Help me choose my first van

[Eddie 27]

My good lady and myself are looking for our first van. If you take a look at my post over in the new member introduction section you will get the general idea of the type of van layout we are looking for.
Namely one with the fixed twin single bed layout with a double to make up in the lounge area. We could both be described as plus sized so it is essential that the twin singles are as wide as possible. I have read a review on one model which stated bed width as 69cm and that is just not going to cut it I am afraid. Vans with 74cm width mattresses are available I know, do any have more than that?
Having crunched the numbers I see my Kodiaq can tow a van up to 1700 kg MTPLM with a nose weight limit of 100 kg.
As it will be our first van I feel it would be best not to go all in financially incase we decide it is not for us after all. Therefore my budget will be up to £8,000.
I understand that the twin single layout is relatively new to the market and consequently my budget is quite tight.
It would seem I will get most bang for my buck buying privately although this will come with higher risk than buying from a dealer.
It would be nice to have an awning, well essential to have an awning actually so I suppose finding a van for sale privately from somebody who is retiring from the scene would fit my requirements best of all.
I am aware of caravan finder, any other good places I should be looking?

Thanks in advance for your help 😁

 

[otherclive]

My good lady and myself are looking for our first van. If you take a look at my post over in the new member introduction section you will get the general idea of the type of van layout we are looking for.
Namely one with the fixed twin single bed layout with a double to make up in the lounge area. We could both be described as plus sized so it is essential that the twin singles are as wide as possible. I have read a review on one model which stated bed width as 69cm and that is just not going to cut it I am afraid. Vans with 74cm width mattresses are available I know, do any have more than that?
Having crunched the numbers I see my Kodiaq can tow a van up to 1700 kg MTPLM with a nose weight limit of 100 kg.
As it will be our first van I feel it would be best not to go all in financially incase we decide it is not for us after all. Therefore my budget will be up to £8,000.
I understand that the twin single layout is relatively new to the market and consequently my budget is quite tight.
It would seem I will get most bang for my buck buying privately although this will come with higher risk than buying from a dealer.
It would be nice to have an awning, well essential to have an awning actually so I suppose finding a van for sale privately from somebody who is retiring from the scene would fit my requirements best of all.
I am aware of caravan finder, any other good places I should be looking?

Thanks in advance for your help 😁

The Caravan and Motorhome Club classifieds will have caravans where often all the kit is included. If not they can also be a good source of pre owned kit. I bought an Isabella awning and Alko wheel lock. Re awnings we found a good sized porch awning like Isabella Magnum have plenty of space for us two, dogs and grandkids. A plus point is that unlike a full awning a porch can move between caravans. So no financial loss when you move caravan. Some porch awnings will have zip in annexes for additional guests or as a shed.

 

[borderbilly]

Awnings, i have just purchased my 2nd porch one, £50 from gumtree. Keep your eye on these sites as there is a lot of billy bargains to be had.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

We have an Adria Adora Seine which has the layout you describe. We've had ours from new for 2 years so outside your budget, but maybe you could get one second hand. The build quality is good. Good luck with your search.

 

[Eddie 27]

Thanks guys.
I think it will be worth taking a look around some local dealers and getting hands on with a few vans to see for ourselves. Pictures from the Web can be quite misleading I have found.
Is the show at the NEC coming up in October worth a visit?

 

[ProfJohnL]

...
Is the show at the NEC coming up in October worth a visit?

Yes and No.....

It is worth a visit to see what is available and to get ideas but they will all be new models and thus outside your budget. and some of the smarter new ideas wont be available on older s/h models yet.

I know you have stated you'll consider a private sale, and you 're aware of some of the pitfalls of private vs dealer. The biggest potential pitfall being the caravan needing extensive repairs that you didn't spot before you agreed to buy. this is one good reason to consider a dealer purchase even if its just for the implied warranty you get with the Consumer Rights Act when you make a purchase from a dealer is not something to ignore too casually thrown away.

I mention this becasue the stands at the exhibition are usually staffed by dealers rather than manufacturers, and if they see a potential customer who might be frightened by the cost of a new caravan, some may try to tempt you with offers on S/H vans back at their dealerships. What might seem like a good deal can morph into an expense and inconvenience if the dealership is located some miles from your home.

Shop local.

 

[Eddie 27]

Yes and No.....

