Elddis
- Thread starter Deckchair
- Start date
- Jul 18, 2017
- 16,919
- 5,498
- 50,935
We had the 2018 Buccaneer version. Be aware that on all model years the one thing that needs to be checked thoroughly is the front panel as they are prone to cracking. Normally the cracks are on top where the front panel meets the roof and cannot be seen in a normal inspection. For a new panel we were quoted over £9000 and for the repair about £4000. I am sure that same panels are used on the Buccaneers and the Crusaders.
If you go ahead with the purchase, big deposit with a couple of grand on hire purchase. Pay off the balance a couple of months later. If the cost is under £30k, pay a deposit using a credit card.
Wet,Wet,Wet sponsored by Elddis. Seriously, have the front and rear panels checked for damp. This one had a loose hinge bare on the RH front , it let water inside which rotted the front plywood ( Caravan is a 2020- with Solid construction) client was unaware of the extent.once the curtains, blinds and window rubbers the centre window and lh window frame were are wet/rotted, seems to be a common theme on Elddis caravans
Attachments
- Mar 14, 2005
- 19,274
- 4,464
- 50,935
Damp is probably the single biggest issue with secondhand caravans of any make. It's usually not " does it have a damp problem" but when. Did or will it have a damp problem. Unfortunately you can't assume there is any brand or model that can be guaranteed to be free from damp issues
The fact is manufacturers can build perfect caravans, and there are enough examples where some customers are completely happy, so this proves the manufacturers can do it, but customer satisfaction surveys also prove it's a lottery, and like the lottery there are plenty of losers that prove the manufacturers don't take customer satisfaction seriously enough. Their casual attitude destroys dreams and resale values and costs customers time, loss of access and money.
Damp does not have to be death of a caravan, if it's been detected early enough and been correctly repaired then the caravan can have a good service life, but good repairs cost money, and depending on the age of the caravan, some parts may not be available.
Unless you are a gluten for DIY projects (and some people are) you need to buy wisely. Get yourself as much protection and leverage that you can.
I always advise that if you find a caravan you like, then it pays to have an independent pre purchase inspection. Members of the AWS can do this, but have it done before you agree to purchase. If you don't like the report walk away. If the owner baulks at the idea of an independent inspection ask yourself what are they trying to hide? and walk away.
As others have suggested, use some finance product to make the purchase, as then have some other organisations under section 75 Of the consumer credit act, to leverage for support if you do have any after sales problem.
Provided you do buy from a trader (Retailer) you have some powerful rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. It's worth reading up about the CRA.
Some different makes and models do seem to have common issues so it can certainly be a valuable exercise to gen up on those frequent issues or know how to spot the problems.
The fact is manufacturers can build perfect caravans, and there are enough examples where some customers are completely happy, so this proves the manufacturers can do it, but customer satisfaction surveys also prove it's a lottery, and like the lottery there are plenty of losers that prove the manufacturers don't take customer satisfaction seriously enough. Their casual attitude destroys dreams and resale values and costs customers time, loss of access and money.
Damp does not have to be death of a caravan, if it's been detected early enough and been correctly repaired then the caravan can have a good service life, but good repairs cost money, and depending on the age of the caravan, some parts may not be available.
Unless you are a gluten for DIY projects (and some people are) you need to buy wisely. Get yourself as much protection and leverage that you can.
I always advise that if you find a caravan you like, then it pays to have an independent pre purchase inspection. Members of the AWS can do this, but have it done before you agree to purchase. If you don't like the report walk away. If the owner baulks at the idea of an independent inspection ask yourself what are they trying to hide? and walk away.
As others have suggested, use some finance product to make the purchase, as then have some other organisations under section 75 Of the consumer credit act, to leverage for support if you do have any after sales problem.
Provided you do buy from a trader (Retailer) you have some powerful rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. It's worth reading up about the CRA.
Some different makes and models do seem to have common issues so it can certainly be a valuable exercise to gen up on those frequent issues or know how to spot the problems.
- Oct 1, 2017
- 43
- 7
- 18,535
- Jul 18, 2017
- 16,919
- 5,498
- 50,935
Elddis caravans generally have the best layouts and very nice attractive interiors, but that is where it finishes. After 2 Elddis caravans we would not buy another Elddis product!
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,847
- 9,529
- 50,935
A recent member posted about his brand new 2025 Eldiss caravan and commented very positively on the external and internal fit and finish compared to previous ones. So it could be that Hymer ‘s input is having a positive effect. What remains to be seen is if construction and durabilty is improved.
- Nov 11, 2009
- 25,847
- 9,529
- 50,935
I’m well aware of that but as we don’t know the Hymer influence anything else is conjecture, except that one owner of a brand new Eldiss has posted a very positive report, compared to his previous Eldiss caravan. Companies can improve and if Eldiss were to move towards and the quality and durability of Hymer that can only be a good thing for their customers and send a message perhaps to other UK manufacturers.
TRENDING THREADS
-
-
Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 being proposed by HMG. Good or bad?- Started by Dustydog
- Replies: 154
-
Caravan Battery we think is dead even though we have solar- Started by Saxo Appeal
- Replies: 166
-
-
-
-
Facebook
Twitter