Advice Needed: Buying Our First Motorhome

[Cartela]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Silver-Fox]

Have you checked out the buying info on here by Jim?

Don’t forget advertised price is a starting point for negotiations.

You won’t find the perfect layout just get as close as you can.

Good luck with your search

 

[Cartela]

There must be dozens, if not hundreds of Chieftens of that period on the market. First thing I noticed was the lack of passenger seatbelts, which is something Auto-Trail had a habit of doing in that period. Not knocking Auto-Trail because we have owned a couple and they are a lot better that some funsters would have you believe - but not up to the build quality of the Hobbies.

The T650 gets quite close to your ideal needs so, as long as it passes all damp, rot and other prudent checks, why not negotiate a discount to cover the cost of upgrading to 3,850? It should hopefully be just a paper exercise costing maybe £200- £300? We had a MoHo upgraded by SVTech but a lot of funsters recommend VWE for a similar service at lower cost.

Edit: Have you looked at the plate under the bonnet to check that it is a 3500 van? Also, what warranty is being offered or is it a private sale?

It’s as good as private, kind of a small independent dealer, think trying to get off the ground, only has 2-3 at a time. No warranty or hab check - was getting that done myself. The payload on the paperwork says 3500/3850 so he has said on the lower side. Already got him down £2,450 so he is sticking rigidly to price now

 

[Cartela]

Have you checked out the buying info on here by Jim?

Don’t forget advertised price is a starting point for negotiations.

You won’t find the perfect layout just get as close as you can.

Good luck with your search

Yes I’ve negotiated him down by £2450

 

[Cartela]

Did Glastonbury 5 times in the van. And as many Hay Festivals with up to 2-week stays. Having a 200l water tank, the ability to carry another few hundred litres in the garage, a satellite dish for the real home away from home feeling, hot showers, proper insulation, hydraulic levellers - bliss!

But just as many go with small campervans and create a little awning/tent suburb around themselves.

I think there are many different ways to do that.

If you're travelling in Europe though, and want to use aires, then everyone would need to be 'on board'. And you may in any case not want to abandon 14-year-olds to canvas when you're snug in the van.

But there are many vans that offer 4 berths that aren't too intimidatingly large, heavy or tall.

The overhead luton bed is a mixed blessing. Nice when someone is in residence, but otherwise a non-aerodynamic lump that adds to top-heaviness and that you can't use for storage of heavy things. I think that configuration (I stand to be corrected on this) may over time be becoming a little less popular.

Fantastic. Love all that. Been looking at the Hymer with the drop down bed style, that could be a possibility

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[Silver-Fox]

No warranty or hab check

No warranty

That’s the least I’d expect from a dealer, no matter how big or small they are.

 

[1967bowesj]

Take a look at this

2005 Fiat DUCATO 18 JTD AUTO TRAIL CHIEFTAIN SE *STUNNING CONDITION MUST BE SEEN | eBay

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www.ebay.co.uk

If you go looking at their stock, go with your eyes wide open.
had a look last year and all I can say politely is the burger van next door does cracking sandwich and looks n better nick than any of the thing’s these people had for sale.

 

[TUCANO]

Have you seen the van being sold by snowflakes in the classifieds on here, stretching your budget slightly l know but l would like to think that you may get better 'service' from a forum member.

 

[Cartela]

Have you seen the van being sold by snowflakes in the classifieds on here, stretching your budget slightly l know but l would like to think that you may get better 'service' from a forum member.

No? Didn’t even think to look in here…I have a gander

 

[TUCANO]

A second look, l can only see two seat belts.

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[Cartela]

A second look, l can only see two seat belts.

Yeah just seen. After a 6 berth really. Thanks though

 

[1967bowesj]

Something like this, bit older but we’re nice vans in their day.

E795

 

[offagen]

A 15 year old motorhome from a dealer and no warranty?? That's quite a risk.

