1999 Neissman Bischoff Flair Life - any good?

SurreyNick said:
No, we live in north cumbria now, so only about 70 miles from the N&B. The Hymer is in Lincolnshire.

Is there anyone (individual/company) who we can pay to check over a vehicle? My wife found a company online called HabCheck and another called Dekra UK. We're wondering if this would be a sensible way to go. We don't want to make a bad purchasing decision.

Also are there any companies offering good motorhome warranties for further peace of mind?
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Ageee if you re that close you might as well go have a look, speak to the owner, see if you could see yourself in it, have a drive, try and include a mix of roads and imagine yourselves going to southern Spain in it. Dont get too excited though :LOL:
 
I have owned both makes of van mentioned. Both are in the Hymer family, Both were very good. I would go for the one which has the best layout for you but condition and care would be a big factor. Also, I buy off people who I trust.
Phil
 
jumartoo said:
Martin funflair has already been mentioned. He's in Germany atm so might take a while to respond.

Jock JockandRita bought Martin's Flair. He might be able to answer a few questions for you.
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Thanks Judith. :)

SurreyNick. Unfortunately, I really can't add much more to what has been said already, other than that you need to go through it with a fine toothed comb, whilst remembering it is 22 x years old. Habitation parts are becoming scarce for older models, especially heating and water systems.
We sold our 1999 Hymer 2.5 years ago, with another ten years on her at least, because we had looked after it. The most problematic part of the Hymer, was the non marine plywood garage floor, which was prone to rotting away if not kept in check and treated, which can lead to expensive repairs if not handy yourself.

Whilst I thought that the Hymer was quality built, I have to say that our 2006 Flair 8000i is even better, and again, it has been looked after, which is a continuing theme. ;)

The layout of that N&B Life wouldn't be for us, ie, insufficient storage, which has to be a serious consideration.
Bikes on the back rack encourage thieving scroats, and illegal stowaways (under the bike covers), whereas if the bikes are hidden in the garage, they are out of sight and out of mind. Bikes are a godsend if you don't intend to tow a car.

Good luck and best wishes SurreyNick (y) but whatever you do, please don't let your heart rule your head.

Cheers,

Jock. :)
 
Plenty of good advice above and nothing left for me to add really, the N+B is a quality build but that has already been said, yes layout has to be right and as Jock said no garage so storage space at a premium, check that everything works as it should and that is a good start, get a mechanic to check it over or as suggested get an MOT on it even if you offer to pay so you know who has done it and can ask them what it is like underneath etc etc.
 
I now think the N&B would be a better option given the comments from Funsters with experience of this manufacturer. I wasn’t aware the build quality was so high and I believe this vehicle will hold its value better .

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SurreyNick said:
If it was a choice between this 1999 Neissman Bischoff Flair Life or this 2001 Hymer B544 which would you favour giving our intentions (see below)?

<Broken link removed>

We intend to cut our teeth touring in the UK for the next couple of years and then head off into Europe for an extended excursion. Six months and possibly longer, using Morocco, Croatia etc to get around the 90 in 180 rule. We have a couple of large dogs which we'll take with us in the UK and we'll hold off going abroad until they are no longer with us. So the vehicle needs to accommodate us and all our gear. I like the between floor storage you get with some of the Hymers.

We value the opinion that comes with experience and we have none!
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The Mercedes’ with 4G-Tronic gearbox
 
Living with a Hymer B584 I would prefer the Hymer, but they are both basically the same internal layout.
The Hymer doesn't Have wood in the construction.
Maybe the Hymer would sell on better when not wanted anymore.
They both look good tho.
 
Living with a Hymer B584 I would prefer the Hymer, but they are both basically the same internal layout.
Shrimp said:
The Hymer doesn't Have wood in the construction.
Maybe the Hymer would sell on better when not wanted anymore.
They both look good tho.
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Im pretty sure a Hymer from 2001 does have wood in the construction
 
CazPaul said:
Internal walls and floor of the Hymer are wood. Good construction though overall.
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Yep it's only new model Hymers from 2016 that are totally wood free.

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SurreyNick said:
Thanks. We've arranged to view on Tuesday so I'll write down what you've said and check it all. If you have any other thoughts I would welcome them :)
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The mot is easy, just insist on a new one, mot ‘s can be done at any time, even if it had one last month …..
 
Dutch 68 said:
The mot is easy, just insist on a new one, mot ‘s can be done at any time, even if it had one last month …..
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SurreyNick. But try to make sure it's tested at a reputable MOT Testing Station, and not the seller's mate down the back alley, who specialises in producing dodgy computer print offs. ;)

Cheers,

Jock. :)
 
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Thank you everyone. Some really helpful advice and points of view. We will start by going to see the N&B tomorrow. I have a checklist of sorts, but if anyone can add things we should specifically look at, especially if we need to give the owner advance notice so it can be got ready e.g. fridge/freezer cold, that would be really helpful.