It is worth a visit to see what is available and to get ideas but they will all be new models and thus outside your budget. and some of the smarter new ideas wont be available on older s/h models yet.

I know you have stated you'll consider a private sale, and you 're aware of some of the pitfalls of private vs dealer. The biggest potential pitfall being the caravan needing extensive repairs that you didn't spot before you agreed to buy. this is one good reason to consider a dealer purchase even if its just for the implied warranty you get with the Consumer Rights Act when you make a purchase from a dealer is not something to ignore too casually thrown away.

I mention this becasue the stands at the exhibition are usually staffed by dealers rather than manufacturers, and if they see a potential customer who might be frightened by the cost of a new caravan, some may try to tempt you with offers on S/H vans back at their dealerships. What might seem like a good deal can morph into an expense and inconvenience if the dealership is located some miles from your home.

Shop local.

A friend of mine bought his private and it turned into a bit of a nightmare. He said he would never buy privately again and his experience has made me extremely cautious.
I'm thinking that perhaps I should find a way to extend my budget.
Any recommendations for a dealership in my area?

 

[Hutch]

A friend of mine bought his private and it turned into a bit of a nightmare. He said he would never buy privately again and his experience has made me extremely cautious.
I'm thinking that perhaps I should find a way to extend my budget.
Any recommendations for a dealership in my area?

Think of it another way,
People sell their van to a dealer, it has a small amount of damp, the dealer ,
Dealer puts it on the website. £1500 higher than bought, , sells the van, nobody mentioned damp.
Before anyone states CRA2015. Not everyone knows about this.
And the buyer gets ripped off.

 

[Hutch]

Can you imagine dealers buying IN , a used caravan, find damp, sort it out and sell on,
Not a hope,,mention one if you can.

 

[otherclive]

A friend of mine bought his private and it turned into a bit of a nightmare. He said he would never buy privately again and his experience has made me extremely cautious.
I'm thinking that perhaps I should find a way to extend my budget.
Any recommendations for a dealership in my area?

Many times you cannot smell, see or feel damp until it gets a real hold. Any caravan you buy you should try and obtain an independent damp report by an AWS technician. My vans always had a FSH and for my last two which I sold privately I had a AWS damp check carried out prior to advertising them as their service was more than six months previous.

Approved Touring Caravan & Motorhome Servicing in the UK

The Approved Workshop Scheme is the benchmark for motorhome and touring caravan servicing in the UK with fixed and mobile workshops nationwide.

www.approvedworkshops.co.uk

 

[Mel]

There are dealerships that sell new vans and used vans that are often trade ins. There are also companies that only sell used vans; such as Burton Caravan Centre and The Caravan Place. I am not specifically recommending these two as I have had no dealings with them. However, you may find that places only dealing in used vans have a wider range price wise than dealerships who focus on new vans.
Worth a lot of leg work going to different places to compare.
Also, as others have said worth getting an AWS techie to give a prospective purchase the once over.
Happy Hunting
Mel

 

[ProfJohnL]

...
Any recommendations for a dealership in my area?

Unfortunately as I don't know where you are located, and unless your in my area I'm not likely to know the good bad or the ugly that may be close to you.

I suggest you ask someone local to you who caravans about their impressions of local dealers. Or being a little cheeky if you see a neighbour with a caravan ask them. If nothing else you might make a new friend.

 

[Beachball]

Awnings, i have just purchased my 2nd porch one, £50 from gumtree. Keep your eye on these sites as there is a lot of billy bargains to be had.

We are also getting plenty of offers from ebay but not at that price you got a great deal for yours

 

[Eddie 27]

Unfortunately as I don't know where you are located, and unless your in my area I'm not likely to know the good bad or the ugly that may be close to you.

I suggest you ask someone local to you who caravans about their impressions of local dealers. Or being a little cheeky if you see a neighbour with a caravan ask them. If nothing else you might make a new friend.

I am handily located just a 5 minute drive from junction 25 on the M1 on the Derby side. I can cover a 50 mile radius from here in under an hour no problem. 😁

 

[Eddie 27]

We have an Adria Adora Seine which has the layout you describe. We've had ours from new for 2 years so outside your budget, but maybe you could get one second hand. The build quality is good. Good luck with your search.