 

[Cartela]

A 15 year old motorhome from a dealer and no warranty?? That's quite a risk.

Was speaking to a local dealer who was telling me that unless he has been trading for over a year with a proper premises he can’t offer warranties I was treating it as a private purchase

 

[Cartela]

Something like this, bit older but we’re nice vans in their day.

E795

Originally thought I wanted a rear lounge, but don’t want the messing making up a bed, plus need the garage for our gear nice though

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[Silver-Fox]

Was speaking to a local dealer who was telling me that unless he has been trading for over a year with a proper premises he can’t offer warranties I was treating it as a private purchase

I’m not risk averse but I’d swerve it if it was myself.

 

[68c]

I have been sent this…any help?



View attachment 859510

I have been sent this…any help?



View attachment 859510

Without knowing which model it really is the table is not helpful.
As so many knowlegeable forum members cannot identify the model, the overcab and descibed as a T650, it may be time to study the documentation carefully and to actually confirm the VIN number does match the V5. Have a good look to ensure the chassis VIN stamping has not been removed from a crashed T650 and welded onto a stolen van.

 

[Barchetta47]

Without knowing which model it really is the table is not helpful.
As so many knowlegeable forum members cannot identify the model, the overcab and descibed as a T650, it may be time to study the documentation carefully and to actually confirm the VIN number does match the V5. Have a good look to ensure the chassis VIN stamping has not been removed from a crashed T650 and welded onto a stolen van.

At this rate the poor chap will be put off and never even buy a MH! Come one most of us have had a positive experience.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Fantastic! All of these replies have definitely helped. We are now probably letting that one go, mainly due to payload, but also the budget. Not sure I can wait for 2yrs, my daughter will probably not want to be coming away in it all the time by then!

Deleted.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

I have read a lot more threads now, and am just wondering of who exactly you are buying your van for?
You and your Wife or You and your mates for festivals.
If its your mates, why not create a syndicate and split the purchasing price and running costs?
I know that if I suggested I was going to take our van, yhat we both alone worked hard to buy, with my mates , to a festival, I would be looking for a new home!
Unless of course your mates either have their own vans or tents to use?
Just saying like.

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[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Yes we were thinking this to accommodate daughter and friend (14)?for the next couple of years. But I have a few mates who are eager for some lads weekends away and still young enough (just) to maybe get to a couple of festivals…

So get yourself and mates to buy reasonable tents for festivals and camp, and continue saving for a van in a couple of years when your daughter no longer wants to come, so maybe a nice 2 berth for you and your wife, and for the next 2 years maybe a couple of nice hotel, villa or cruise Holidays abroad as a family.
Your money invested for 2 years could probably achieve 1k per annum interest without even adding to it, so your pot, if you also add to it, could be quite substantial and give you a much wider scope of van choice?
Just an idea.

 

[Cartela]

Hey guys, think I’ve found one! Passed on the Hobby, but saw another the same day and just waiting for a hab check to be done. Yay! Thank you so much for all your help

 

[Cartela]

So get yourself and mates to buy reasonable tents for festivals and camp, and continue saving for a van in a couple of years when your daughter no longer wants to come, so maybe a nice 2 berth for you and your wife, and for the next 2 years maybe a couple of nice hotel, villa or cruise Holidays abroad as a family.
Your money invested for 2 years could probably achieve 1k per annum interest without even adding to it, so your pot, if you also add to it, could be quite substantial and give you a much wider scope of van choice?
Just an idea.

Sorry Ian didn’t see your reply. I really wanted the van while my daughter is still young enough to appreciate it, well me too, hurtling towards 50 and want to get a good few years adventures out of it. The mates thing will be occasionally and at the end of the day I’m buying the van with inheritance money left to me from my dad, so it’s kinda my choice what I do with it!

