm looking to get my first caravan, and I'm looking at either a 2011 Swift Charisma 230 £6500 (no motor mover) or a Bailey Unicorn Seville 2012 £6600 (with motor mover). We'll need a motor mover so would need to get one fitted. Both suit our needs. I was wondering whether anyone has any opinions as to which is more highly regarded. Any advice would be much gratefully received.
Thanks very much.

 

[Mel]

Both Bailey and Swift have known issues. I have had both and the faults that accompany them. So for any second hand van of that age, it is the condition of the individual van that is important. Check over each, get all the paperwork and check the service records, the damp reports, history and any warranty work. Get a recent full damp check. If necessary get a mobile tech to give the van a once over for you. Get a good warranty from the supplying dealer.
Then it is just down to personal preference.
Don’t make the motor mover the pivotal ( see what I did there) decision feature. If it was supplied when the van knew 13 years ago and has had a lot of use, it may be heading towards the end of its useful life.
Good luck
Mel

 

[borderbilly]

Neither, buy a lunar.

 

[Mel]

Neither, buy a lunar.

Do you mean the outfit previously known as “Leaky Lunars” that went bust, are no longer in production and spares may not be easy to come by. I suppose it is worth considering 😀

 

[RogerL]

Do you mean the outfit previously known as “Leaky Lunars” that went bust, are no longer in production and spares may not be easy to come by. I suppose it is worth considering 😀

Lunar used the same suppliers/brands as other UK caravans - like most UK brands, once the customer gets all the initial build problems out of the way they give many years of good service - and retain their lightweight advantage.

 

[borderbilly]

Do you mean the outfit previously known as “Leaky Lunars” that went bust, are no longer in production and spares may not be easy to come by. I suppose it is worth considering 😀

Yes, but if you search on here about ops having problems, it is all mainly bounce back baileys or %!-_÷£ swifts.

 

[Dustydog]

Yes, but if you search on here about ops having problems, it is all mainly bounce back baileys or %!-_÷£ swifts.

I’ve had Elddis, Swift and Bailey. All had issues including my neighbours Leaky Lunar!
They all by design came with inherent built in faults.

In my case and others on here ,we have sorted out the factory issues, self repaired and improved the design defects . My 17 year old is living proof all the original issues can be resolved and a reliable caravan can result.

Just a great shame you can’t buy a new perfect caravan🤬

 

[birdman101]

Over 50 years have had most makes. Elddis will never consider again, Bailey would not consider another if looking to change, unless they sorted their floor problems out. The most caravans we have had and also presently are Swifts. No major problems ,only 2 minor with previous caravans, Microwave replaced under warranty and a Fridge control unit replaced under warranty, none down to build problems.

 

[audiorob]

As has been said overall condition, service records and DAMP test report are likely to be the most important. Without looking it up a fitted motor mover would cost upwards of £600 and depending on what is included in the sale (although some items maybe available secondhand) factor in for example £50 each for aquaroll and wastemaster. Then there’s the cost of insurance which is not compulsory but recommended!
Lastly an important one - tyres should be renewed between 5 and 7 years regardless of appearance - as indicated by the 4 digits in the lozenge shape on the sidewall / so 24 21 would be the 24th week of 2021. Bargaining power if they are past it!
Good hunting!

 

[birdman101]

If buying from a main dealer with no part exchange you should be able to negotiate a mover fitted FOC. Our Daughter did on buying her first Used Caravan from Granthams.

 

[audiorob]

Added to Birdman's post above you may get a starter kit - which could include things from a battery through to a number plate... our was about £600 retail at the time. If buying from a dealer you should expect some warranty. Either way private or dealer ask for a full demo to check that everything works and in necessary video the handover!

 

[otherclive]

You can buy aftermarket warranties for caravans just like for cars. The T&C need to be looked carefully to make sure that they give what you require.

Here’s one used by the trade and private owners. I had an MB&G policy when I bought my last caravan from Martins of Exeter. It was part of their package.

Caravan Warranty | Caravan Warranties | UK

Are you looking for the best caravan warranties for you? We are fast developing a reputation for our truly excellent caravan warranties

mbginsurance.co.uk

 

[Woodentop]

The OP might get some deeper guidance if we knew his (general) location. Dealers vary considerably across the country, and of late there have been a number of closures.