I have had a look at one of these and it certainly ticked all the boxes for us. Very nice 👍
Consequently I have realised that I need to up my budget significantly 😁
I have never had finance for anything ever in my whole life, mortgage excepted. Now I am discovering that this scenario is not conducive to getting a good credit rating so it would seem. Also I have just changed employers, in fact a complete swerve in career and now find myself working in local government. Took a bit of a drop financially but I am old enough to realise that there is more to life than money and it is a very refreshing change being able to drive to work in the morning with a smile on my face 😁
I have only been in this role since the end of June so no doubt this is something that will count against me when it comes to getting a reasonable APR. Hopefully after six months with the council I will be in a better position.
Just gives me time for more research which is never a bad thing.

 

[otherclive]

I have had a look at one of these and it certainly ticked all the boxes for us. Very nice 👍
Consequently I have realised that I need to up my budget significantly 😁
I have never had finance for anything ever in my whole life, mortgage excepted. Now I am discovering that this scenario is not conducive to getting a good credit rating so it would seem. Also I have just changed employers, in fact a complete swerve in career and now find myself working in local government. Took a bit of a drop financially but I am old enough to realise that there is more to life than money and it is a very refreshing change being able to drive to work in the morning with a smile on my face 😁
I have only been in this role since the end of June so no doubt this is something that will count against me when it comes to getting a reasonable APR. Hopefully after six months with the council I will be in a better position.
Just gives me time for more research which is never a bad thing.

If you buy using finance via a dealer you get significantly more protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 than a personal loan or cash and you can still pay off early. Also if you pay towards a deposit using a credit card above £100) then you get protection under Section75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Might think I’m being negative but being a member for many years I’ve heard many horror stories of post acceptance woes concerning caravan defects and the struggle to get them resolved, or not. One member, Buckman, has been very successful in rejecting a van, and getting a resolution on a front end problem, and also the bonnet of his Jeep.. Might be worthwhile just having a leisurely read of some of his posts using Search.

Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Which?

The Consumer Rights Act protects you in almost all purchases you make. Here we explain what it means when buying goods or services

www.which.co.uk

What Is The Consumer Credit Act? | moneyfactscompare.co.uk

The Consumer Credit Act (CCA) is a key piece of legislation that protects consumers and regulates credit agreements. Find out how it affects you and your rights.

moneyfactscompare.co.uk

 

[Steve1962]

If you buy using finance via a dealer you get significantly more protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 than a personal loan or cash and you can still pay off early. Also if you pay towards a deposit using a credit card above £100) then you get protection under Section75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Might think I’m being negative but being a member for many years I’ve heard many horror stories of post acceptance woes concerning caravan defects and the struggle to get them resolved, or not. One member, Buckman, has been very successful in rejecting a van, and getting a resolution on a front end problem, and also the bonnet of his Jeep.. Might be worthwhile just having a leisurely read of some of his posts using Search.

Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Which?

The Consumer Rights Act protects you in almost all purchases you make. Here we explain what it means when buying goods or services

www.which.co.uk

What Is The Consumer Credit Act? | moneyfactscompare.co.uk

The Consumer Credit Act (CCA) is a key piece of legislation that protects consumers and regulates credit agreements. Find out how it affects you and your rights.

moneyfactscompare.co.uk

What great advice this is, another example of why this forum is just so good.

Steve

 

[Buckman]

If you buy using finance via a dealer you get significantly more protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 than a personal loan or cash and you can still pay off early. Also if you pay towards a deposit using a credit card above £100) then you get protection under Section75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Many people do not realise that you can buy on HP, two months later get a bank loan and pay off the HP saving interest, but the finance company are still liable if anything untoward crops up as they are the supplier.

 

[Eddie 27]

Thanks otherclive. The more consumer protection, the better.
Quite some years ago my nan told me the old maxim "neither lender nor borrower be" and I have always stuck by it.
However times have changed and in the modern capitalist society borrowing is much more acceptable than it once was. In fact it seems a way of life for the majority nowadays.
Now I feel more secure with a solid reliable employer who pays wages on time and even provides a pension with contributions instead of pocketing mine, I don't have the 'fear' of credit that I always felt before.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks otherclive. The more consumer protection, the better.
Quite some years ago my nan told me the old maxim "neither lender nor borrower be" and I have always stuck by it.
However times have changed and in the modern capitalist society borrowing is much more acceptable than it once was. In fact it seems a way of life for the majority nowadays.
Now I feel more secure with a solid reliable employer who pays wages on time and even provides a pension with contributions instead of pocketing mine, I don't have the 'fear' of credit that I always felt before.

