A little advice please!

[alex n]

Hi, Just looking for a little advice as complete newbies. Went to see 2010 motorhome today - £45,000 from local dealership. We asked about habitation certificate and warranty and were told you get a PDI check and 6 months warranty. Is this standard? What is difference between PDI and Habitation cert? Would be really grateful for your thoughts.

Thanks
Alex

 

[alex n]

Hello All

Thought we'd let you know outcome so far after all the excellent and genuine advice given, all of which we used and helped us no end.

You were right that we couldnt just leave it without digging a bit deeper. I know, I know what youre thinking (Heart ruled over head) but armed with all the info picked up from you we had an assertive,no-nonsense discussion with Dealer - nothing to lose. Had test drive and turns out there is full history incl yearly mots, hab and damp checks since new. One years warranty, 6 months MOT, up-to-date hab, pdi and damp check to be incl by them and 4 new tyres. They have also agreed to our independent checks which we are now arranging (just a safeguard) before finalising and even managed a discount if all well and good. Hope weve covered everything!

Bad start aside, it really has been a well loved van with one owner and we checked every obvious thing that we possibly could and will continue in that vein. Hopefully you wont have to say 'I told you so' but - Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

A big thanks for your thoughts - believe me, they really have all been taken on board and just may be able to thank you in person one day if all pans out.

Alex & Diane

 

[Riverbankannie]

Sounds good, looking forward to more updates.

 

[Northernraider]

I see your in Edinburgh and not far from me my advice... Don't be scared to travel, I spent two days down south viewing vans last Tuesday and Wednesday, I visited 6 dealers and two private owners in the end I bought my van private saved £13k on my van compared to one at a dealer same model but a year older and sketchy history I saw some of the vans he had there that he had guys touching up paintwork resealing roofs and jigging around interiors etc.

It pays to shop around don't be worried that the van maybe sold etc if you hesitate because trust me there are always others coming up for sale don't feel pressured to buy locally there's more availability south of the border

 

[TerryL]

@alex n as you say, nothing ventured, nothing gained and the dealer has obviously taken on board all your (and Funsters) concerns. (Wonder if he's been on here ?) As long as you are happy with the final results go for it, don't think you could have done anything more if that's the van you want.

And nobody should say "I told you so".

Good luck and happy travels

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[alex n]

Hi again

Been researching like mad since last post, thinking of nothing else at moment. Can we push for your thoughts on tyres? Dealer agreed to 4 new tyres and we were wondering if you knew how to tell difference between 'white van tyres' and proper 'motorhome tyres'. Also, thinking of purchasing a wind-out awning as van didnt have one - As always, any advice appreciated.

 

[Northernraider]

Usually camper tyres have a c or CP after the number I think like 215/70/16c or 215/70/16cp

 

[chaser]

Hi again

Been researching like mad since last post, thinking of nothing else at moment. Can we push for your thoughts on tyres? Dealer agreed to 4 new tyres and we were wondering if you knew how to tell difference between 'white van tyres' and proper 'motorhome tyres'. Also, thinking of purchasing a wind-out awning as van didnt have one - As always, any advice appreciated.

Motorhome tyres have camper or similar actually written on the side, Michelin or continental usually. As to awning , I wouldn't bother till you have tried the van out and see if you actually need one, we have one but never use it, but then again we never park in one place long enough to bother.

 

[mike mcglynn]

Michelin tyres have a code CP this means camping :extra sidewall reinforcing
a C designates commercial use : delivery vans etc.

 

[Northernraider]

That might assist you

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[Silver-Fox]

Why not give them two options of your preferred choice of tyre.

Would be easy to check as well and confirm the trust in the dealer.
If they quibble over your choice be wary.

 

[alex n]

Hi there, just got our Rapido 9048df on Saturday (by the way - love it!!!). We'd definitely like a spare wheel and have been looking at the AL-KO Spare Wheel Carrier. Is this possible/easy to do? Does anyone have an opinion on this. As always would really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Pia]

Hi there, just got our Rapido 9048df on Saturday (by the way - love it!!!). We'd definitely like a spare wheel and have been looking at the AL-KO Spare Wheel Carrier. Is this possible/easy to do? Does anyone have an opinion on this. As always would really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Make sure you know your payload before buying heavy stuff like spare wheely, jack and awning!!!!