New caravaner looking for advise

[PaulAsserati]

Hi there, I am just about to buy a caravan and not really sure what is good and what is bad.

I have around 8 grand to spend for a 4 berth with seperate bedroom and as new as I can get.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2006-4-BERTH-CRISTALL-SPRINT-450-TF-CARAVAN_W0QQitemZ260209304078QQihZ016QQcategoryZ32633QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Seen this and quite interested, any ideas/thoughts would be a massive help.

Will be using a BMW 320d touring to tow with.

 

[CarolineSimon]

Hi Paul,

I have looked at the listing &the van looks ok. I am slightly biased as we have a UK spec German van too and much prefer them to UK vans and really appreciate the fixed bed.

European models are not to everyones taste so you may well get some replys suggesting you look at UK vans which is a good idea for a comparison anyway.

The listing doesn't say if it is "CRIS" registered so its best to ask if it is & if so check with the CRIS register to make sure its not stolen. If not ask why its not registered.

It looks like a private sale so do you know anyone experienced in vans to take with you to have a look at it?

It shouldn't be damp at this age but take a damp meter from B & Q or similar to check, ask about servicing etc and hopepfully more members of this forum will suggest things I have forgotten!

Good luck & welcome to Caravanning.

PS used to tow with a 525 touring & it was fab!

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I also checked this and the seller has a 100% feedback so that shouldn't be a problem. I certainly would want to look at it before I parted with any cash incase of any damage. There shouldn't be any build problems on a 2006 van but if you go and see it after about 5 minutes you get the feel if the van is right for you.

Like Caroline/Simon said, European vans aren't to everyones taste and having a look at all of them last year at the NEC I didn't see one I liked but each to their own, it's a good job we aren't all the same.

If the seller won't let you see the van before you part with cash I would walk away.

Good luck.

 

[PaulAsserati]

Thanks for the advise upto now. I have alot of experience buying vehicles cars/ motorbikes off the internet. Plus I was a mechanic for 8 years and I would know roughly what to look for when inspecting any type of vehicle. What else should I be asking for from owner? i.e paperwork ect.

Also you say non uk spec is not to all tastes, what is the difference?

 

[PaulAsserati]

Normally when I ask for advice on any of the many forums I am a member of, I have a rule that if more than one person has something negative to say about the product I am asking about. I would stay clear.

I have been looking at loads of caravans on line and there seems to be millions!!

I want a caravan that is of a very high standard and that will hold its money. If it was a car I would know exactly what I am looking for down to the spec and what colour holds its money best. As for caravans I am out of my zone... if I was to say I want the BMW/MERC/VW/AUDI of caravans. That is exactly what I am looking for. If anyone has any opinions on what I may need to be looking for it would be a huge help. I just don't want to buy a lemon.

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Although it looks ok in the pics check for flood damage. I think that area had some recently.

 

[PaulAsserati]

I have asked all the above questions. There is no CRIS paperwork as they never got round to it. I will be walking away from this one as too many negatives.

I have been looking at buying from a dealer as I will get some come back if anything is wrong. I seem to be finding that as for value for money from a dealer is not very good. The same money gets one around 3 years older than buying private. On the otherhand I got stung with my BMW when I got that private and that ended up costing alot of money. Its a nightmare and not knowing what I am looking for is starting to put me off. After all, a spend of around 10 grand is not for the faint hearted when you in the dark somewhat.

 

[PaulAsserati]

Seems rather odd that after the 1st e.mail expressing my interest in the above caravan, I got a reply within an hour. The 2nd e.mail enquiring as to why they were selling the van and if they had been effected by recent flooding has been met with silence. Maybe they on holiday in the caravan.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

You are absolutely right to be cautious when purchasing, but especially second-hand.

Your experience of buying and I presume selling motors will be of benefit as you may have already come across some the types of scam that can arise. Caravans are not regulated and registered in the same way that cars so there is a greater opportunity for fraudsters to capitalise on s/h deals. So definitely be aware.

It should not be a surprise that Dealers cannot match the apparent value of a private sale, as straight away they have to consider VAT, and the cost of administration and an element of profit etc, so I would expect a private sale to represent about a 20% saving over a dealer.

Be wise, and best of luck, and welcome to caravanning!

 

[Stephen_374341239]

Hi Paul

Caravans do not hold value. If you purchase one new say

 

[PaulAsserati]

My wife and I have just spent the morning at the local dealers Pioneer Caravans. This was a good idea because what we thought we would want in a caravan layout wise was not what would have suited us. We have picked the layout that has bunks in the back that can be shut off, but also when not in use it becomes part of the whole caravan in sealing. Plus we liked the seperate shower to the toilet. After looking around there second hand range we looked at the new and fell in love with the Bailey Pageant Series 6. Window price of 13100. After pushing the salesman to his limit the price went down to 12200. Plus I would need all the extras i.e gas bottles water waste ect. I said I would look elsewhere for them. I would like any opinions on both the caravan or the dealer in Peterborough if anyone has any before we take the plunge.