I heard recently that someone was looking to buy a brand new car on PCP and the deal over the same term was cheaper than a nearly new version of the same spec car. It’s a strange world.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Thanks otherclive. The more consumer protection, the better.
Quite some years ago my nan told me the old maxim "neither lender nor borrower be" and I have always stuck by it.
However times have changed and in the modern capitalist society borrowing is much more acceptable than it once was. In fact it seems a way of life for the majority nowadays.
Now I feel more secure with a solid reliable employer who pays wages on time and even provides a pension with contributions instead of pocketing mine, I don't have the 'fear' of credit that I always felt before.

I wholeheartedly agree about your Nan's advice, as you can hold your head up without a bank or finance house trying to knock your head off. BUT it does seem that financial institutions have greater clout and can get things repaired or replaced more effectively than ordinary man in the street.

You can still hold true to your Nans advice by amassing the funds up front, but using a finance deal to complete the purchase and as OC has suggested paying it off at the earliest point if you wish.

The reality is our world now seems to rely on credit, scores and I detest the fact that financial intuitions seem to rate hard working people who pay their way with poor credits scores, when they have actually acted responsibly and lived within their means.

 

[Dustydog]

Eddie ,the best way forward is follow Clive’s #10 before you part with your money . Would you spend £20 k + on a car and not have it checked by a Professional?

Also never mind where you get it from ensure the seller has good legal title and there is no outstanding finance nor it may have been stolen!

Buckman’s great advice comes after you have been sold a dud! Hope you don’t need to follow all his trials and tribulations!

 

[Eddie 27]

Thank you everybody, all great advice.

The motor trade is indeed quite hard to fathom at times. Quite scary actually and I should know because I was a part of it in my early working years. I would class myself as a professional having a HNC in Motor Vehicle Engineering. A qualification gained before the BTEC was dumb downed to the point of it now being used in a derogatory fashion by the younger generation. I worked hard for that certification so to hear it used as a slur was really upsetting. I still recall the time one of my lecturers came to his lesson with tears in his eyes, he had just read the new syllabus and realised what it would mean for us. I didn't at the time but I do now.
New or used, you will find snakes, sharks and crooks everywhere. It's just one of the facts of life. So I would like to think that my eyes are wide open.
So getting the best consumer protection possible with the power of the finance companies behind me is a no brainer as they say. It will be interesting to see what kind of APR a dealer can offer me. I have used the loan eligibility calculator on the money saving expert website where the attractive headline figure was 5.9% but no lender would offer that to me. I did get approval for 10.9% however which I think (hope) is what I would be offered by a dealer.
We shall see 🤔

 

[otherclive]

Thank you everybody, all great advice.

The motor trade is indeed quite hard to fathom at times. Quite scary actually and I should know because I was a part of it in my early working years. I would class myself as a professional having a HNC in Motor Vehicle Engineering. A qualification gained before the BTEC was dumb downed to the point of it now being used in a derogatory fashion by the younger generation. I worked hard for that certification so to hear it used as a slur was really upsetting. I still recall the time one of my lecturers came to his lesson with tears in his eyes, he had just read the new syllabus and realised what it would mean for us. I didn't at the time but I do now.
New or used, you will find snakes, sharks and crooks everywhere. It's just one of the facts of life. So I would like to think that my eyes are wide open.
So getting the best consumer protection possible with the power of the finance companies behind me is a no brainer as they say. It will be interesting to see what kind of APR a dealer can offer me. I have used the loan eligibility calculator on the money saving expert website where the attractive headline figure was 5.9% but no lender would offer that to me. I did get approval for 10.9% however which I think (hope) is what I would be offered by a dealer.
We shall see 🤔

Are you criticising just the BTEC HNC in Motor Vehicle Engineering, or the 24 other BTEC subject areas as well. Some of which will get students into Russell Group universities?

 

[Eddie 27]

Are you criticising just the BTEC HNC in Motor Vehicle Engineering, or the 24 other BTEC subject areas as well. Some of which will get students into Russell Group universities?

I only know what happened to the course I did. The comment I heard that day went something along the lines of " she is only BTEC" referring to some girl he had met on a night out. I asked what he meant by that to which he replied that she was only second rate.