Coachman Amara or alternative

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi All

We are considering our next van and have looked at various makes and models and have basically narrowed the requirements down to a 4 berth end washroom made in 2002,2003 or possibly 2004. The Coachman Amaras have been recommended dure to the build quality and I think the 520/4 should suit our needs while still being within the weight for towing with our car (audi a4 2.5 tdi quattro)

Can anyone comment on the quality of the Amaras from these years or suggest any other alternatives.

Thanks All

 

[Alexander_374295091]

Magnus

I have a special edition 2006 Amara 500/5, it is our first van and have never had a problem with the van, we have a 3 year old and she hasn't managed to break anything as yet. We would recommend a Coachman to anyone. We never did any research on caravans before we went to buy, but after looking at about every british van, as soon as we walked into the Coachman within a couple of mins we knew it was the make for us, only afterwards did we find out more about the brand.

We will be changing the van next year for a rear washroom with a large shower.

 

[Pat_374304630]

Hi Magnus,

We bought a Coachman Amara 520/4 (year 2002)earlier this year.We are absolutely delighted with it.It has the modern aircraft type lockers.

Even when we went to the caravan show at the NEC there was not 1 van that I would have swapped for our van.When I looked at the latest model the only difference was that the new one had a microwave,and even that looked ridiculous.

So all in all I would recommend one.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi All

Thanks for your comments

Pat: We have an 8 year old that has an eating disorder which means we have to heat food for him in a microwave. Is there anywhere in your 520/4 that would take a microwave?

Thanks

 

[Robert_374242026]

We have the Coachman Pastiche 460/2 and the only fault we find is the weight and fridge draughts.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Thanks for all the replies.

Can anyone tell me if the Amara is the bottom of the Coachman range?

 

[Chrissylizzie]

The Amara is the lower range of the Coachmans. It is Amara, Pastiche then Laser. However, I thought all three were good.

 

[Pat_374304630]

Hi Magnus,

The latest model amara has the microwave situated over the cooker. I'm sure you could easily fit one in.It might mean changing some cupboards or even standing it on a surface.There certainly is plenty of cupboard space.

I don't se it being a problem mate.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi All

Thnaks for all your replies. It has given me some food for thought but on the whole it seems you are very pleased with your Coachman Amaras!

I have had a look around but there seems to be a lot less used amaras for sale compared to Baileys or Elddis etc.

There is a Coachman dealer fairly close to me so I may ask him to keep an eye out for anything coming soon. We have until next march to get sorted with something so it gives me plenty of time to look for a good one.

Thanks all

 

[Pat_374304630]

Hi Magnus,

Any luck yet finding your Amara ?.We purchased ours from the Caravan Company.They were very helpful.It might be worth your while speaking to them as they may be able to help.

 

[gordon_5125445]

Magnus

Had an Amara since 2004 and find the build quality nearly as good as our previous Bailey.

Silly things that have went wrong with the Amara are hinges starting to corrode (coated steel I think), cupboard light covers falling off in travel, draughts from around fridge, intermittant fault at TV aerial and pump control which results in no water or telly picture and needs a serious thump to fix and signs of rust around the front box hinges which are very unsightly.

Our Bailey had nothing at all in 4 years of ownership and as such I will probably return to that brand for my next van.

 

[Icemaker]

now thats funny a bailey better than a coachman ha ha ha ha who are you trying to kid ?.

mass produced machine made van versus allmost completely hand made small production van ?. i have never in 12 years of caravanning heard any one say the main stream mass producers can put alight to a coachman, the manufacturer is known and highly regarded by the press for its quality and outstanding reliability.

now do a search on this forum and see the problems bailey are having, i would never trust a manufacturer that blames a soap for the front of the vans cracking up.