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Sorry Ian didn’t see your reply. I really wanted the van while my daughter is still young enough to appreciate it, well me too, hurtling towards 50 and want to get a good few years adventures out of it. The mates thing will be occasionally and at the end of the day I’m buying the van with inheritance money left to me from my dad, so it’s kinda my choice what I do with it!

No problem, and good luck in your search.
Edit: just noticed you may have found one. Excellent.

 

[Cartela]

No problem, and good luck in your search.
Edit: just noticed you may have found one. Excellent.

Yes it looks a good one, 2011 Rimor with 26k miles and £3k cheaper!! Excited!

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[foxy1884]

I had a Hobby (Sphinx). Built like a brick outhouse. A monster. Far superior to almost any van from any manufacturer I've seen of the same vintage. It was a big van on an Iveco chassis but had the curved Hobby sliding shower doors. Some of the smaller Hobby vans have this too, but below a certain size compromises are inevitable. Thing is, while nice showers are lovely you don't spend hours luxuriating in a motorhome shower. You don't have enough hot water for starters and have to do the on/off thing. It's all pretty utilitarian. So what you'll get is only a few minutes of slightly better comfort. And drying the surrounds only takes a few minutes too.

I think the oven thing is German convention - fine for me as I never use one (now in a small PVC) - but most Brits prefer ovens and the UK-built vans are built accordingly. On balance I'd probably stick with continental, and maybe even specifically German, manufacturers.

Shame about the trays - maybe see if you can get the dealer to source this via the Hobby agents as part of the deal.

And unfortunate about the wardrobe but as you have a garage you'll find a way of doing the in-the-van-or-the-garage juggle.

Totally agree re Hobby- had two Hobby caravans and now gone for a motorhome- there is nothing to compare to the build quality and lastability- wouldn’t touch a UK make again.

 

[foxy1884]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

Hi , hope you’ve found something that suits you- all I’d say is take your time. Hobby are an amazing build quality - plus, I’d prob look privately as any dealers usually have a hefty profit on the price and their ‘warranties’ aren’t worth anything- no matter how huge the dealership!
You’ll be bombarded by opinions- but a good private seller who you can mither to death with questions should give you confidence.
Not sure how we message in here but always plenty of nice people on here who would be willing to help and offer advice- great idea of yours, hope you enjoy it !!

 

[kurvengeisst]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

Hey, we just bought our 2009 Euramobil in December, like you after several months of kicking tyres on older MHs around the £20k-£30k mark. As others have said, it’s all about your preference and the compromises you will tolerate, eg ours is 6m long only has no oven and I just took the shower screen out cos we won’t use it. We had one long long trip away so far and just loving it ! Get yourself a good dampometer, always take a buddy with you to look over serious contenders, walk away if you have any doubts, be assured, there will always be another, better van about to come round the corner. Happy to chat.

 

[Tony the Manc']

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

Hi,
When we were thinking of buying, I called at a house, that I used to pass regularly, with a moho on their drive. I knocked and told the gent who answered the door that " I'm not selling anything but, was after some information about mohos". I then asked him for one piece of advice when buying one. His reply.................."buy something bigger than you think you'll need". Two years, and after plenty of looking, we found the one for us. I believe that most people end up buying up to three mohos before they find the one they want....EXPENSIVE JOURNEY!!!
Great to have you onboard and good mohotorhoming.

 

[Woollyoak]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

Buy if the payload is high! Small electric oven can be bought to be used on sites, otherwise use bbq

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[CJK]

Agree with all of what you have said. These are mainly things the missus worries about…the expensive bit is a bit of a personal thing for me. Money I inherited from my dad, always wanted a MH but never had this amount of readily available money in my life so I’m worrying about spending the majority of it on this…

We can all relate to the money thing, especially when it’s a legacy. Just make absolutely sure that you have had really good checks on the vehicle and habitation and assess if you can the likely future costs you’re likely to run into. Then, as the guys say, the rest is personal to you and your new lifestyle (bearing in mind you’ll cut down all the stuff you thought you needed once you get going! )