I think the idea of insisiting on an early MOT (even if we pay for it) is very sensible and we're likely to do that. Also making sure that it's done at a reputable centre.

If we like it, do you think we should fork out for one of those companies like HabCheck or Dekra UK to give it a thorough inspection?
The seller says we can secure the purchase with a £1k deposit, which I'd probably want to make conditional on the outcome of the MOT and specialist vehicle check (if we have one done).

If anyone has any other thoughts do please let us know and we'll report back tomorrow what we thought :)
 
The type of condition report service you mention is worthless for an older motorhome. Fine for a new one or for classic cars, but the commercial van underpinnings are not their specialist fields and all they will test in the back is if the heating and fridge work, plus a rudimentary damp test. If I were you, I would focus more on deeper inspection yourself. Take a damp meter!

The mechanicals need a good service history to prove it was never neglected and if the engine starts and runs smoothly. It is essential to check the cam belt has been changed regularly and within date if it does not have a chain

In the back, condition of the furniture and fittings is a priority. Even a low mileage van could have been lived in full time and showing a lot of wear. The big cost fittings in the back can be replaced with newer equivalents with little trouble. If not done recently have the wet heating flushed and new correct long life anti freeze put in. Other parts can be easily repaired or replaced with more modern options

Because of the relative low price of the older vans, you should allow a couple of quid to update and repair. You could even redo the soft furnishings and paint the furniture to give a much cleaner newer feel to suit your own style
 
Just be careful £1k is alot of money for a deposit.

Lots of eBay scams around.

Buyer hasn't sold recently and only brought small stuff CDs etc ..

I'd only put a deposit down that I was comfortable loosing...

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TheBig1 said:
The type of condition report service you mention is worthless for an older motorhome. Fine for a new one or for classic cars, but the commercial van underpinnings are not their specialist fields and all they will test in the back is if the heating and fridge work, plus a rudimentary damp test. If I were you, I would focus more on deeper inspection yourself. Take a damp meter!

The mechanicals need a good service history to prove it was never neglected and if the engine starts and runs smoothly. It is essential to check the cam belt has been changed regularly and within date if it does not have a chain

In the back, condition of the furniture and fittings is a priority. Even a low mileage van could have been lived in full time and showing a lot of wear. The big cost fittings in the back can be replaced with newer equivalents with little trouble. If not done recently have the wet heating flushed and new correct long life anti freeze put in. Other parts can be easily repaired or replaced with more modern options

Because of the relative low price of the older vans, you should allow a couple of quid to update and repair. You could even redo the soft furnishings and paint the furniture to give a much cleaner newer feel to suit your own style
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You need to be careful damp checking a N+B as all the internal walls are aluminium so a two prong meter will show 100%.
 
Hi and welcome to FUN, and nice looking van, a bit pricey, in my opinion but if you like it then go for it. (y)
 
funflair said:
You need to be careful damp checking a N+B as all the internal walls are aluminium so a two prong meter will show 100%.
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were they ali all the way back in 1999?
 
We've had two Niesmann & Bischoff MH's and would say that the quality is very good. The only thing that would put me off this particular Niesmann is the lack of a garage. You say you intend to travel in the future, would you be able to so with minimum capacity for taking belongings, etc?

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Southdowners said:
We've had two Niesmann & Bischoff MH's and would say that the quality is very good. The only thing that would put me off this particular Niesmann is the lack of a garage. You say you intend to travel in the future, would you be able to so with minimum capacity for taking belongings, etc?
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My sentiments exactly. :(

Jock. :(
 
So 35mm aluminium sandwich, outer aluminium 1mm, inner aluminium 0.8mm, Styrofoam inbetween.

Quality van if looked after.
 
I don't think you like it no storage etc, a bit old....

Just starting up my van on the drive....

Postcode for castle Douglas....

Just popping out dear will be back later. !🤣🤣
 
That merc 5 cylinder 2.9 turbo diesel with 4 speed auto box is often quoted as being 'capable of intergalactic mileage', and it doesn't have a cambelt! We've had 2 vans with that engine, never missed a beat, approx 22 mpg. Also had 3 vans with the 2.8 JTD Fiat engine, and had minor problems with all of them, approx 24 to 27 mpg.

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The internal surface of the walls are a thin Ply but there is no wood in the main construction of the body in our Hymer.
 
Your nose is your best test instrument for damp, along with your eyes. Get you head in the cupboards and outer lockers. Get MOT to check underneath essentials and take it for a drive, check oil dipstick to see what the oil looks like too. Also brake fluid, is it dark or light colour ? simple checks that give an idea of how the owner has looked after it. Tyres too.
 
walburga said:
That merc 5 cylinder 2.9 turbo diesel with 4 speed auto box is often quoted as being 'capable of intergalactic mileage', and it doesn't have a cambelt!
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Really? No cambelt?
 

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